Buying a 41' flybridge

[Boater On Thames]

Dear All,

I am new here. I am purchasing my very first boat- a 41 feet flybridge. I had sea trial today. It running just ok. Top speed 15 knots at 2500 rpm. Twin engines Volvo TAMD61. The engines noises are too loud. It's almost impossible to stay comfortable in the saloon while cruising. Also, lots grey smoke from engines at the beginning when throttle push up, then white smoke in all time. Oil has been changed in June, and not been use so much since there. So the suveryer said oil analysis is not help anyway.

Based on the sea trial experience, I am now struggling whether I should go ahead or cancel the purchase. Survey report will come next Wednesday.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[rafiki_]

Dear All,

I am new here. I am purchasing my very first boat- a 41 feet flybridge. I had sea trial today. It running just ok. Top speed 15 knots at 2500 rpm. Twin engines Volvo TAMD61. The engines noises are too loud. It's almost impossible to stay comfortable in the saloon while cruising. Also, lots grey smoke from engines at the beginning when throttle push up, then white smoke in all time. Oil has been changed in June, and not been use so much since there. So the suveryer said oil analysis is not help anyway.

Based on the sea trial experience, I am now struggling whether I should go ahead or cancel the purchase. Survey report will come next Wednesday.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks.

A bit more info would be useful. What boat, drive system, age, condition. What should top and cruising speeds be? How well maintained?

 

[Greg2]

As rafiki says more info would be helpful but on what you have said so far 15 knots doesn’t sound great at WOT assuming that it is a planing hull and whilst those are older engines the description of continuous smoke doesn’t sound too good albeit it depends on how much there is I guess.

 

[Mr Googler]

My 61a’s smoked on initial load up until the turbos come in.

Are you sure the white is smoke and not steam?

As said, knowing the boat model would help. The 61a is a well respected engine. Mine would only reach 2500 revs, had the injectors done and it went off like a scolded cat! 2800 is the wot for these usually

 

[volvopaul]

Dear All,

I am new here. I am purchasing my very first boat- a 41 feet flybridge. I had sea trial today. It running just ok. Top speed 15 knots at 2500 rpm. Twin engines Volvo TAMD61. The engines noises are too loud. It's almost impossible to stay comfortable in the saloon while cruising. Also, lots grey smoke from engines at the beginning when throttle push up, then white smoke in all time. Oil has been changed in June, and not been use so much since there. So the suveryer said oil analysis is not help anyway.

Based on the sea trial experience, I am now struggling whether I should go ahead or cancel the purchase. Survey report will come next Wednesday.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks.

A41 ft fly with 612 ho should attain 28/29 knots if it’s a planing hull, something wrong at 15 knots for sure .
I had a princess 388 with same engines and it had no inline silencers , some years later I bought birthed same boat the princess 410 with same engines , it had inline silencers and was a different animal . Don’t be put off as it can be silenced easily

 

[Boater On Thames]

The boat builds in 1990. In general condition and maintained. GRP hull. Direct drive system. Design top speed supposes to be 20 knots when new. The sea trial detail below.

The engines started first time from cold with substantial smoke on start-up and
powered forward and reverse under load alongside the pontoon prior to sea
trial.

The vessel was taken to sea for approximately 40 minutes helmed by the owner.
Conditions wind easterly, F2-3, sea state slight/choppy. Both engines were
charging batteries and recorded the following:-

Maximum Speed at 2500rpm - 15 nm/hr
Engine oil temperature - 200°F / 90°C
Oil Pressure - 60 psi / 65 psi

After a short time, the engines were throttled back to 2000 rpm and maintained
a cruising speed of 10 nm/hr for return to the marina. At the conclusion of the
sea trial, both engines were inspected and both maintained coolant. Oil levels
were satisfactory. Full engine revs in single engine mode for each engine was
consistent at 1,500 rpm at 6 nm/hr.
Both engines were slow to take full load and the turbo units were sticky on startup
with a considerable amount of smoke for a short period.
Steering and throttle cables were tight to turn and move into position. The
controls operated from both steering positions but as the trim tabs failed to
operate, the internal steering position was not effective at high speed as the
view was blocked by the raised bow.
Gauges and instruments working, although as previously mentioned the ignition
lights for both engines stayed on while the engines were running