Help with my purchase of a Sealine S28 or S29

[Solitaire]

SC29? Modern, spacious, hardtop, hull great at speed. A dog when it comes to slow boat handling. The stepped hull is a real pig! Going in reverse is like playing Russian roulette . Guess which way it's going to go! Needs a bow thruster, and I don't say that easily.

S28, tried and tested. The KAD 32 package and the boat were made in heaven. My choice? S28! Plus it styling is actual timeless. The best sub twin engine 30 footer ever in my view.

 

[[2068]]

SC29: definitely designed for going forwards

 

[Markhammond]

Thanks, I've had a chat with the broker in this one and it could definitely be an option

 

[Markhammond]

Is the SC29 hull really that bad? I assume the S29 shares the same hull so will face the same problem?

 

[Solitaire]

Is the SC29 hull really that bad? I assume the S29 shares the same hull so will face the same problem?

They do. The hull is not bad, but it can be a handful when going slow in astern. The stepped hull gives it a mind of its own.

 

[Markhammond]

Thanks, I think before buying a test run is in order so I know what I am getting into!

 

[diligaf]

I would definitely join the Sealine forum, loads of free experience fro people who actually own Sealines. I found it invaluable and more informed when I bought.

PM sent

 

[petem]

S28, tried and tested. The KAD 32 package and the boat were made in heaven. My choice? S28! Plus it styling is actual timeless. The best sub twin engine 30 footer ever in my view.

I agree that the S28/KAD32 is a great package but why would you place the S28 before the F'line T28/9/30 which in my view is better made, more stylish and perhaps better handling?

 

[Firefly625]

They do. The hull is not bad, but it can be a handful when going slow in astern. The stepped hull gives it a mind of its own.

whenever I have seen SC29's they have always been making a real meal of getting into a berth, I thought it was the high topsides and light boat combo, did not know it was also a stepped hull, that explains a lot!

 

[[2068]]

loads of free experience fro people who actually own Sealines.

It's a great forum.

But there are several on here that "actually own Sealines"

 

[[2068]]

I agree that the S28/KAD32 is a great package but why would you place the S28 before the F'line T28/9/30 which in my view is better made, more stylish and perhaps better handling?

Styling is in the eye of the beholder. The profile and bow of a T30 is fab, but the stern is a bit of a mess.
Similarly, although the layout down below is similar, I wasn't a big fan of the cockpit layout and helm.

 

[petem]

Styling is in the eye of the beholder. The profile and bow of a T30 is fab, but the stern is a bit of a mess.
Similarly, although the layout down below is similar, I wasn't a big fan of the cockpit layout and helm.

We preferred the T30 cockit layout over the S28/T29, largely due to the T30 cockpit being on a single level. The sunpad on the T30 is a bit small but my wife loved it (she is only 4ft 8in or something like that).

View attachment 40273

Pete

 

[[2068]]

If it's a T30 the OP wants, there's a v.smart one parked right next to me at the moment!
I know the owner: it's always been regularly serviced.
Can they really do 40kts on A7 props on a DPE? I would have guessed 38kts might be closer.

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advert/fairline-targa-30-hayling-island/40429416

.

 

[oGaryo]

We preferred the T30 cockit layout over the S28/T29, largely due to the T30 cockpit being on a single level. The sunpad on the T30 is a bit small but my wife loved it (she is only 4ft 8in or something like that).

View attachment 40273

Pete

Pete... mooooooove away from the Sealine thread. just kidding

 

[petem]

Pete... mooooooove away from the Sealine thread. just kidding

Sorry, Gary, just can't help myself!

 

[petem]

If it's a T30 the OP wants, there's a v.smart one parked right next to me at the moment!
I know the owner: it's always been regularly serviced.
Can they really do 40kts on A7 props on a DPE? I would have guessed 38kts might be closer.

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advert/fairline-targa-30-hayling-island/40429416

.

Interesting to see that despite being 14 years old its up for 70% of the price when new. I don't think we ever saw 40kts on ours (your 38kts is spot on) and I think Fairline modified the 40kts claim after launch. Still, 38kts is still blimmin fast for a family cruiser and not much used to overtake us (mainly SS SuperHawk 34's and the Red Jet)!

 

[Markhammond]

So to fan the flames of the discussion... Sealine S28 or Fairline Targa 30? It looks like there is more room in the cockpit area, especially for a small child as I wouldn't want them anywhere near the rear sun lounger - but is this just a trick to the photos?

 

[Whitelighter]

So to fan the flames of the discussion... Sealine S28 or Fairline Targa 30??

Oh Christ, now you've done it. Where is my tin hat......

(T30 for me btw....)

 

[z1ppy]

Having owned an SC 29 I think it's getting some unfair stick here! Let's leave aside styling as it's personal preference the roof is a work of genius in uk waters. I remember fondly sat in Osborne bay when a summer squall came through. 10 seconds later we were sat inside dry watching people scrabble for their covers.

I am 6ft + and had no issues that wouldn't present On any boat of the same size. We sold it as it wasn't right for us at the time but have found myself looking at the used market again recently!!!

The hull was great and I don't recall too many issues with close quarter handling ( bow thruster helped). I have had worse moments with other boats, worst being our 9 meter inboard rib.

Just saying, don't discount them, they sold a good few of them!! Matthew at Solent charters in ocean village had one for charter or teaching so maybe worth a chat with them?

 

[D3B]

Hmm.
As many will recall I had an early S29 (canopy version) which I eventually grew to love.
D3 engines were a bit of a problem to begin with but once the issues were sorted they never missed a beat.
The early problems were from Sealine and Volvo themselves denying there were any problems!

Slow handling in reverse?
Ok not easy but I soon learnt what she was going to do and could counter it.
And remember most of the time I cruised SINGLE handed.

I have been out of boating for a while now so don't have an idea of values but I would have thought there would have been 15-20K difference in the price between S28 and S29 (SC was more expensive than the S)