Fjord 880 AC

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BobMod

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Hi

Does anyone have any advice and guidance on the Fjord 880 AC? I have been told they are very well made and are good sea boats but having had a rummage round one I would like to know if there are any very real weaknesses in the design and manufacture that I should look out for or whether it is just wear and tear checks?
 
By the time what started in the '70's as Wikingboat 26, continued on to Wikingboat 28, for then to become Fjord 880, the boat was pretty well sorted from a construction perspective. Wear & tear, mechanics and electrics needs checking of course. Nothing special other than that.... She is shallow in the bow, so her single shaft may be a bit challenging when manouvering in windy conditions, but if bow thruster is installed, then she should be well behaved. What engine does she have?
 
Good engines ... Twins were predominantly a UK requirement... most of them were delivered with singles in Norway.She'll behave very well with those engines, but weakest spot there is the standard Volvo gearboxes on the 41's. Get the spec and type of gearboxes .... Go for a trial run and be prepared for rather clunky switches between neutral to FWD and Reverse... never mind if you go too fast between FWD to Reverse.

Worst thing that can happen is that you knock off the price for new hydraulic boxes instead of the std ones... if the engines are in a good nick that is...
 
Alf

Thanks for the advice.. Out of interest what is the ball park for a pair of hydraulic gearboxes? Fitting costs?


Also does anyone have a spec sheet on the Fjord 880? I cannot find a sales brochure or anything to refer to...
 
Andrew

Cheers mate.. I have searched that site wall to wall and all they have is a single pic of the 880.... Sadly no brochure or tech specs or anything else... :(
 
BobMod said:
Andrew

Cheers mate.. I have searched that site wall to wall and all they have is a single pic of the 880.... Sadly no brochure or tech specs or anything else... :(
Click to expand...

Best I can offer is emailing, I know aboslutely no Norwegian though. This forum knows all so someone is probably fluent, or native born!

A few more pix:
http://www.fjordclub.com/Modeller/Fjord880ACHardtop/gallery.html

the website was in migration between hosts I think. The Fjord company might be able to help but possibly not, they had a major fore at Arendal quite a few years back and lost a lot of records including drawings, as well as stocks of parts.
 
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Ahhh.. there in lies the rub... Even on the Norwegian site I cannot find a file with 880 or a picture of the boat anywhere...

I am still looking...

Now I am gonna make an offer but I am contemplating the following....

Survey - no brainer
Mechanical engineer health check on engines - They want £600 just to tell me if it is good or bad but it is also £600 to get the engine serviced and since he is sticking to his guns on price.. I am torn.. Can't afford both so the service might have to wait if I have to get the engine health checked/surveyed.

Advice? Guidance? Help? LOL.. this isn't easy!!!
 
Engines are AD41s so basically bullet proof, some varying niggles depending on which subtype, the solenoids in the smoke limiters acn die and are pricey to replace (and a bit pointless, its a speed controlled flap on the exhaust) You need to change pencil anodes here and there, the Volvo DIY manual is invaluable for this sort of thing.

If the engines start first time (with preheat if need be) the oil pressure jumps up to spec smartly and there is not too much smoke the engines are fundamentally sound. Useful things to know: what's the oil like? Have a look before running an engine, black is fine but no bits or sludge or smell of diesel. If the coolant is topped up and has a solid colour that's promising. A good flow of water from the exhaust is a good sign. Also look for oil leaks/stains or black dust from belts, all signs that attention might be needed.

Tickover should be smooth and, if the charge warning light is on at tickover it should go out as soon as you increase revs.

Gearbox oil level should be checked and the oil should be clean and to the mark. Gears should change smoothly.

Where are you based? I'm sure someone must live nearby to cast an eye. Can't comment on your surveyor but mine (both times I have had a survey) commented on the engines external state, ease of starting, smooth running and so forth, plus visually inspected oil and coolant levels and condition.
 
Andrew

Thanks for the "heads up" and if the chap accepts my offer the first book I will buy is the Volvo DIY manual.

I am buying from Bray Marina - Berkshire.. Intend to moor her up at Penton Hook and make regular'ish runs out to Ipswich and down to Maidstone..
 
BobMod said:
Andrew

Thanks for the "heads up" and if the chap accepts my offer the first book I will buy is the Volvo DIY manual.

I am buying from Bray Marina - Berkshire.. Intend to moor her up at Penton Hook and make regular'ish runs out to Ipswich and down to Maidstone..
Click to expand...

Mosey onto the Thames Forum, lots of folk in Bray. I'm downriver at Sunbury.
 
Many years ago a friend of mine owned one of these models, twin engined so may be the same one, he part exchanged it on the Thames, it took them years to sell it, the boat was OK but had many complicated electrical issues.

PM me if you want further details.
 
Hello, unfortunately I can't offer any advice on the fjord 880. However for what it is worth I own a fjord 28 previously mentioned. she was built in 79 and is powered by a single ford 130hp. we use the boat most weekends, mainly river cruising and have taken her to sea on a few occasions and she is more than capable. she is a well appointed boat (for her age) and was well constructed. we average about 160 hours a year on the engines and as a family boat is very competent. have a look at http://www.wikingboat.no/ however this only goes to 1984 boats but gives an over view of your boats history.
 
Well I have made the leap and have transferred the deposit... Arranging the survey with a certain Mr Homer and well I guess that is it.. Time to start saving for the fuel, upkeep and unexpected whatevers I suppose..

Having not driven a motorboat since my service days (they were a tad bigger and a tad quicker) 20 years ago it is probably a good idea to refresh my VHF ticket and what do you guys think... Take RYA level 2 power boat again? Do they do this on rivers?
 
Ok.. I realise I made a daft and rather ignorant statement before about the RYA course.. Having now had time to do my own quick research, I know it is not a requirement but I have booked a Helmsman 2 day course and a Nav refresher + a VHF course (so I don't have to unplug the VHF) as I do intend to do a bit of coastal play.....

Thank you for all your help and guidance.. DM1.. 3meg murdered my iphone LOL but I am looking fwds to deciphering norwegian when I get home to my wireless network...
 
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