davil
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Posts: 5
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Post by davil on Sept 3, 2021 8:16:15 GMT -5
Have a question regarding my moving from sailing to power.
Have owned and sail for over 40 years.
I am used to taking care of my boat's systems, always used diesel engines, have repowered and maintained them, never a mechanic hired!!!
My choices will be on the 27 to 32 ft range, for single use and handling, coastal and protected waters on the East coast.
I am finding gas fueled more common than diesel with mercruisers and I/O systems quite prevalent.
When looking at the above described options, must admit total blank. I am totally open to the use of gas, have no issues.
Question
What are reasonable hours on a gas engine before looking at major expenses? Diesel engines, if well cared for, go on forever
What do you look for troublesome issues on I/O systems ?
What are the regular maintenance issues (besides normal maintenance such as oil/filters changes as any other gas engine?), thinking on exhaust systems.
Any pointers, suggestions most welcome
thank you
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Post by tc33obx on Sept 3, 2021 11:30:33 GMT -5
Question
1. For Gas anything in the vicinity of 150 to 300 hours would be good. Especially if it was in fresh water. Diesel, will depend. A lot of engines in that size range are higher revving Diesels and those don't last quite as long as a low revving diesel. But diesel normally over gas. However, if you are going to be in Salt Water all the time, I would suggest that you think about outboards instead of an I/O. Either will work and I/Os are doable in salt water especially if you have a lift, but if they are staying in Salt water, especially year round, such as Florida an outboard will work better.
2 with respect to I/Os, in Salt Water, you need to change the Zincs frequently and might want to get an engine flush system. Or get an enclosed cooling system with Antifreeze in the V8 rather than sea water cooled. It will last longer. I get nervous with an I/O in the back bays of NJ as well since there is low water and you sometimes will touch bottom. This is why I recommend outboards as the running range on tilt to me is better.
3. on a Sea Water cooled boat, you will have to replace the riser every 200 to 300 hours unless you have a flush system. Probably also the case with a heat exchange system with Antifreeze but that will depend on the design. Zincs as I mentioned previously are very important to change annually or sooner if you are in Salt water. Bottom paint will also be an issue with the size boat you are looking at unless you keep it on a lift.
Good luck with your hunt. Any question drop me an IM.
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davil
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Post by davil on Sept 3, 2021 14:46:17 GMT -5
Appreciate your comments
More likely will take your offer for IM as I move slowly, will take some time, currently have a Cape Dory 30 and the biological keeps ticking.
I, too, have questions on the I/O and the cooling system (raisers), as mentioned diesel might be a better choice for my needs however they are less of them.
And yes to the outboards, believe there is a tendency for outboards now on tugs for instance (saves space and maintenance could?be easier?.
Thank you again.
David
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Post by rlazar on Sept 3, 2021 15:05:23 GMT -5
Don't know your budget or type of boat you are looking for other than power but for saltwater coastal and protected water I would seriously consider outboards.
They are just so much easier to maintain than i/o's, have less moving parts, are marine purpose built and are safer. Not to mention provide you with more usable space over i/o's.
My own experience with two boats with I/o's that I owned since new and at the same time with pretty much the same engine, one in fresh water the other salt. The Saltwater boat had twins with closed cooling. Even so, after the 1st year there was something always popping up just due to the more harsh salt environment. My fresh water boat I had for 7 years with ZERO issues.
Now, I don't have either but have an outboard powered boat and as long as I have a boat under 40 feet, I'm sticking with outboards over i/o or even diesels.
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davil
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Post by davil on Sept 4, 2021 21:12:21 GMT -5
Thank you riazar
initially was looking for trawlers in the same range 26 to 32 basically enough comfort and range for a single person,(80 y/o) my current Cape Dory 30 is adapted to my needs and age related "issues" and looking to replace her with power (no more sails).
Trawlers are an overpriced group, and the name tug adds considerable to the price.
Once the name of trawler and tug are removed, prices are more reasonable.
