New Beneteau ST44 or used Trader 42 FB Signature

[Deleted User YDKXO]

You should check the old MBM test of the Trader 42, it was indeed a very wet boat and the hull was later modified with a spray deflector on the forward chine, you should make sure the example you are looking at has this mod, otherwise you will nee the canopy up even on calm days

Seem to remember the fuel consumption figures were quite sobering, its definitely a very sub 1mpg boat.

Yes you're right on the test report but I think getting spray over the top is a fact of Trader life My mate used to reckon on 0.7mpg @ 16kts in his 41+2 but that was with older TAMD61 engines so maybe with the more modern Cummins engines, the 42 would do a bit better. I reckon the ST44 would be getting around 1.0mpg at a similar speed. Big difference but I think I'd still take the Trader for the extra space and better finish, subject to surveyor's report of course

 

[Latestarter1]

Yes you're right on the test report but I think getting spray over the top is a fact of Trader life My mate used to reckon on 0.7mpg @ 16kts in his 41+2 but that was with older TAMD61 engines so maybe with the more modern Cummins engines, the 42 would do a bit better. I reckon the ST44 would be getting around 1.0mpg at a similar speed. Big difference but I think I'd still take the Trader for the extra space and better finish, subject to surveyor's report of course

I was asked to participate in sea trial of a Trader 42. Beforehand I was very sceptical about Trader, having previously been out on earlier model with CAT 3208 motors which was nice but very noisy. However on both the Traders, CAT 3208 and Cummins QSB's engine installation was beyond reproach, and very much in a neat well put together typical US style, and I am very hard to please. The Cummins installation in the 42 was particularly quiet and vibration free.

Cannot remember the actual numbers, however they were being called off the Smartcraft during the trail and recorded. When we were wrapping up and reviewing the data I mentioned that they would have to multiply by 1.20094! That produced a smile factor...

 

[Firefly625]

I was asked to participate in sea trial of a Trader 42. Beforehand I was very sceptical about Trader, having previously been out on earlier model with CAT 3208 motors which was nice but very noisy. However on both the Traders, CAT 3208 and Cummins QSB's engine installation was beyond reproach, and very much in a neat well put together typical US style, and I am very hard to please. The Cummins installation in the 42 was particularly quiet and vibration free.

really interested to hear, my feelings for Trader boats are obviously tarnished by the crooks who own the company but nice to near the guys in the yard building the boats are doing a good job..

Cannot remember the actual numbers, however they were being called off the Smartcraft during the trail and recorded. When we were wrapping up and reviewing the data I mentioned that they would have to multiply by 1.20094! That produced a smile factor...

made me smile as well.... in a sort of dumb non understanding way..

 

[capsco]

You should check the old MBM test of the Trader 42, it was indeed a very wet boat and the hull was later modified with a spray deflector on the forward chine, you should make sure the example you are looking at has this mod, otherwise you will nee the canopy up even on calm days

Seem to remember the fuel consumption figures were quite sobering, its definitely a very sub 1mpg boat.

I think you are referring to the wrong Trader 42, this was mentioned in an earlier post.

 

[Chris_d]

I think you are referring to the wrong Trader 42, this was mentioned in an earlier post.

There is only one http://www.tradermotoryachts.com/range/42.html but helm can be Command bridge or fly bridge but same hull and aft cabin.

 

[Latestarter1]

made me smile as well.... in a sort of dumb non understanding way..

Subject of one of my previous rants.......SmartCraft display is is US gallons or liters, but NOT Imperial gallons, used to get tired of telling folks as it never seemed to sink in.............There is one journalist out there who knows, he was on Round Britain 2008 and he certainly got the message!

