Phantom 46. Thoughts?

Sticky Fingers

Sticky Fingers

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I’m thinking of getting another boat, madness I know but after a stunning day out today with @Elessar, @PEJ and @rafiki_ I feel the need to do it. The present Mrs Sticky is supportive.

Phantom 46 fits the bill in terms of size and accommodation, and there are a few UK boats available, but it’s an old boat, 20+ years old now, and some well documented problems with lacquer and linings give me cause for concern. Budget won’t run to D9s so looking at 75P engines.

Would get survey, engine survey and full sea trial of course.

Wondering what owners and ex owners might think of this model.

Opinions welcome.
 
Nice boats and you know it makes sense to get another! 😁

I have no experience of the Phantom save for looking at one or two smaller versions as possible options in the past. Fairline build quality is fairly well known and the ones I looked at were in fairly good order.

As someone who is used to owning 20+ year old boats I would say that things like lacquer or lining problems will be apparent when viewing a boat. That said, I have always wondered why you hear reports of Fairlines with sagging linings but not so much other makes of boat. Of our six boats the only one I experienced it with was a Fairline and have had no problems at all with similarly aged (or older) Brooms, Sealine and a Hardy.

You will be aware of the EDC replacement issues that have been discussed on here but have now been resolved by VP I think?
 
Their is also some who can repair EDC's with good successful outcome.
While just doing thirty knots or something under it, Phantom 46 are actually a bit better with T74 or 75 also because I think engine access is not so difficult in most areas.
With D9s access to port engine was very difficult even to check some basic items.

In my opinion the Phantom 46 is one of best looking flybridge boats of its size and era, probably ever made.
She has really a nice balance to its design that finds no fault.
 
I have owned one for the last 3 year, having previously owned Fairline, Princess and Sealines in the 40 -50. 75p engines give a good balance of power and fuel economy, the ECU issue only affects the earlier 72/3 series engines as I understand it. Bags of accommodation, good big saloon, loads of storage although some a bit difficult to access. Downsides, 20 odd year old boats now and will have age related issues popping up, toilet pumps etc etc. Wind noise on the flybridge at planing speeds is annoying at times and a bit of spray from the back of the boat means running with the cockpit covers closed, I had this from my Princess as well,so it’s not specifically a 46 issue. Good value for money boats, but it depends on your budget, at sub 200k for a 2000 -2004 boat vs 300k for a 2010 ish Sealine F42 I know where I spent my money!
Linings are easily replaced, wood panels can be refinished, its all doable.
 
Sticky Fingers said:
I’m thinking of getting another boat, madness I know but after a stunning day out today with @Elessar, @PEJ and @rafiki_ I feel the need to do it. The present Mrs Sticky is supportive.

Phantom 46 fits the bill in terms of size and accommodation, and there are a few UK boats available, but it’s an old boat, 20+ years old now, and some well documented problems with lacquer and linings give me cause for concern. Budget won’t run to D9s so looking at 75P engines.

Would get survey, engine survey and full sea trial of course.

Wondering what owners and ex owners might think of this model.

Opinions welcome.
Click to expand...
I've driven a few and like them. Then layout is conventional but good if you like that.
I like my aft cabin so that I can't hear guests farting and bonking but that does compromise the cockpit, flybridge and loses the lazerette.
Linings will be nackered or will have been replaced.
I like the 75Ps.
 
Machaseo said:
I have owned one for the last 3 year, having previously owned Fairline, Princess and Sealines in the 40 -50. 75p engines give a good balance of power and fuel economy, the ECU issue only affects the earlier 72/3 series engines as I understand it. Bags of accommodation, good big saloon, loads of storage although some a bit difficult to access. Downsides, 20 odd year old boats now and will have age related issues popping up, toilet pumps etc etc. Wind noise on the flybridge at planing speeds is annoying at times and a bit of spray from the back of the boat means running with the cockpit covers closed, I had this from my Princess as well,so it’s not specifically a 46 issue. Good value for money boats, but it depends on your budget, at sub 200k for a 2000 -2004 boat vs 300k for a 2010 ish Sealine F42 I know where I spent my money!
Linings are easily replaced, wood panels can be refinished, its all doable.
Click to expand...
"easily"
hmmm.........
 
I’ve just finished replacing all the wall and ceiling linings on our Phantom 43. It’s taken 2 winters to complete. Fore and Aft Cabins last year with Saloon this year. I reckon I spent about 15 hours a week. Materials about £2500. I found it took longer to remove and clean off the residue than recovering. It takes a long time as to do it as Fairline you have to remove a lot of parts glued and screwed in. Door frames, all of the galley, cabinets and wardrobes. I removed the parts and took them home to recover. It’s time consuming rather than difficult. Quite pleased with how it’s turned out and I’ve never done this before.
 
Must say I have always liked the phantom 46. The 46 was first in the series it came before the 40, 43 and 50.

I just find it a well built boat. Nicely styled (doesn't date) by the Andy Pope/Adam Greenwood team iirc, and an all round good machine. If you find a nice one it would be a good target imho.
 
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