Help please,,,, 31ft+ boat purchase and would really appreciate advice, :-)

[EAZ 2012]

Good morning,

I hope all are well and having a good Easter weekend so far, here in in Sunny Plymouth we have been lucky for the last 2 days.

I would really appreciate some advice please,,,

My father in law is seriously looking at buying a motor boat now he is retired and he and the mother in law have the time to really enjoy it. He used to own a 40ft motor boat around 25 years ago and kept it at a mariner in Plymouth so knows his stuff but as time has passed and the market has changed would appreciate asking you ladies and gents your opinions?

We have been looking at boats on the internet that are around the 31/33ft mark such as adds for Princess 33, Fairline Corniche 31 and I saw a lovely Sealine 305 Statesman 31ft, 4 or 6 berth but we feel that there would not be that many overnight stays so maybe a 4 berth is better as the family/day space on a 4 berth seems to be much bigger as the manufacturer has not tried to squeeze in an additional bed area?

So advice would be great regarding what to look out for that may be an expensive repair or pointers, good / bad points of different boats on offer in the range and there does not seem to be many boats for sale of that size in Devon so looking at demand and supply would we get the most value for money setting up a weekend of viewings and looking around the Poole / Southampton area where there seems to be many more boats on offer?

Also regarding consumption the engine powers vary older boats seem to have twin 130's whereas boats around the 1990 mark seem to have twin Volvo's around the 165/200bhp mark so with the cost of diesel currently we were wondering what an hour's cruising at a normal running rate of knots would burn / pricing?

I used to have a 17ft dayboat with a Yamy 40bhp autolube pushing her along and used to moor it at Tony Hole Marine in Plymouth pre starting our family so cannot wait to get out on my father in laws when all is completed.

Thank you for looking.

:encouragement:

 

[EAZ 2012]

Bump?

 

[Whitelighter]

Welcome.

There are a few other bits of info you might provide which will get even more advice/opinions. What sort of budget do you have?

With older boats, the most important thing is mechanical condirion. The Sealine 305 you mention may look tempting but with 25 year old stern drives it MAY be expensive to maintain and also will be a difficult boat to drive in close quaters due to the weight and height combined with sterndrives. I think some Corniche boats had shaft drive which may be a better option as your father may be more comfortable with this set up.

Diesel consuption is more about the HP used rather than the total HP available from the engine. Sometimes bigger engines use less as they are less stressed ata comfortable cruise. smaller power units may be closer to max HP.

For a boat in that length at a cruise of 22-24knts you can expect to be burning 10-12 gallons per hour - so £50-£60. Slower speeds burn less provided you are well off the plane (6-7knts)

Perhaps consider shaft drive hard top boats from the likes of Nimbus or SeaSaga or even Marex. Marex do a 280 holiday which has a single shaft and a seperate aft cabin.

A nimbus 280 or 310 might suit as well

 

[EAZ 2012]

Thank you for the reply and information.

Yes budget will be around the 35 / 40K mark?

Also he did mention the external drives and said the shafts would be a better option.

Welcome.

There are a few other bits of info you might provide which will get even more advice/opinions. What sort of budget do you have?

With older boats, the most important thing is mechanical condirion. The Sealine 305 you mention may look tempting but with 25 year old stern drives it MAY be expensive to maintain and also will be a difficult boat to drive in close quaters due to the weight and height combined with sterndrives. I think some Corniche boats had shaft drive which may be a better option as your father may be more comfortable with this set up.

Diesel consuption is more about the HP used rather than the total HP available from the engine. Sometimes bigger engines use less as they are less stressed ata comfortable cruise. smaller power units may be closer to max HP.

For a boat in that length at a cruise of 22-24knts you can expect to be burning 10-12 gallons per hour - so £50-£60. Slower speeds burn less provided you are well off the plane (6-7knts)

Perhaps consider shaft drive hard top boats from the likes of Nimbus or SeaSaga or even Marex. Marex do a 280 holiday which has a single shaft and a seperate aft cabin.

A nimbus 280 or 310 might suit as well

 

[Seastoke]

Look more brordly ebay or apollo duck remember you are buying the boat a dealer gives no garantee the surveyor is the key and you can move a 33 ft fly anywhere in england for 1 to 1.5 k so look around good luck .

 

[targa31]

Pm sent

 

[EAZ 2012]

Thank you for your help guys,

I think my father in law is pretty much set on a Fairline Corniche 31 Flybridge, 6 Berth.

Is there anyone on the site that owns one, good points. bad points and things to look out for??

Thank you in advance.

 

[Cashbuyer]

Thank you for your help guys,

I think my father in law is pretty much set on a Fairline Corniche 31 Flybridge, 6 Berth.

Is there anyone on the site that owns one, good points. bad points and things to look out for?

Thank you in advance.

Search Fairline Corniche on here and Mr Google. You'll find plenty of reviews, comments etc. I think there is a boat report that you can buy from MBM or MB&Y.

If I remember there were some comments about small engines and laden boats not being able to plane.

Nice boat. We looked at the side cabin version with the bunk beds but found they were really only good for kiddies.

Happy hunting.

BTW if a boat is described as 'well presented' or in good condition, take this with a big pinch of salt...

