Anybody familair with 1985 Princess 38?

[foxgoose]

Following my previous post on choosing a boat in Malta.

I'm now getting close to a visit and offer on the 1985 Princess 38 (subject to survey etc. etc.)

Just got details confirming engines as TAMD 60 C 's, apparently with good service history.

Anybody got any guidance on what sort of shape they should be in after 750 hrs in this boat? Any problems to look for? Presumably, being simpler, they are more robust than my KAD 43 which has a supercharger and seems a bit sensitive to cooling flow (brought to its knees by one baby mussel last season).

Is 255 hp the right rated output for the TAMD 60 C ?

After reading Deleted User's recent post I'm wondering about oil analysis - how long does this take and can you get it done anywhere?

Likewise can anyone with 1985 - ish Princess 38 experience suggest any foibles or weak points of the boat which might need attention?

Whats a realistic top speed and sensible cruising speed for this combination?

Am I right in assuming there was only one hull profile for the 38 - unlike the 37 which had inland and offshore versions?

What's the osmosis history for Princess's of this period?

Any opinions gratefully received as ever.



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[longjohnsilver]

Deja vu?

Didn't I reply to this same post in another fred, or am I completely mad. No, please don't answer that /forums/images/icons/frown.gif

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[foxgoose]

Pas du tout

I did ask for opinions on Princess 38 V Moonraker a couple of days ago.

Now I've almost decided on the Princess and got some more info on the boat & engines - so I posted again with some more questions.

Sorry if you think I'm imposing too much - I know it's getting late ;-(

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[longjohnsilver]

Re: Pas du tout

No your not imposing, ask away, just wondered if you'd looked at your previous fred.

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[foxgoose]

Bien sur

Every word

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[Doffy]

Engines if maintained well should be no problem, oil pressure should be 50+ on cruise at 2350 rpm, at idle after 25+, temps at 87-92 max rpm should be 2800 or slightly more. They do smoke when cold, check the exhaust elbow are not thin £1000 each. run her for at least 1/2 hr at 2400 this will show up any engine/cooling problem and take her flat out for 5mins. Gearboxs are well built but require regular oil changes and checks of filter. Hull is soilid check around chines and bulkhead fixings for movment. Headlinings suffer as well.

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[hlb]

<font color=red>exhaust elbow are not thin £1000 each</font color=red> So you go to the tin bashers and get som made...../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[dannybouy]

Hi,

I have a princess 385 with a pair of TAMD 60c's 255hp and i can cruise at 17-18knots at 2300-2350rpm and top out at 23-24 knots at 2700rpm. All i have done to the engines is service them annually and put new heat exchanger inserts in. Thats in seven years.

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[foxgoose]

Thanks Dannybuoy/Doffy - most useful

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