Mermaid Turbo Four

[Dingo24]

Evening all,

Looking at buying a boat with a Mermaid Turbo Four 140hp. The lump generally seems to have been well kept, tonnes of receipts, but there's blue smoke under load which the vendor says has been traced to a slight oil leak in the turbo. He has had quotes of c.£500 to have the turbo reconditioned. It would seem from receipts that he also had the turbo reconditioned 2 years ago, which suggests either they didn't do a very good job or it is something else entirely? Should I just walk away or have an independent engineer look over the motor to see his/ her thoughts?

Much appreciated!

 

[kashurst]

It could be a number of things - all of which are wear related. Valve guides, valve stem seals, piston rings, turbo seals etc
Before saying walk away, that depends on a lot of things.
How bad is the smoking - mermaids were never exactly smoke free
How many hours do you plan to use it a year?
How far do you tend to go?
How much money is the boat?
Depending on age/budget you may well find something better.

 

[Dingo24]

The smoke is noticeable, especially under load, but its not huge plumes of blue smoke. Just more than "normal" for a Mermaid.

How much I plan to use her and how much I'll actually be able to get out are probably going to be two wildly different numbers I would reckon approx 100-150hrs annually based on my previous boat as a ballpark.

Based in the Channel Islands so the majority of use will be island hopping with the occasional foray to Normandy or Brittany.

She's up for just shy of £11k which seems about par looking at equivalents online and comparing their condition, provided I then don't have to spend £000s sorting the engine

Given me some food for thought, thanks!

 

[kashurst]

At your budget theres going to be a compromise, is a bit of bluish smoke it?
what's the oil pressure like at idle, hot and at running speeds?
If the main oil pressure is pretty good the engine could run on happily but a bit smelly for years. However if the hot idle oil pressure is getting on the low side or the oil pressure warning light starts flickering whilst idling after a run, I would walk away sharpish.

 

[Dingo24]

Thanks for your help, much appreciated!

 

[burgundyben]

Is it a Dorset or Dover?

Up to 2719 is Dorset, 2720 onwards is Dover.

I think the post 1989 4 pot Mermaids were 2722.

If its a Dorset thats just how they arr.

If its a Dover it should run pretty clean.

 

[Dingo24]

She's a 2722 Dover

 

[Seaway Channel]

Is it a CI22? There is an active Facebook group and someone would probably know the history of the boat…