Considering going to Sealine S38 (from S28)

[poltergeist]

For the record - current boat 2004 Sealine S28.

The boating bug has forever bitten me, and with three early teenage kids and in a quest for more space it's time to look at the next move upwards. Therefore, potentially looking at a S38 that has caught my eye, and a deal may be in the offing. I have yet to view the boat, but would be glad to hear any views on how the boats compare, from how much better the bigger accomodation is, does the S38 enjoy better build quality (not saying the S28 is poorly built because it's not - just wondered if more attention to detail is evident in the larger vessel).

It seems that Sealine has it's detractors, (as do other brands!) but having been an owner, and also while looking at other manufactuers, it has struck me what good boats they make, and therefore I'm not considering another marque at this time. But if you do have an opinion on this, I'd gladly listen to it.

Any views on the increased running and service costs? How much different will they compare - (I already have a quote on the mooring costs, so I'm aware in that aspect).

Any other useful info - even if it's "Don't do it!" (A valid reason would be nice if you feel this is the case though.) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I have looked at the budget, and feel I could absorb the extra costs fairly well, but any views on what to expect, good or bad are appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks in advance.

Jerry

 

[Hurricane]

Cant help you with info on an S38

But, Im sure you will agree that there's nothing wrong with a Sealine.

We had a T51 - much bigger than the S38 but there was plenty of attention to detail in the design. In fact many of the features didnt exist on other brands. Sealine - Great value for money - IMHO

 

[Whitelighter]

The S38 is a brilliant boat with an excellent aft cabin, sepearte loo and shower and a nice forward cabin. You pay for this in cockpit space which doesnt feel much bigger than an s34 but is adequate.

One thing to avoid is the few KAD43 engined boats around. These are massively undesrable as they only made a few and are sticking on the used market. You should go for a KAD44 or 300 engined boat, or D6s if very recent.

 

[Elessar]

On the fuel question expect about 1.4mpg once solidly on the plane and sensibly below WOT.
Agree with jez over engine size my 37 has twin 230s and I'd like more.

 

[poltergeist]

Thanks for the replies - and to update you, the deal is well and truely off. I thought it was equipped with KAD44's, unfortunately I have just found out it has - wait for it ... AD41's

For a 2004 boat, it seems a strange choice of engine to say the least!

 

[Whitelighter]

blimey, didnt know they came with those. Steer well lear unless very cheap. as it wih southen motorboats? they have had a 38 hanging around for ages and I thought it had 43s from the dash pics, but ifits 41s then it wont shift until it gets below 100k imho

 

[Nick_H]

S38 is an excellent choice, especially if it's space you're looking for. I had an S37 and it was a great all rounder. I think the S38 has much better styling, but still has all the space.

I had AD41's on the S37, and because it was light could still get 29 kts, and cruise at 24. It never had any problem planing, which is the only real concern with a small engined boat.

 

[poltergeist]

To be honest - a deal had almost been reached before I realised that it had 41's fitted. It was up for £129,950 on a 2004 - with Hutchins Marine. I've been told by many to stay away from it, and feel gutted that it isn't what it seemed.

http://search.boatshop24.co.uk/boatdetai...ernalbrokerlist

 

[Whitelighter]

If youn could get it for just under 100k it might still be worth persuing. 2004 is a tough year, as its right befor the D series launch, so 05 boats have the vastly better engine option vailable. Still, AD41s must have ben the billy basic engines as most would have had at least 44s by then

 

[Solitaire]

I did a sea trial on an S34 with AD 41's recently. In no way did it disappoint - in fact it performed much better than with KAD 32's. It was one of the best rides on S34 I've had.I was very sceptical when I got aboard but that scepticism changed quick. Probably a bit under powered on a 38 but don't be too dismissive.

 

[Nick_H]

Is the boat in the water? Why not ask for a sea trial to help you decide if it's underpowered. As Solitaire says, you might be surprised.

