Project 31

[Tel]

Hi Raggie again - been hanging around more motor boat marinas - rather taken by a 1974 Project 31, which looks like a reasonable sea boat (it has two anchors!). Unfortunately it has twin AQ115's (petrol). Why is it that there are so many petrol boats but marinas don't supply petrol? Anyone any views on a project 31?

 

[hlb]

As far as I know its an early Princess who used to be cauld Marine Projects. So the boat should be OK (Well they didn't go bust after it)!!

No petrol on marinas.

Well first its got to be kept underground and unless under the sea counts its difficult.

Second No body uses it much these days except for little outboards cos its far to expencive and dangerous.

Boats too old to give general opinions you will just have to look at it or get a servey and then look at converting it to gas.

Haydn

 

[eddieperkins]

Hi,
I had a 1968 Project 31 for 5 years until I part exchanged it for a Sealine last year so Ive got lots of views, trouble is, which ones do you want to hear??? Mine had twin Volvo AQD21A's on 250 legs which had been well neglected and which I ended up having rebuilt. They still gave a fairly consistent 2 mpg but struggled to get up ontto the plane so most of my cruising was done at displacement speeds. In hindsight I would have been better off taking out the engines when I bought it and replacing them with a pair of Lancing Marine Ford units but you live an learn. At sea the boat never gave me cause for concern, I cruise'd the East coast between the Broads and the Thames in summer based on the Orwell, and used it for fishing in the winter. At anchor it would roll heavilly when a ship went past, as they tend to do all to frequently at Harwich but that big aft cockpit was great and is sadly missed. At river speeds it tended to wander a bit as most outdrive planing hulls do, but at speed was fine. All in all I got a lot of enjoyment from it and only moved up for a shower and more comfort. I would change those engines though, (Im not a fan of petrol engines in a boat) but the legs should be fine. Definately get a survey and have the drives/engines checked. Any specifics drop me a line.
Regards,
Eddie