Buy the right boat...... or the right engine

[ontheplane]

Having had both sterndrives and outboards over the years including a 20' canal boat driving it from age about 5-16 yrs old - I am certainly used to the "weave" that doesn't bother me at all.

If as I suspect I am going to keep it on a dry stack the servicing doesn't bother me as much as I think a bi or even tri annual service on the sterndrive would be ok and an annual oil change and full bi-annual service on the engine, anodes every other year that kind of thing...

 

[Ferris]

I'd happily sail it over once I'd got used to the boat - but as a first-time-out trip I'd be way too twitchy.

The towcar isn't a problem I can buy something suited - the problem is going to be whether the rig is legal on a trailer - some are saying yes some are saying no - too heavy and too wide.....

I will see if the owner has ever put the trailer and boat on a weighbridge.

On transport another option could be to trail/truck the boat south to Rosslare and get the ferry to Pembroke? Its 230miles and dual carriageway / motorway most of the way. Would need some consideration on VAT upon entering the EU but if your destination is still UK then is should be okay.

Kennedy haulage have a very good reputation in Ireland. Potential to get a return trip to UK?
Haulage Contractor Boat Transport Kennedy Haulage Haulier Dublin Boat Haulage Services HIAB Crane Hire company Dublin Boat Transport Boats Haulage

 

[Dino]

GBNI Transport are worth checking with too. Www.boattransportgbni.com
They are NI based and a friend of mine got a good deal with them

 

[ontheplane]

Thank you both - if we move forward on this one I will contact both of them I think.

 

[bowler]

I used Kennedy a while back. Very accommodating and very professional. 10/10.

 

[gjgm]

I think a bi or even tri annual service on the sterndrive would be ok and an annual oil change and full bi-annual service on the engine, anodes every other year that kind of thing...

Personally-I wouldn't. I wouldn't be keen on buying an older boat where at least the current owner could not demonstrate a good maintenace regime. In fact, I wouldn't go near it !
Changing oil,filters,bellows isnt going to bust the bank. If you dont change the drive oil, how are you going to know there isnt a leak- and that is when problems do potentially kick in.
You dont need VP parts for most of it-just use good quality filters,belts,oil etc. YOU also then have some confidence things are ok.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Yes, I agree with this, sterndrive fails due to water ingress are all too common, so the last thing you should be doing is extending the service interval. Going to 3 years is absolute madness. Unless I suppose he means three times a year...? don't think so.

Stern drives become especially expensive when servicing is skipped, leading to premature failure of internal parts, which are expensive and time-consuming to change. Leaving aside accident damage, there's no reason why properly serviced and maintain stern drives should not give excellent service.

 

[ontheplane]

Fair point - I was just hoping as it was dry stacked it would need a lot less maintenance - but as you rightly say its also about maintaining the value of the boat and I am also keen to see good service record so the next buyer will be just the same.