A river boat for the sea

[Mr T]

I am currently searching the market for sports cruiser for the sea. I have looked at a couple which have spent their lives on the rivers network that are around 10 to 15 years old. Can anyone one advise me on any issues ( mechanical/other) that I need to be aware of by putting a river boat on the sea.

Regards

Mark

 

[Momac]

There can be issues due to lack of use (even for boat based on the coast).
Long term use at low engine speed is certainly not good for an engine. But whether it causes ant real issues is debatable.
For example I had a turbo issue but think it was lack of use rather than slow speed use.
However I know of many boats that are used in this way with no issues. A good blast now and again seeming sufficient to blow away the cobwebs.
On the plus side there should be hardly any corrosion on a boat that has lived on fresh water.

 

[sarabande]

You will be aware of the difference in ability to cope with the waves and wind which can orders of magnitude stronger at sea. That should be the overruling factor in thinking about taking a river boat to sea.

Though some river boats will be quite happy au large (it's not unknown for narrow boats to cross to France, for instance) the consensus is that the EU directives for Categories A, B, C, D, are reasonably practicable.

Here's a load of bumf, but with guidance on what boats are suitable for the 4 main categories

http://www.marinesurveysltd.co.uk/recreational_craft_directive_summary.htm

The amount of 'kit' you will need for a sea-going boat is quite different too, and the RYA is good source of specific advice, e.g.

http://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge-advice/safe-boating/Pages/hub.aspx

One issue that crops up regularly is that of fuel bug. A river boat taken to sea will be shaken and stirred, and the fuel tank (hitherto quite peacefully flat) will have the sediment re-invigorated, leading to filtration problems. A cleaning of fuel tanks is essential.

 

[CX54WEK]

Make sure you get the chance to check the boat out on several high speed runs to check that everything is ok with the engine, drive and cooling systems before committing to buy.

 

[oldgit]

Good idea to pop over to the Thames forum on this. Frequent topic for discussion due to boats from the area being exported from river out to coastal locations.
First thing to note is that river boats lead a very sheltered life indeed ,not being exposed to the riguers of long journies under less than perfect conditions, likely to bring a boat and crew to grief.
This will be likely to be seen in a lack of preventative mantainance. compared to coastal craft.
Up river, if an impellor fails or the boat overheats ,a gentle drift to shore results, not so offshore possibly far from help.
Three boats have recently been purchased from inshore locations and bought back here to RCC on the Medway, all have of them were checked by surveyors prior to purchase.
The owners report a litany of minor problems, seized seacocks, overheating gremlins,control cables not working on flybridge ,instruments not working (oil and temps etc).
All down to simply not being vital on the short trip between locks,so no point in fixing.
Your first real concern after purchase is does the fuel tank have 15 years of sediment lurking at the bottom of the tank.
You may well find out shortly after leaving sheltered waters and boat is bounced around a little.
All sports boats of that age and size will be on legs/outdrives vital these are checked mercilessly before you purchase.
The real thing to reveal any problems is a half hour run somewhere at full throttle, there is nowhere above any lock or Broad.to test this. A sneaky short blast is not going to cut it.
Good Hunting.
Much nav gear on up river boats is only there to flatter the owners vanity, useless at sea.
Tiny weeny dim screens impossible to read when hanging on for dear life to the helm.
Better an old Raymarine RL80CRC than a brand new Garmin the size of of postage stamp.

 

[Seastoke]

it may need props changing ,better tell what boat it is and what engines or engine its got

 

[Bouba]

Anodes, change to zincs

 

[Mr T]

Thank you for the info Matyn,

regards

Mark

 

[Mr T]

Thank you for the info Sara.

 

[Mr T]

Thank you for the inf CX54WEK

 

[Mr T]

Thank you for the detailed info Oldgit, very helpfull indeed,
regards

Mark

 

[Cathy*]

We bought our last 2 boats from NYA at Brundall. (Very pleased with the service) Both had been on rivers for several years. There is a mile stretch of river out of Brundall where there is no speed limit so we could test the engines for as long as we liked. I wouldn't want to buy without being able to have a good long run at speed. It's true that electronics are not needed on the river so unlikely to be repaired if necessary but these can be spotted before purchase. Antifoul will be different for sea water and anodes. If a boat is generally considered good as a sea going boat I wouldn't worry about buying the same model from a fresh water location, subject to trialling the engines. btw our first boat came with diesel bug. We did many fuel filter changes and used quite a lot of Marine 16 but didn't have to do anything more drastic.

 

[Mr T]

Thank you very much indeed for the information Cathy.

 

[oldgit]

NYA at Brundall. There is a mile stretch of river out of Brundall where there is no speed limit so we could test the engines for as long as we liked.

One of the boats that gave over heating problems came from NYA and was "tested" one suspects on that bit of river by surveyor with buyer aboard..
You would need to get up to 15-20 knots to replicate a decent salt water run, the locals must love folks making all that wash.

 

[CX54WEK]

One of the boats that gave over heating problems came from NYA and was "tested" one suspects on that bit of river by surveyor with buyer aboard..
You would need to get up to 15-20 knots to replicate a decent salt water run, the locals must love folks making all that wash.

Not a lot they can do about it when the boat has trade plates on and is on trial.

They do similar where we are based.