What I find again, once the diesel is removed from the available listings then inventory and prices again improved, however I am concerned about the
maintenance been in the water almost constantly, where the outboards seem to be more amenable to my particular use, and certainly is easier to replace an outboard than an inboard I/O, system.
Appreciate your ideas
David
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Post by grandpaw on Sept 8, 2021 6:54:12 GMT -5
R you interested in a Regal ? Looking at a particular model ?
33 days ago sold my Regal Commodore , ( who's counting )
2003 = 2860 - twin volvo penta -6 cylinder gas engines
I'm going on 74
I have sailed on/off
Too this day I want a 35 ft range - Beneateu ,Hunter, Cat , early 2000's , Too cruise ,
Many reasons why this wont happen ,
Most our age are doing what you are considering , sail too DARK SIDE
My buddy loves too rub it in, He has a 35 ft Beneateu , His diesel fuel bill monthly is $ 65.00 bucks and thats ( high )
If your going from Sail too a gas guzzler twin engine express cruiser with IO's
YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND - most burn GALLON A MILE , some bit better
U will cry at fuel dock , $ 500.00 fill ups , a day if your cruising Some cases more if you hold more gas
Add in costly repairs , inflated marine parts especially Volvo. Gotta do your own work , twin engines packaged tight
that simple jobs become major ,
If your going IO's in water full time , POOR CHOICE , divers wont clean them ,
TRAWLER is best option , they burn from what I understand 2 -3 gallons a hour @ 8 knots
Im not fond of their lines
Now boatless I started searching , Boat market is hot , Never wanting too tempt searching for another boat before I sold
I really dont know what I want ? Motor Yachts like Silverton , Carver , 2 bedrooms, comforts of home , have modern
sleek looks that wife would be happy with , I am really concerned about fuel use , I want too cruise weeks ,
NO desire too go out of USA just off the coast of Fl ,
Regulair gas last month ( have not been at marina since selling ) was $ 4.00 a gallon , Diesel is up there also
They are saying its expected too really increase , Its an issue with me , I cant seem too get the info I want
I know what I had in Regal and exactly what the fuel burn was , Brokers or sellers avoid direct answers , which tells me
stay away , Motor yachts with twin gas engines I heard when opened and on plane burn 15 gallons a mile ? HUH ?
At 10 knots , whats the fuel burn , NOBODY ANSWERS
So what your going thru I am doing the same
I know trawler is best option
Im waiting for this boat frinzy too slow , Within a few short months newbie boat owners will be selling , never realizing that pretty white boat is a lot of work , lot of money
Good Luck in your search
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davil
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by davil on Sept 8, 2021 8:13:47 GMT -5
Howdy,thanks for your comments.
I'm going on 74
Normally don't pay attention to young people!!! I am 80 plus (good grief)
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Most our age are doing what you are considering , sail too DARK SIDE
Not sure about my age but feel the pressure from family and "concerned citizens" like friends
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My buddy loves too rub it in, He has a 35 ft Beneateu , His diesel fuel bill monthly is $ 65.00 bucks and thats ( high )
I am sailing a 1987 Cape Dory 30 MKII hull #3
This May attempted sailing to Bermuda,200 miles short, have to turn back because Ana. Spent a total; of 8 days at sea, no major problems except ran out of bagels.
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If your going from Sail too a gas guzzler twin engine express cruiser with IO's
YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND - most burn GALLON A MILE , some bit better
Start to be aware of the maintenance $$$ issue. That is why I posted my question
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TRAWLER is best option , they burn from what I understand 2 -3 gallons a hour @ 8 knots
Im not fond of their lines
There are two words to avoid,Trawler and Tug,they carry exorbitant prices,I search for power boat with diesel, provides better prices.
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Now boatless I started searching , Boat market is hot , Never wanting too tempt searching for another boat before I sold
I am not buying into a crazy "seller's market" not matter what the item is!!!!
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I really dont know what I want ? Motor Yachts like Silverton , Carver , 2 bedrooms, comforts of home , have modern
sleek looks that wife would be happy with , I am really concerned about fuel use , I want too cruise weeks ,
NO desire too go out of USA just off the coast of Fl ,
I live in Morehead City NC
like you subject to summer hurricanes' threat.