 

[cat450]

new Beneteau ST 44 or used trader 42 signature

As a Trader 50 owner I can only comment on my own, she has Catapillar diesels, and my wife and myself have lived aboard for six years, in that time we have done thousands of miles, Greek islands ,Crete ,Turkey, my last trip was from Cyprus to Port St Louis, France, stopping once in Sardinia to refuel. During that passage the weather accross the Agean was bloody awfull, but one great thing about the Trader is her comfort in bad weather, Fuel consumption at 7/8 knots was 22 litres an hour, she is capable of 14, why . my particular vessel has owners cabin, double bed, toilet, sink, BATH. and three other cabins with twin bunks, and yes I can compare her with other vessels, have owned three Hillyards, the first being a 9 ton, lived on board for six years 1962-1969 . Being over 70 and a little experiance, the Trader would be my choice, the only thing that would make me a little hesitant is the engines on both vessels, Volvo, and Cummins, both high speed diesels.and probably turbo, intercooled and very thirsty. (replaced window screen wipers on my last trip only )

 

[Latestarter1]

As a Trader 50 owner I can only comment on my own, she has Catapillar diesels, and my wife and myself have lived aboard for six years, in that time we have done thousands of miles, Greek islands ,Crete ,Turkey, my last trip was from Cyprus to Port St Louis, France, stopping once in Sardinia to refuel. During that passage the weather accross the Agean was bloody awfull, but one great thing about the Trader is her comfort in bad weather, Fuel consumption at 7/8 knots was 22 litres an hour, she is capable of 14, why . my particular vessel has owners cabin, double bed, toilet, sink, BATH. and three other cabins with twin bunks, and yes I can compare her with other vessels, have owned three Hillyards, the first being a 9 ton, lived on board for six years 1962-1969 . Being over 70 and a little experiance, the Trader would be my choice, the only thing that would make me a little hesitant is the engines on both vessels, Volvo, and Cummins, both high speed diesels.and probably turbo, intercooled and very thirsty. (replaced window screen wipers on my last trip only )

Trader today only offer CAT or Cummins not Volvo. Not quite sure where you are coming from but 3208 was also a high speed diesel. 3208 was a great motor in its time, however part load fuel consumption was never particularly good on naturally aspirated versions which I assume you have.

 

[jfm]

the only thing that would make me a little hesitant is the engines on both vessels, Volvo, and Cummins, both high speed diesels.and probably turbo, intercooled and very thirsty.

The turbo and intercooler make them less thirsty

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Not quite sure where you are coming from but 3208 was also a high speed diesel. 3208 was a great motor in its time, however part load fuel consumption was never particularly good on naturally aspirated versions which I assume you have.

I'm a big fan of the 3208. I've had that engine in 3 boats and, save for one alternator failure, they were all completely reliable. They're a bit thirsty and a bit smoky, due presumably to the mechanically controlled fuelling, but I really liked the feeling of unstressed V8 power. Lovely engines and a shame that emissions regs did for them

 

[benjenbav]

I like the look of the ST44 but would probably buy the Trader (given the parameters the OP is considering). My reasons are that - and this is just my opinion - the Trader is, relatively speaking, a big, old heavy tub with a good deal of built-in redundancy whereas the Beneteau is a much slicker JIT kind of project.

Equally, I would bet that the quality control on the ST44 is more uniform so I would want the individual Trader very thoroughly inspected to ensure it was a good 'un.

 

[IDAMAY]

Trader 42

Here are some opinions from the owner of a Trader 42. First, though, some facts:

1. We have the three cabin hard top version.
2. She is 5 years old and has approx 760 hours on the engines.
3. We bought her second hand and have had her three years and have cruised as far north as the Isle of Mull and as far south as Piriac.
4. We have had no significant mechanical or other issues with the boat in our ownership and are delighted with the overall build quality.
5. Aside from routine maintenance, the only problems we have had are:
- holding tank macerator failure
- water ingress on the side deck door (the design was changed on later models)
6. Our overall fuel consumption has been ~ 1.3 nm per imp gallon but we cruise mostly at ~ 8kts.
7. The boat was originally supplied by Tarquin (who went bust) so the hull warranties were null and void. However, they would now have expired but have not been needed anyway. The engine warranties had expired at the point we purchased.

OK - now opinions/impressions:

7. Like most unstabilised semi displacement hulls, the 42 will roll in a beam sea. We counter this by upping our cruising speed to around 14 kts but the fuel consumption suffers a lot in those circumstances.
8. We have great confidence in the solidity of the build and find that she behaves very well in rough conditions which, being retired, we try to avoid if at all possible!
9. Our running costs are generally rather less than those of our previous Sealine T47 because of lower mooring costs and fuel useage.
10. We have been able to obtain the few spares we have needed either through Trader Motor Yachts or direct from suppliers.
11. We spend about 8 months of the year on board and have found her very comfortable. The third cabin is a useful "dump room/shed." and even gets pressed into service as an occasional visitors cabin.
12. The aft/forward cabin layout is excellent if one of you is a noisy sleeper as I am told I am!
13. The two cabin version provides a slightly more comfortable saloon and a better forward lobby and washing machine arrangement.

