Aqua-Star 33

[phockit]

Following on from my questions about the Corvette 32 I would be interested in views on the Aqua-Star 33.

Budget would suggest that we're still looking at boats from the late 80's/early 90's so what potential problem areas would I need to look out for on these boats at that sort of age ??

From what I've heard in the past, I suspect the Aqua-Star is probably likely to have a better build quality ??

I think we'd be looking for an aft-cockpit version as that appears to have more outside seating.

Thanks

Paul

 

[omega2]

Apparently the ones built in Ireland were not as good as they could be, the Guernsey build is supposed to be the better, only have experience of fishing boat layouts, but they are great sea boats.

 

[AHoy2]

I've not laid eyes on one but some examples here:

http://www.shopwiki.co.uk/detail/?q=Aqua+Star&s=224966&o=112413942&d=Aqua+Star+33

seem to be considered good sea boats in fishing guise.

 

[AdeOlly]

Not had experience of the 33, however a mate has a 27 built in Guernsey that's about 20 years old and the build is just fantastic. In fact it's better than my Hardy which in turn is better than my previous Sealine.... My only negative comment about the 27 is that it gives a really wet ride in anything other than calm conditions.

 

[oldgit]

There was one up for sale in Brighton year or so ago,fitted out by owner and with a fairly small twin engine installation.Been up for sale for some time,not suprising really,hopelessly over priced and very cramped inside compared to virtually every 33 foot boat have ever looked at.They may be tough but internally not much space for longish trips.IMHO.

 

[benjenbav]

I have one and, in no particular order, these are my thoughts:

Seakeeping: excellent. Will go through virtually anything. No slamming but rolls like a pig. Also very wet. As the helm is inside this means that, whilst you don't get wet, the windscreen wipers are on all the time in F4+, at least into the wind.

Build quality: excellent. Built like the proverbial brick outhouse. (Apart from not being made of brick, obviously).

Accommodation: variable. A lot of them were bespoke fit-outs and ours actually has more useable accommodation than a Nelson 38 which I (and Nautical of these parts, too) looked at. On this point a Sealine F37 was rafted to me last Friday, which I was surprised to see was only longer by virtue of the bathing platform and had a much more raked bow which presumably cut down on internal volume to some extent.

Speed: not fast. With a clean bum, a following wind and everyone holding their breath we have seen a blinding 14.6 knots through the water. So you need to think about tides.

Economy: uses plenty fuel. At displacement speed (7 knots) we can get close-ish to 2NM per gallon. But go to 10 knots and this will halve.

Engines: Mine has twin Cummins 6BTA diesels, which are normally aspirated and develop 200hp apiece. Nice, low-revving, unstressed lumps which should run for ever. The same block has been rated up to at least 150% of the power output of mine.

Aft cockpit/Aft cabin: Like you, I prefer the aft-cockpit version. I think it looks better and has a less cramped feeling.

Manouevrability: excellent. Sits still in the water and easy to put where you want without thrusters. Helped by "proper" deck gear to allow for easier rope-work.

 

[phockit]

Thanks everyone, all good food for thought, as ever /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Once our new crew member is a little more settled I'll try and take a look at a couple of examples - does she not know it's her that we're buying the boat for !?!?!?! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Paul

 

[markdj]

We had an Aquastar 33 Oceanranger with a single Ford Sabre 212 with full revs at 2450rpm. Maximum speed was 17 knots with a cruising of 12knots so your 2 cummins 200hp should be puting you alot faster than currently. If we were closer, we would certainly take a look at the boat for you.

She was unsurpassed in sea keeping but definitely did roll alot. A great, solid, well-built boat.

 

[benjenbav]

Thanks. The engines run beautifully and have, in fact, been serviced this week with no issues other than routine ones.

My thoughts on the speed or lack of are that she seems to drag her rear end pretty deep and so as you add power what happens is that more water is displaced but that's about it. Like this:

Trimming the bows down helps a bit.

Would different props help, do you think?

 

[jfm]

I'm still amazed by fuel burn on D and SD boats. You say 1mpg at 10kts, but I get that on the Sq58 (volvo 715 EVCs, @1050rpm). Cant figure this out...

 

[kimhollamby]

There's something a bit odd here. If you have 6BTAs they have turbos?

The naturally aspirated variant was termed 6B and rated around the 121hp light duty and 115hp light-medium.

If they are without turbos, given the rating that might explain the performance issues.

 

[benjenbav]

I'm 99% certain that it's just me being stupid and that my earlier comment as to normal aspiration should be treated with disdain.

 

[benjenbav]

I think maybe D and S/D hulls are reasonably efficient up to maximum displacement speed although maybe no more a planing hull? And then completely inefficient because, compared to a planing hull there is too much in the water.

In truth the perceived economy of D and S/D may come down to no more than, if you are prepared to go slowly all the time, you will get decent figures.

Time for me to shut up now as your engineering degree clearly trumps my O Level physics. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[markdj]

Do your engines rev out to maximum RPM at full throttle? If they are under revving then you are over propped. Also check that the props are not cavitating shown by pitting on the leading edges. BT Marine should be able to recommend ideal props if you know max rpm and gearbox ratio. What is the spec of your engines?

Regarding fuel economy, S/D are more hungry at anything above displacement but much better sea-keeping at higher speeds than planing hulls. eg. Our Ocean 37 was 1mpg at 12knots (Twin Perkins sidewinders), now our Princess 55 is 1mpg at 15 knots (Twin 358hp), but the 37 was a better sea boat for head seas BUT, the 55 is better for anything apart from head seas.

 

[benjenbav]

It\'s official...

I have been talking nonsense: my engines do have turbos and are 6BTA's /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[benjenbav]

Gearbox ratios: 1:5:1

Props: 18 x 22 bronze

Not sure what max revs should be for Cummins 6BTAs but mine rev to 2,100 under load.

 

[Divemaster1]

Think these should have up to 2600 both naturally aspirated or T's.. sounds like yours are de-rated, or over propped...

http://marine.cummins.com/mrn/public_cum...13&menuId=1

http://marine.cummins.com/mrn/public_cum...13&menuId=1

 

[markdj]

That sounds like you are over-propped which would create excessive smoke at full revs and make your boat real slow.

You may be able to de-pitch your props but with a difference in 500rpm it might be that you need a completely set of new props. BT Marine or Teignmouth etc. will be able to work out your ideal size of prop.

 

[benjenbav]

Thanks everyone.

I don't get much smoke but I think it is probably worth looking at potentially changing from 22" to 20" props. I think I will give BT Marine a call and talk it through with them. I tried a more local company today but they were only able to deal with volvos.

 

[phockit]

Just feel I should apologise to you Benjenbav, looks like I've provided Snow Goose with another excuse to empty your wallet /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Hopefully, you'll save in the long run !!

Paul