Humber 40 with engine issues - opinions please

[V1701]

Good morning all,

I've been asked for an opinion on this Humber 40 for sale and would appreciate any comments from the panel, particularly re the following description of the twin Ford Sabre 275hp engines from the broker's description:

"Currently, there is an electrical issue affecting the electronic controls, which prevents the engines from being operated in the standard way. However, the vendor has confirmed that both engines do run via alternative methods. The vessel has been attractively priced to reflect this and presents an excellent opportunity for someone ready to address this minor technical matter and enjoy the full benefits of a capable, well-regarded cruiser."

Now my inclination having read that would be if it's a "minor technical matter" why on earth wouldn't you fix it before selling it? So unless you're somebody experienced with troubleshooting big old diesel engines this would be a money pit (aren't they all ) and one to avoid. Apart from that I would say the usual caveats like the electrics will likely have been bodged by multiple past owners, it's going to look a lot more tired in the flesh than in the pictures like they all do, etc.

Thanks in advance,
David

 

[Amour]

Personally I would get rid of the crap aftermarket electronicn controls and put back morse controls and cables
Simple

 

[oldgit]

The Ford Sabres are fix with a hammer engines and usually found with their original mechanical Bowden cable control, reliable and very very cheap to fix. .
Replacement Bowden systems , both good quality Morse and cheap chinese knock offs are not expensive to buy , but a real PITA to install due to problems running the cables from engine to helm.
However, over time a tendency to become stiff and hard to physically operate and are sometimes replaced and upgraded with "electronic controls" , much easier to operate with very little physical effort.
Electronic controls.
Several systems out there, some of which do not have many UK dealers and therefore difficult to find help if/when problems appear.
It may well be that the "minor technical matter" with the electronic controls refers to this and the reason the seller has not sorted this prior to sale is simply that he either cannot find a dealer to look at it or/and the expence of replacing separate parts and/or entire sytem is eyewatering.
Parts for older obsolete systems are no longer made. For one system a secondhand unit is on ebay for $2000.00.
It could be complete new system or nothing ?
Worth getting some further details about those "minor electronic " problems and find out if you would fare any better regards finding somebody/anybody to sort the problem.

Find out which make is fitted and then do an internet search of any known problems .

 

[markc]

I wouldn't be surprised if the original cables were still in place... might be useful to pull through new ones? Ford Sabres are fairly bullet proof and I would suspect that parts are still available. The Humber 40 is a good boat, and looking at the pictures, the interior woodwork could do with some TLC - easy DIY job with patience, plus bit of upholstery. For £30k, I think that would represent a good buy if a survey didn't throw up any major problems

 

[volvopaul]

They look like Micro commanders , I’d be checking the power supplies as there has to be 2 different supplies , normally a supply from one bank for example the engine start and another from the dedicated domestic bank , check the fuse breakers .
At that price it might be worth employing an electrician not necessarily a marine electrician to check out the supply and if there is an issue with the computer board .
It can be put back to original Morse cables for around £1500 .

 

[volvopaul]

Personally I would get rid of the crap aftermarket electronicn controls and put back morse controls and cables
Simple

I’m sure they are micro commanders which in the day were very good.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

That’s a lot of very good boat for not much money. A cheeky low-ball offer with a bit of risk on the electronics could see the new owner an excellent buy. Worth considering.

 

[oldgit]

I’m sure they are micro commanders which in the day were very good.

Then one day you are approaching a lock or your mooring and the Micro Commander decides to prevent you from taking the boat out of gear.
Only way to shut the thing down and get engine into reverse or even neutral , power it down and turn it on again, while desperately hoping that your progress is arrested by something soft and cheap and not any nearbye boat. !
Ask me how I know

 

[V1701]

Thanks everyone for some very useful info, I'll pass it all on to the prespective purchaser

 

[kashurst]

Wow - that looks like great boat for a great price. If the owner can demonstrate the engines run and go in and out of gear that is a potential bargain.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Wow - that looks like great boat for a great price. If the owner can demonstrate the engines run and go in and out of gear that is a potential bargain.

Yup that’s what I’m thinking.

 

[oldgit]

Yup that’s what I’m thinking.

It will always go in and out of gear from cold and start up .......it will remain functional until you need take engines out of gear or more excitingly, urgently require to go astern at your destination or on return to your mooring , when the elecrowizadry is hot and bothered.
This of course ensures fault finding is almost impossible to carry out.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Does this suggest it’s an electrical issue with or related to the Microcommanders or the actuators, not a gearbox fault?

 

[harvey38]

Good morning all,

I've been asked for an opinion on this Humber 40 for sale and would appreciate any comments from the panel, particularly re the following description of the twin Ford Sabre 275hp engines from the broker's description:

"Currently, there is an electrical issue affecting the electronic controls, which prevents the engines from being operated in the standard way. However, the vendor has confirmed that both engines do run via alternative methods. The vessel has been attractively priced to reflect this and presents an excellent opportunity for someone ready to address this minor technical matter and enjoy the full benefits of a capable, well-regarded cruiser."

Now my inclination having read that would be if it's a "minor technical matter" why on earth wouldn't you fix it before selling it? So unless you're somebody experienced with troubleshooting big old diesel engines this would be a money pit (aren't they all ) and one to avoid. Apart from that I would say the usual caveats like the electrics will likely have been bodged by multiple past owners, it's going to look a lot more tired in the flesh than in the pictures like they all do, etc.

Thanks in advance,
David

Lancing Marine for all things Ford Sabre related, good advice and great service. A great engine that as long as it's not been starved of oil and the turbo not clagged up. A bit smokey on start up but no issues once warm, no electronic sensors or ECUS, just good plodders, I have a soft copy of the 250/257&300 HP models if the sale goes ahead.

 

[V1701]

Lancing Marine for all things Ford Sabre related, good advice and great service. A great engine that as long as it's not been starved of oil and the turbo not clagged up. A bit smokey on start up but no issues once warm, no electronic sensors or ECUS, just good plodders, I have a soft copy of the 250/257&300 HP models if the sale goes ahead.

Good shout thanks, they were great when I needed a new exhaust elbow for my Isuzu. The older gent (forgotten his name now but a font of knowledge) showed me round the whole place I was there for ages...

 

[oldgit]

Does this suggest it’s an electrical issue with or related to the Microcommanders or the actuators, not a gearbox fault?

A search of the interweb especially on the US boaty sites would suggest its to do with the electronic control system and its sensitivity to lack of volts.