Boat shopping, how old is too old?

[cliffdale]

Ok, I have been doing the rounds looking for my next boat, 2nd best is 2004. but just may be to tops, it is a 30 year old fairline. It has had osmosis treatment and now has copperbot anti foul.

30 year old I was really taken by it but could i sell it as a 35 year old boat? Not much history on the engines but internally and nav equipment has been updated.

I would not rather go public but if you want to know the specific boat, pm me.

It is an old fairline turbo 36 if it helps!

Any comments on how old is too old!

Thanks

 

[KevB]

I'm not sure age would put me off if the design was right and with the turbo 36, it's a classic.

A friend had one a few years ago and loved it. The only thing I would say (non river boating) is get one with the biggest engines they came with as I believe anything else is underpowered.

 

[cliffdale]

I'm not sure age would put me off if the design was right and with the turbo 36, it's a classic.

A friend had one a few years ago and loved it. The only thing I would say (non river boating) is get one with the biggest engines they came with as I believe anything else is underpowered.

How is TAM61A diesels for coastal?

 

[oldgit]

IMHO.The T36 is a timeless classic the design of which has aged well over the years..We have 10 or so in the club with yet another about to join the fleet.. A boat with an excellent reputation for sea keeping,with a very spacious interior.Sensible safe wide side decks and decent lay up quality.Many club members have owned their boats for decades having toured much of the continent . Only downsides are getting on and off the the thing and Fairlines habit of hiding important bits in awkward places.Prices on these boats have been softening and some are now moving .
Should be easy boat to sell on compared to some boats which were a basically a fashion statement and have dated horribly.
No names of course.

 

[CLB]

I'm not sure age would put me off if the design was right and with the turbo 36, it's a classic.

A friend had one a few years ago and loved it. The only thing I would say (non river boating) is get one with the biggest engines they came with as I believe anything else is underpowered.

306's were the best engine but don't discount the 255's or even the 235's. These could hit mid to low 20's and cruise at 20 knots with no problem. The one to be careful about is the 165 powered boats. Fine for rivers and occasional estuary use but underpowered for a fully fledged coastal cruiser imho.

 

[Sneds]

The turbo 36 ticks all my boxes but SWMBO doesn't like the look of it!
Our current boat is for sale and I am actively looking for a 36ft flybridge and the 36 Turbo fits the bill, I love the name (turbo) and the price seems just about right, interesting points about the engines, thanks for that.

 

[Momac]

Not sure about the 'timeless' bit but wouldn't dispute the idea they were built to last. And probably a sound investment , subject to en engineers inspection of the mechanical bits.
But I will not be making a competing offer as my crew (wife) doesn't find older boats of this sort to be attractive.
.

 

[BruceK]

The prices they command seem a little steep for their age imo but I'd admit they have aged well.

 

[superheat6k]

This suggests the boat mentioned is 1986, as was Ocean Belle which I sold last year.

I sold her slightly above what I paid for her in 2011, but that did not cover the sum spent bringing back to a decent condition, and she was by no means a wreck when I bought her.

Pro's - Aft cabin and saloon space

Cons - lower helm steering when on the plane
unsociable aft deck area (could be improved with a bimini)

I found myself Billy no Mates stuck up on the flybridge when on a passage, and if in coastal waters it was essential to steer from up top otherwise it was difficult to see pot markers.

Mine had the TAMD60C (255 HP), which if 1986 were the commonest fit engines.

I have several reviews and magazine articles and also an accurate work history of the various tasks I undertook during the 4 years I owned her.

My blogsite is still live www.turbo36.wordpress.com

PM me if you want further information.

 

[sharpness]

Great boat. Great engines. Great prices (you get a lot of boat for your money). So long as it's been well maintained and looked after (which your post seems to imply) , what's not to like :encouragement: As already mentioned, get it surveyed and engines checked/seatrialled (Volvopaul would get my vote, he knows the Tamd61a very well).

Do a search on forum for Turbo 36, the posts make positive reading.

 

[Bandit]

Also look at the Fairline 36 Sedan, the same hull but an aft cockpit flybridge boat, I had one a good sea boat.

 

[sharpness]

Also look at the Fairline 36 Sedan, the same hull but an aft cockpit flybridge boat, I had one a good sea boat.

Best boat ever. But then I would say that wouldn't I

 

[longjohnsilver]

Deleted User had one and iirc he rated it. Had another friend who also regretted selling his, main downside was engine and stern gland access, but sociability wise, it was great.