steve the farmer
Active Member
Hi Guys,
Well its been a year since I joined ybw, and it was all with the intention to learn and take note of tips and advice about motor boating in general with a view to buying my first boat. So we’ve not rushed into it and so far the forum has been very useful, thanks.
As a scuba diver, boating is not new to me but the ownership part of it is.
In May last year my idea was to look for something that was multi use, offshore for scuba, coastal and river family cruising, and towable for multi location launching.
But 12 months down the road I cannot find a craft that is good for all scenarios. Anything that falls within 3500kg gross for towing (UK) according to my wife, is too small for 2 adults and 2 children for more than day excursions.
So, we have been looking at a bit bigger craft, accepting it will have to be moored, my family are more important than the scuba. Although the mooring I have in mind does give me a lot of dive site possibilities anyway.
We have now found a 1990 Sealine 285 Ambassador with 3800kg displacement with 2 Volvo Penta AQ205A petrol engines. Both engines have had little to no use since fitting, they were not refurbished lumps but fitted new out the box in 2012, in fact they still look brand new, and sound beautiful. The boat has just been out of the water, engines and legs serviced, antifouled and two new duo props fitted. All gauges, radar, lights etc work as they should.
So I think this is the one for us.
But I have a question? Range! With a fuel tank capacity of 243 ltr how far would I expect I could travel in miles with two 205hp engines. I don’t mean at full throttle, I mean a sensible cruising speed? This is a bit like asking how long is this bit of string, but I just want an idea. If I am say in Herne Bay Kent and want to travel across the Thames estuary over to Essex and up the East coast how far will I get realistically without refueling for example?
Thanks Steve.
Well its been a year since I joined ybw, and it was all with the intention to learn and take note of tips and advice about motor boating in general with a view to buying my first boat. So we’ve not rushed into it and so far the forum has been very useful, thanks.
As a scuba diver, boating is not new to me but the ownership part of it is.
In May last year my idea was to look for something that was multi use, offshore for scuba, coastal and river family cruising, and towable for multi location launching.
But 12 months down the road I cannot find a craft that is good for all scenarios. Anything that falls within 3500kg gross for towing (UK) according to my wife, is too small for 2 adults and 2 children for more than day excursions.
So, we have been looking at a bit bigger craft, accepting it will have to be moored, my family are more important than the scuba. Although the mooring I have in mind does give me a lot of dive site possibilities anyway.
We have now found a 1990 Sealine 285 Ambassador with 3800kg displacement with 2 Volvo Penta AQ205A petrol engines. Both engines have had little to no use since fitting, they were not refurbished lumps but fitted new out the box in 2012, in fact they still look brand new, and sound beautiful. The boat has just been out of the water, engines and legs serviced, antifouled and two new duo props fitted. All gauges, radar, lights etc work as they should.
So I think this is the one for us.
But I have a question? Range! With a fuel tank capacity of 243 ltr how far would I expect I could travel in miles with two 205hp engines. I don’t mean at full throttle, I mean a sensible cruising speed? This is a bit like asking how long is this bit of string, but I just want an idea. If I am say in Herne Bay Kent and want to travel across the Thames estuary over to Essex and up the East coast how far will I get realistically without refueling for example?
Thanks Steve.
