NeilPayne
New member
I am looking at buying a 1984 Fairline 40 with twin TAMD60B Volvo's (235HP). Does anybody know how these boats perform? Ride, Fuel consumption, handling etc. Is it a semi displacement or planing hull?
Fairline 40
- Thread starter NeilPayne
- Start date
volvopaul
Well-known member
Its a semi planing hull by John Bennet fame, as it has a 3/4 length keel, it will probably cruise with a clean bottom and lightly loaded providing the engines are good at about 17/18 knots and max speed 21/22, this boat had a long production run from the early 80s to the last one called final edition in 1989 (hope I got that right if you see this Paul M) Ride is ok for year and design of hull, but nothing like todays standards, fuel will be about 1 mpg at cruising.
Would say that this boat was an early benchmark for fairline but not as sucessful as the turbo 36, but obviously a different concept of boat, nearly had one myself some years back that had the early Ford Mermaids in, was very slow only just getting on the plane.
The last few had volvos tamd61a 306 hp engines and would chine ride if not cafefull down wind flat out!, some had the midget cabin at the stern too so would sleep 4 adults and 2 kids without using the saloon.
I would consider other makes around the same price, probable a 36 sedan or a princess 385 or 414 aft cabin, you may even pick up an old princess 45 if you are prepared to travel to the med.
One last thing on engines, old boats need lots of tlc so beware or work req on old engines like the 60b and 60c.
Would say that this boat was an early benchmark for fairline but not as sucessful as the turbo 36, but obviously a different concept of boat, nearly had one myself some years back that had the early Ford Mermaids in, was very slow only just getting on the plane.
The last few had volvos tamd61a 306 hp engines and would chine ride if not cafefull down wind flat out!, some had the midget cabin at the stern too so would sleep 4 adults and 2 kids without using the saloon.
I would consider other makes around the same price, probable a 36 sedan or a princess 385 or 414 aft cabin, you may even pick up an old princess 45 if you are prepared to travel to the med.
One last thing on engines, old boats need lots of tlc so beware or work req on old engines like the 60b and 60c.
NeilPayne
New member
Thanks for the info. Is there anything in particular that I should look out for with the engines? I have run them at the berth. They started well with very little smoke. In fact less than I have seen from much later boats.
volvopaul
Well-known member
Get an engine survey or/and inspection, this can range from just a visual inspection and sea trial, temp test to removal of the injectors for a compression test, I can do this for you if your interested, where is the boat?
NeilPayne
New member
Will be going over the boat agin in a couple of weeks. May come back to you if I decide to take it further.
asteven221
Well-known member
I've had mine for 5 years now. 87 model (one of the last built) with 306hp, updated windows etc.... and it's a great boat. Does 28 knots flat out, but to be honest the hull design makes 22 knots the max as it will fall on to its chines over that speed making handling awkward. According to what I heard, the designer back in the early 80's didn't expect that Fairline would be installing "big" 306hp engines. The other side of the coin is that low speed handling is arguably better than new boats. The hull is a planing hull and not semi displacement (semi planing?) as some suggest. The guy I bought mine from bought a P45 and I still know him. He says that he preferred the F40. Don't under estimate the value of the aft cabin which is damn handy on occassions. Two full size (not midgets!) adults can sleep in it with the addition of a infill to make the berth a double. Okay it's not the best in luxury but at least it's an option not available in other boats. There are no obvious weaknesses in the boat that I have found other than all the usual stuff in any boat. The engines can be a bit of a nightmare to work on because of space limitations, but that's a common issue in many boats. The older style F40's with the round portholes had a problem where the forward windows leaked as bow waves swamped them. The later versions did not have these forward portholes installed for that reason. They also changed from round aluminium to oval stainless steel. The radar arch changed from a vertical steel assembly to a swept back grp affair. I am not certain but I think the rubbing strip changed from aluminium to stainless steel as well. All in all, I would say that for kind of money that these boats go for, there isn't a better flybridge cruiser available. Even for a quite a bit more cash it's still pretty debatable whether or not there is anything significantly better as a package - only newer really. Finally after bumming the boat up, I am sort of thinking about buying a yacht (sorry fellow mobos, but I like yachts as well) so if you are interested in mine let me know. If you are not fine, but feel free to email me with any questions you have about F40's and I will be glad to answer them if a I can.
geoff1836
New member
hello did you sell your fairline 40 if not please give me a ring on 07889723706 thanks geoff
gonfishing
New member
Cracking boat. I have the earlier 80's model with the round ally portholes with the volvo 60b's fitted. Still in the process of carrying out a lot of cosmetic work both internally and externally. Mechanically she has been brilliant. (looking to touch wood at this point /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) She cruises great at 16/17 knots and is flat out at 21knts. Smooth ride, a good beam with a fair bit of room and handle very well. [ QUOTE ]
The older style F40's with the round portholes had a problem where the forward windows leaked as bow waves swamped them
[/ QUOTE ] That for me is an understatement, had a near Haydn experience earlier this year for that very problem which has now been thoroughly resolved /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Cruising at an average of 16knts she has consistently returned me 18/20 liters per hour on fuel, at current pump prices that's less than £10.00 PH on fuel. Fair to say given the enjoyment I've had this year if it doubles to £20.00 so what /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif We have managed to put 84 trouble free hours on the engines this year, with just basic servicing and oil changes and the usual tighten this, nip that in the engine room. I have no plans to sell her in the near future and look forward to a good winter getting out and about.
They are a lot of boat for the money, the only thing is they are a bit dated, but man made it ,man can alter / repair it.
Regards Julian
Ps PM or phone me if I can give you any more info.
The older style F40's with the round portholes had a problem where the forward windows leaked as bow waves swamped them
[/ QUOTE ] That for me is an understatement, had a near Haydn experience earlier this year for that very problem which has now been thoroughly resolved /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Cruising at an average of 16knts she has consistently returned me 18/20 liters per hour on fuel, at current pump prices that's less than £10.00 PH on fuel. Fair to say given the enjoyment I've had this year if it doubles to £20.00 so what /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif We have managed to put 84 trouble free hours on the engines this year, with just basic servicing and oil changes and the usual tighten this, nip that in the engine room. I have no plans to sell her in the near future and look forward to a good winter getting out and about.
They are a lot of boat for the money, the only thing is they are a bit dated, but man made it ,man can alter / repair it.
Regards Julian
Ps PM or phone me if I can give you any more info.