I do like the Swift Trawler and think it has many virtues but I don't think the build quality comes close to that of our Trader 42.

Good luck with your decision and I hope you will enjoy many happy hours on board the boat of your choice.

Richard.

 

[Latestarter1]

I'm a big fan of the 3208. I've had that engine in 3 boats and, save for one alternator failure, they were all completely reliable. They're a bit thirsty and a bit smoky, due presumably to the mechanically controlled fuelling, but I really liked the feeling of unstressed V8 power. Lovely engines and a shame that emissions regs did for them

In deference to cat450 I was not having a pop at the motors, 3208 was an industry icon for near 30 years, and whilst base installation was near perfect, the earlier Trader noise insulation was poor.

Always remember the Trader being on pontoon right at the back, 'D' I think of Emsworth Yacht Harbour . Always pretty comfortable with my boat handling skills however a beamy vessel with loads of top hamper and blowing a hooley was challenging. Very helpful member of yard staff asked if I would like him to talk me out. Biggest surprise was his suggestion that we back out all the way as we had no bow thrusters. Separate gear levers (very topical) and bundles of torque from 3208's set snidge above idle, just a dig ahead straightened her when the wind tried to catch me out. For a first time experience the Trader was a big pussycat, even backing up to the pontoon to let the yard man step neatly off the bathing platform, nailed her to get some way on, and gave the poor guy very wet feet!

 

[madorwhat]

Some excellent views , thanks.
Going for another look at Trader this weekend so will see what the deal is with my current boat.

 

[madorwhat]

Still a bit undecided but swaying towards the Trader , any more views

 

[Nautibusiness]

A complete curve ball and simply because I looked over her at Paris Boat Show.
Billed to be a fast trawler killer and certainly offering space and a MASSIVE flybridge.

Take a look at the Jeanneau Voyage 42. Brand new for 2013.

As I say, a curve ball, but it does everything a trawler does and it appears to do it well, plus it is capable of fairly high speeds.

I haven't been out on one yet to comment fully, but I suspect handling wil be pleasant.

No idea where you are based, but you'll need to pop to Dusseldorf Boat Show to see one in the very near future or contact your local Jeanneau dealer if you feel it warrants a look before you get the cheque book out on either of the others.

 

[DAKA]

I dont like the Beneteau Trawler at all, I got seasick on the thing at the boatshow !

BUT out the two it would be the Beneteau.

The trader is bodged together , the hull is made in sections or at least some are.
when a manufacturer increases their boat length they make a plug prior to making a mould which should be disposed of .
It appears trader fit these plugs out and sell them as new boats.

If you had read the links to Trader on this forum you wouldnt consider a trader unless it was over 10 years old when they appear to have been built better and gained their reputation .

http://www.ybw.com/forums/search.php?searchid=6766744&pp=25&page=3

 

[Chris_d]

I would suggest reading the threads in Daka's post above before commiting to the Trader, it might "look" like the better boat, but you must be aware of what your buying.

I can see why their style and type appeal's but any Trader manufactured recently has to be a very risky purchase.

 

[madorwhat]

A complete curve ball and simply because I looked over her at Paris Boat Show.
Billed to be a fast trawler killer and certainly offering space and a MASSIVE flybridge.

Take a look at the Jeanneau Voyage 42. Brand new for 2013.

As I say, a curve ball, but it does everything a trawler does and it appears to do it well, plus it is capable of fairly high speeds.

I haven't been out on one yet to comment fully, but I suspect handling wil be pleasant.

No idea where you are based, but you'll need to pop to Dusseldorf Boat Show to see one in the very near future or contact your local Jeanneau dealer if you feel it warrants a look before you get the cheque book out on either of the others.

MMMMMmmm. I sort of like the look of that. The flybridge looks like a bit of an afterthought but I could live with it. What money are these ??

 

[kashurst]

website indicates £260K plus vat and extras