 

[mrgrumpy2]

I think the S38 is a great allround boat that has a fantastic aft cabin. There is one issue that any prospective owner should be aware of and that is the potential for severe stress cracking along the length of the chines. I understand that this is as a result of the stringers being placed too far apart during construction. Sealine warranty the hull for five years and will take them back for an expensive repair but if you bought one that fell outside the warranty period you could be facing a very big bill and would also have a lot of problems selling it on. I agree that the min engine size should be KAD44.

 

[calamitys38]

I think the S38 is a great boat. I've got one with KAD 300 engines - which I was told at the time was the best choice as otherwise they could be a bit underpowered. Obviously, I don't quite know the whole truth of this statement as I have no direct comparison, but just looking at the HP figures , it would possibly seem to be true.

The three berth aft cabin, separate shower and toilet cubicles and decent sized galley make it a great family boat that gets you to your destination at a decent pace and then lets you stay there in comfort.

Anyway PM sent if you want to have a look around mine - just to get the feel of what's what.

 

[nicho]

I once had an S37 with AD41's. These simple, non EDC mechanically injected turbo engines are bullet proof, very reliable, but not the most powerful engines in the world!

The boat was full med spec, 6KVa generator, hydraulic passarelle and full reverse cycle aircon (plus all the wife's clothes!!) and was pretty heavy. On the sea trial, I was surprised how good the engines were at moving the boat. With no compressor, it took a while for the turbo to kick in, but the transition to planing was never a problem. Cruise was a comfortable 22/23 knots, and 28/29 flat out.

The AD41's were one of Volvo's longest in production, around 19 years or so. You would nevertheless be better off going for the more powerful KAD44/300's

 

[CHI]

I have done exactly what you are considering. I had a 1996 S28 that i exchanged for a 2005 S38 with D4 260,s. Fantastic boat. Space great. Very comfortable ride. One issue i did have was with the hull. Sealine does have a 5 year structural warranty. They were absoulutely great in sorting the problem. I was very , very impressed with their after sales. Boat now performing very well.
I am sure you would be very pleased with the change to a S38. Pm me with any questions you may have or leave your phone no so i can go through details if you wish.

 

[Adrianwool]

Re engines, the simpler the better in terms of control systems, especially when you add water to the mix. I had a friend who had a boat with EDC's, these impressed enormously in terms of everyday use. I am not so sure though about the costs associated with EDC's, there was a recent article in MB&Y where a guy re-engined his boat with some very low hours engines from a sports boat. As he had a flybridge he had to buy a second EDC which cost 5k!. You then need to (on occasion) download upgraded 'firmware' etc. For old boys like me KISS is the motto of the day.

 

[poltergeist]

Thanks again for all the replies and especially to Guy "CalamityS38", for showing us round his boat today, great to meet you. Looking around her pretty much sold us on the S38 - the 3 berth aft cabin fits the bill, and the whole boat is such a good use of space. The wife and I need to sit down and talk over our options, but it's all heading towards the S38.

Thanks again -

Jerry

 

[DavidJ]

Although the S38 is apparently a completely redesigned hull, it's dimensions are exactly the same as the S37. I can only assume that all the excellent aspects of the S37 have been carried across with some improvements like the superb guest cabin.
KAD43's are excellent on the S37 with a 32 knot top speed and 2 mpg consumption, so 44's and 300's will be even better.
The only problem I've heard of with one S38 is with the common bus lighting with touch control switches. Sealine had to send someone from Brunswick to sort it apparently. Fact or myth I don't know but I heard that an early model had hull problems and under guarentee Sealine upgraded it to a S42 (for free!)

 

[Coupe]

As said above re hull - get a good survey carried out re hull stress cracking.

We had a 2005 C39 (same hull as S38) and we suffered the same problem. We didn't know about it till we traded for SV2. Buyer had a surveyer on hand and I was shocked to see the length of a crack along the port side from the BT tunnel.

I must say that Sealine did pay for the repair.

Maybe they have upgraded the hull after 2005? as there are plenty of 38's about and owners seem a happy bunch.

As you know we also had a 28 - great boat.