2019 sailed North to Nova Scotia, very nice, the plague has changed that.
Weather changing patterns, do not feel the east coast is going to offer long range cruising, need to look at shorter distances with either a trailer or boatyard to haul out, or be closer to home in case of need.
I settled on what I want.
Will keep my sail boat for use during winter to go south.
A smaller diesel power boat (one person)no necessary for me (excessive comfort), If a couple will be different.
That will allow for shorter range, back to trailer and drive to new destination,(too much time and fuel cost moving between places)
Florida may prove to be difficult in summer, trailer will allow moving north?
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So what your going thru I am doing the same
I know trawler is best option
Also do not overlook motorsailers, provide protection from weather while underway, usually good size engines (diesel) and a set of sails, no need to get fancy on trimming, enough sail to motor sail, helps on motor efficiency and comfort (less rolling)
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Im waiting for this boat frinzy too slow , Within a few short months newbie boat owners will be selling , never realizing that pretty white boat is a lot of work , lot of money
Amen to that
Good Luck in your search
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Post by grandpaw on Sept 9, 2021 5:43:53 GMT -5
Little more chit chat
Never boatless , NICE for now , no insurance , marina fees , work , fuel -
Sea Tow , Long time customer , over 20 years, asking them too put my account on hold until I find next boat , Person tells me , NO ,
I can give it too a fellow boater but cant put account on hold ,
I do miss chatting with other boaters , Marina was live a board and a lot of nice folkshy
. I took advantage of hot market , Pre pandemic gas guzzler cabin cruisers were tuff sells , Now they are in demand , Thanks too NEWBIES ,
Regal makes fine boat. It was a learning experience ,
sail / boats , get used seldom , they pay gmonthly ,never using , just look at the barnicle growth
I use a boat , I take it out , Leaving marina hitting open water is a feeling of freedom
If I get something too big will not use , will not take out ,
For now I am having a good time with my fishing kayak,
14.5 Native fishing kayak , just installed a little trolling motor
I launch at boat ramps , paddle or motor in lagoons here in ICW in Fl , Piece quiet , no wakes , no loud engines ,
no gas fill ups , just fishing in 1 -3 feet of water , Back with Nature ,
I am on a mission too spned a lot of time enjoying areas I never could get too with larger boats
If I was smart , next boat nothing larger then 24 ft , outboard , comfotable layed out cabin with a/c head , galley , all the comforts I seek , fishing convience on a trailer so I can keep home , maintain at my leisure , tow with my highlander suv . Monies I save on marina fees, ins , big boat fuel use I can get ohe hell of a boat ,
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Post by gofast24 on Sept 9, 2021 10:07:39 GMT -5
to davil= We have a 2001 4160 with 1100 hours on it (VP8.1's) Only semi major problems to date is stbd sea water pump failed. Caught it in time, just shaft seal allowing water to drip into aft bilge and shaft bearing shot. Bought complete new pump, 15 minutes to replace. All other service / maintenance preformed religiously! Vessel has been on fresh water since new, also important!
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Post by tc33obx on Sept 9, 2021 11:12:54 GMT -5
Davil,
Sounds to me like an inboard single screw might be the best option for you with front and rear thrusters for easy handling near the docks. Many trawler and tugs have those options available and most of them tend to be single screws and potentially have diesel Options in the size range you are looking. A Diesel will surely have a closed cooling system and that will make things much better for the salt water. Not having an I/O will also help on that front. Good luck hunting.
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davil
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by davil on Sept 9, 2021 14:46:03 GMT -5
Agree, tend to go back to diesel, have r/o gas, for my use, almost full time in the water and cruising away from known service outfits,will be a "deep pocket" open wallet future.
Diesel,I know and have experience on maintenance.
Thanks again for your time.
To Grandpaw
Have looked at C Dory???
Pricey, but look like very interesting boats, again very, very pricey
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