Info needed

[Micky]

Hi. Just found myself a little boat. Not sure if it would be classed as a sailing vessel or motor boat as it is a motor-sailer.
Not up to the standards of some of the craft i read about on this forum, but never the less, it is a start.

What i would like to do is find out as much information about the boat as possible. Unfortunately i can not ask the previous owner as he has sadly passed away.

Can anyone help???

The boat is a 1980 era, Sunseeker 27, designed by Robert Tucker. It has a 35HP Thornycroft engine.
It does need a little tender love and care, which i will attend to over the next few weeks.

Does anyone know how these boats handle at sea?
Are they easy to sail for one person?
Are the Thornycroft engines reliable?

Any help or information would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[dk]

Can you post a pic??

 

[webcraft]

The Sunseeker 27 is a fast power boat usually fitted with two big petrol sterndrives . . . you bought a Sunspeed 27, which is a different kettle of fish altogether.

The Thorneycroft has been fitted to a lot of boats. As far as I know it is freshwater cooled, which is always a bonus. The boat looks as though it might sail OK, but the picture I saw was a bilge keeler, and like most motor sailers it will probably be happiest in stronger winds on or aft of the beam. That's a good size of engine for windward work, though.

There are a couple of Sunspeed 27s for sale if you Google Sunspeed 27 and the brokers / sellers might be able to give you some info.

Enjoy your new boat,

- Nick

 

[bob_tyler]

Try this site. He is the late Bob Tucker's son and can probably help.

www.tucker-designs.com

 

[Micky]

Hi Webcraft.
Yes indeed it is a sunspeed 27, not a sunseeker...sorry. just shows how much i iknow about it...LOL

Thanks for the feedback chaps.

 

[Gordonmc]

Can't help with the boat, but I have done some work on my Thorneycroft 35 hp.
No lightweight... and big in size for its output but its a reliable donk.
The most attractive aspect of the BMC T90 is its simplicity.
Fresh water cooled with (usually) Bowman marinising kit including exhaust manifold heat exchanger.
Spares are readily available from ASAP, Thorneycroft Engines or AMC and if you can get type numbers for filters etc. from your local motor factors.
The engines were used in early Sherpas and some black taxis.