Rampart 32

[Guest]

I am considering buying a Rampart 32, built late 50's, morris commodore diesel.
Does any one know of any horror stories [or can give hints of what to look for] in their construction or type of engine please?
Any good news about them would help boost morale!
Pilot

 

[boomer]

Can't tell you much about the Rampart as a boat (your best bet on that one is Byron who apparently has a huge reference book permanently open along side his PC!) But we have a friend, who, until he gave up last year, had run a number of 'mature' boats equipped with BMC Commodore 4-cylinder diesels. Given their age these are clearly 'old technology' but are absolutely bomb-proof. Spares are still available (thro' Leyland Daf disributors) and are so cheap you would think you are buying bits for a bicycle! Came in 3.4 and later, 3.8 litre form, not much to choose between either as both apparently produce 50 or 60 bhp, depending on which documentation you read. Bottom line is they have been going for years and if in reasonable condition now, have years left in them. Good luck.

ps you might wish to note for future reference that old friend has workshop manual and fully reconditioned cylinder-head for this engine which are no further use to him.

 

[byron]

Ramparts were a quality cruiser built in Southampton and built like the proverbial brick merde house. A survey will bring to light any defects but remember to run a boat such as this you will need to be pretty handy yourself.

ô¿ô

 

[piratequeen]

A friend of ours has one of these, not as beautiful or such elegant lines as a fox's Revelry of course, but still ten million times better than your average interchangeable F/line, S/seeker, Princess or Italian jobby plastic type large bathtoy. Let's have a bit of individuality around here - yeah, buy a wooden boat and never have a spare moment in your life when you couldn't be rubbing down and varnishing! )