kashurst
Well-known member
Well after 18 months without I got itchy feet again. However I have pretty much packed in the sea stuff for health reasons.
So found a good project boat to resurect over the winter. Fairline Corniche 31, with twin AQ125 petrols on 270 outdrives. Yes I know devils egg whisks etc, and yes I will probably regret it.
However I specifically sought out an outdrive boat as I will be messing about on rivers, maybe lakes and the rare coastal excursion. So I wanted the ability to lift the props out of (mostly) harms way if water gets a bit shallow. I decided also to go with small petrols as they are very simple, very quiet and the difference in price between a pair of diesels and this boat (it was a very good price) will buy an awful LOT of petrol. I have also checked where I may be going on it that petrol is available. I know in the UK coastal marinas don't often have it - but I dont plan on going to sea. According to the owners manual it should do nine knots!!! So there won't be any wake shots in the future.
On the plus side the boat has only had two previous owners and has not been messed about with. Engine bay is very clean and no nasty pongs anywhere.
Also for me on teh plus side the interior has also not been messed about with, it is pretty much completely original from the factory. However after 37 years all the soft furnishings are pretty much on the point of collapse.
All the interior will be coming out so I though a rebuild thread might keep a few entertained over the winter.
Here she is:
So found a good project boat to resurect over the winter. Fairline Corniche 31, with twin AQ125 petrols on 270 outdrives. Yes I know devils egg whisks etc, and yes I will probably regret it.
However I specifically sought out an outdrive boat as I will be messing about on rivers, maybe lakes and the rare coastal excursion. So I wanted the ability to lift the props out of (mostly) harms way if water gets a bit shallow. I decided also to go with small petrols as they are very simple, very quiet and the difference in price between a pair of diesels and this boat (it was a very good price) will buy an awful LOT of petrol. I have also checked where I may be going on it that petrol is available. I know in the UK coastal marinas don't often have it - but I dont plan on going to sea. According to the owners manual it should do nine knots!!! So there won't be any wake shots in the future.
On the plus side the boat has only had two previous owners and has not been messed about with. Engine bay is very clean and no nasty pongs anywhere.
Also for me on teh plus side the interior has also not been messed about with, it is pretty much completely original from the factory. However after 37 years all the soft furnishings are pretty much on the point of collapse.
All the interior will be coming out so I though a rebuild thread might keep a few entertained over the winter.
Here she is: