First Boat

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raimund

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Hello everybody from a new forum member.

I am a first time buyer and before I will make an offer next week, I would like to get some advice regarding motorboat "PRINCESS 30DS", YEAR: 1983 (Power is provided by 2 x Volvo Penta AD31P 4 cylinder inline turbo charged diesels)

1.I would like to know how good and reliable these boats are?
2. <u>What is fuel consumption MPG</u>. (normal cruising spead)

Also what should i look for when i look at the boat? how will i know if the motor is running well besides that it starts right up? any other tips, experiences?

I intend to use this boat for coastal trips (SE of England) and occasional trips across Channel with my family.

Kind Regards,


Raimund
Kent
 
Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Pricess have a pretty enviable reputation, but as with all boats of this vintage there can be problems. Most will be an easy fix, but as you are very green to boat buying it is imperitive that any offer you make is subject to a full survey by a qualified marine surveyor or engineer. This will cost around £1000 but it is well worth it as any problems can be identified and fixed or the price you pay reduced to cover them.

The 30DS is a well proven boat. Personally not to my taste, but then we are all different aren't we? It has a lot of fans and the good thing is it probably wont depreciate much (if anything) from its cureent value provided you keep it in good condition and well serviced. I mention this because boats are addictive and it is rare to get the perfect boat first time. This shouldn't put you off, experimentation is part of the fun, but it is good to buy a boat you can sell on in a few seasons without loosing £000's.

View the boat with an open mind and don't offer because you liked the idea - check it out thoroughly, take a boaty mate along for some sanity and get a survey, then you wont go far wrong.

Jez
 
+Always+ be willing to say "No" and walk away. Even after you have heard the engines start and sat at the wheel.

Slightly rude but if you and your better half get a little frisky, can you do so in privacy, ditto get the the head without an exercise in getting dressed again? Can be more of a nuisance than you might think, you may spend a proportion of your on board time in bed!
 
The engines in this boat could cause you major problems and you should be prepared to spend a lot money on the ancillaries intercoolers, turbos, oil coolers etc. obviously a seatrial will "prove" the engines but be aware you might need to spend thousands on these parts in the not to distant future.
Maybe some of these components have already been replaced.
Fuel consumption probably 30litres per engine per hour at cruising speed
As regards the boat dont drive it hard in a rough sea!
Best of luck with your new hobby
 
Difficult to say how reliable a lump of fibreglass will be , but the Princess lumps off fibreglass are generaly very good, the 30DS is well made but the interior is now very dated.
Check the history of the engines, AD31P's weren't sold until 1997 or 99 I think, so this boat may have been re-engined, if done well thats definately a plus though.
Top speed of a 30DS will be about 20-25knts maybe a bit more, expect about 8-10 gallons per hour at cruising speed of about 18-20knts, so about 2mpg. Don't buy without a survey, you may need it for insurance anyway on a 20year old boat.
 
This boat has been re-engined in 1999 replacing the original petrol engines and I understand that the new engine installation has less than 200 recorded hours. Interior.....well..it is in deed very dated :-) and will need extensive updates.
 
Hi Raimond and welcome to forum.The 30Ds is a very useable and tough boat built to the usual Princess standards.The engines on the boat will give you long service if looked after with a bit of care.The interior although not bang up to date will be be more than servicable and would not advise spending dosh tarting it up unless it is very tired.As for fuel consumption if you decide to chug about slowly mebbe at around 6 knots you will easily get 2/3 gallons an hour.Up river is a great place to get the hang of your new boat and you should see with care about a gallon an hour.
There is one of these boats in Medway Bridge Marina at moment for sale at 45K.
Wonder where you intend keeping your boat is it in East Kent by any chance.
 
To: oldgit. This boat is on sale in Ramsgate (£48,950 asking price)...I still hesitating allot, because this is big decision…and unfortunately I am very green to boat buying. After visiting this boat 2 times, I am not sure, to put an offer or not (and how much). Before I decided to buy a used boat, I lived a quiet life, but now questions, questions...and no answers :-)

This boat I will keep in Dover or Ramsgate.

Anyway thank you everybody for advice.
 
Raimund.Have you been to look at anything else.It is a good idea to have a thorough rummage round the boat market before coming to any firm cast iron conclusions about which boat to go for let alone handing over cash.
My little book of boats states that the 30DS(Deck Saloon) was launched at the 1980 SBS to replace the Princess 33 and around 900 were built in total up until 1989.Some of the boats had a sliding sun roof.Engines were 145hp petrols or 130 hp diesels.Also the book mentions that the hull had a reputation for good sea keeping at planing speeds.
The boat at Medway Bridge is 165 hp on shafts.Notice that your your proposed boat has outdrives,it is vital that that these are in good working order.ie no water in gearboxes and lift motors are functioning.It is generally accepted that outdrive boats cost more to maintain and therefore should be cheaper to buy than the shaft drive version.One poster on this forum has commented in the past that he much preferred to have shafts when out in inclement weather as the tended to stay in the water.?
Have you looked HERE as guide to boat prices.
 
At that price it has to be imacculate, petrol DS's go for 25-30K up river, diesels are worth more but don't pay too much more, if its really good 40K max IMHO.
 
I Know the boat in question when the previous owner fitted the engines and bow thruster costing £28,000. Speed have seen 33Knots. It was re-engined at Medway Bridge Marina.
Hope that helps.
 
[ QUOTE ]
When does "dated" become "retro"?

An argument I may be having with SWMBO later this year, shesays the boat's interior is dated...

[/ QUOTE ]


If it involves dark brown carpet stuck to the ceiling...............you may have to wait until the 23rd Century. I hope. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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