 

[talltim]

Both myself and Elza Skip own Corniche's

Mine being twin shaft with TAMD41's and the large forward cabin which we wouldn't be without now

They are well built and although some/most will be cosmetically tired if your sensible and upgrade over a few years it shouldn't hurt the wallet too much

The more you can do yourself maintenance wise the better as this will not only keeps costs in check but will also mean you get to know your chosen vessel.

she does sit bow up on the plane but even after 26 yrs still gives a good shove when opening the throttles with a clean bum

Watch out for corroded fuel tanks if still mild steel, engine seacocks can sometimes be seized due to lack of exercise as they are quite low down at rear of engine bay (shaft drive boats)

I also looked at a stern drive version but access to engines looked very tight esp as im a big lad

I reckon on about 1.25 to 1.5 mpg at cruise or around 25 galls per hour flat out

as Cashbuyer said some sellers don't see the point I prepping a boat for sale so expect some disappointment but sometimes you can find a gem mechanicals wise if you can see through the carp

 

[EAZ 2012]

Thank you for the info all,

Also great to have some advice from Corniche owners,,,,

I hope you don't mind me asking you some questions,

- Have you got the 6 berth dinnette or bunk bed layout, as we have a large family I think the dinnette version would be better for space?
- What age of boat do you have?
- Pricing seems to vary as there are two lovely examples of Corniches locally but they are the around 50K, if we travel up to Southampton / Poole etc would we get more value for money/demand and supply??
- Have you got the 165BHP engine or 200BHP, and in terms of running charges per hour when just curzing around daytrips money per hour?
- Also what engine hours would we expect to see, these have also varied quite dramatically, I saw a Corniche locallythat had over 1500 hours on it??

Thank you in advance.

Both myself and Elza Skip own Corniche's

Mine being twin shaft with TAMD41's and the large forward cabin which we wouldn't be without now

They are well built and although some/most will be cosmetically tired if your sensible and upgrade over a few years it shouldn't hurt the wallet too much

The more you can do yourself maintenance wise the better as this will not only keeps costs in check but will also mean you get to know your chosen vessel.

she does sit bow up on the plane but even after 26 yrs still gives a good shove when opening the throttles with a clean bum

Watch out for corroded fuel tanks if still mild steel, engine seacocks can sometimes be seized due to lack of exercise as they are quite low down at rear of engine bay (shaft drive boats)

I also looked at a stern drive version but access to engines looked very tight esp as im a big lad

I reckon on about 1.25 to 1.5 mpg at cruise or around 25 galls per hour flat out

as Cashbuyer said some sellers don't see the point I prepping a boat for sale so expect some disappointment but sometimes you can find a gem mechanicals wise if you can see through the carp

 

[talltim]

Mines a twin cabin so only 4 berth

200hp engines are the best, with 165hp will be underpowered once loaded

cost per hour will be variable on what you pay for fuel but if your burning 20 galls per hr which is about 90litres and fuel is say £1.10 per litre then £99 per hour, if you go slow at displacement speeds around 7 knots it will cost a fraction per hour.

High hours not a problem if serviced correctly

 

[Cashbuyer]

Don't get hung up on hours. As said on here before, much better to have higher hours and use and maintenance than to go for a low hour boat that has been sitting around and deteriorating behind the scenes.

 

[EAZ 2012]

Thank you for the advice gents! Watch this space.

 

[Fusebox]

We are just starting on our third season with a Corniche. Love the boat, very roomy for its size.

Ours is the twin cab (I think) with the crossed beds in front and convertible dinette. Two VP TAMD41 on shafts. Tried it two weeks ago on our first trip after being shored up for the winter. Easily got 20 knots @ 3100 rpm. 25 knots @ 3700 WOT with a light and clean boat.

Engine hours are ca. 2400 on both, and still performs beautifully.

Don't know why, but UK boats seems to be fitted with very small black water tanks. We upgraded ours with an additional 190 liter tank in the aft bay. We use our boat for weekends and holidays to the islands, and as it is fitted out now we can be on our own for about 7-10 days without the need of marina services (fuel, water, battery charge)

 

[Whitelighter]

There is a nice looking Corniche on eBay at the moment for £36k with the 200Hp engines on shafts

 

[oldgit]

If price is very critical look for a boat out of its element,ie. slow stuff like Pedros on the coasts or fast planing boats in upriver marinas.Normally not being being in demand in that area thay can command a lower price.
As somebody else mentioned £1K will usually get a boat down to where you want it.

 

[Fusebox]

The one on eBay looks OK (huge radar), but might be a little optimistic with 24-30 knots cruising speed, even with 4-blade propellers. I can't say it's dead wrong, but i doubt if 4-blade makes that much difference to our 3-blade props.

Also, if you have the choice, look for a boat that has thrown out the MS3/MS4 gearboxes and installed HS1 or other hydraulic. Makes for a much smoother gearshift. The MS3 gearbox makes a very noticeable -clank- when it is working Properly. When it starts to sound soft and nice, it's time for a new cone.

 

[Whitelighter]

Quoted speed is irrelevant surely.

Whatever it is, a 200hp shaft driven corniche is going to be pretty much the same regardless.

 

[EAZ 2012]

Hey guys,

help regarding the maiden voyage check list would be awesome, see link below.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...se-Fairline-Corniche-31-Maiden-Voyage-Advice-)

Thank you in advance.