Rodman 38

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kashurst

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Sold the T50 a few weeks ago - best bits great ride, excellent layout, terrific aircon, bad bits - damage caused by so called professionals who were clearly incompetent, and never ending Seaplex problems - I'm an Electronic engineer and I started sailing around with an oscilloscope on board to debug its frequent spasms.

Been out looking at possible new toy today in Spain. Loads of boats for sale but getting brokers to set up visits ridiculously difficult. Was supposed to see two today. One boat no-one knew where it was! turned out it was 10 miles away being antifouled. The other was a Rodman 38 with KAMD 300s. very low hours but also very little use. I wasn't expecting much in terms of build quality but came away quite impressed - especially with the engine bay fit out and the various bits of plumbing etc. I have downloaded the MBY article about them - which is pretty bland but they seem surprised at the fit and finish too. KAMDs seem well regarded as long as you do the valves religiously. Anyone owned one or been out on one.
 
Never been out on a 38 per se but am very taken with the brand, nearly bought a smaller one a few years back. From the ones I have been out in I recall they have a good build quality and great sea keeping.

Might be worth a chat with Ben down at Birdham Pool. He is the main importer for Rodman and an all round good egg.

Andrew
 
hi well done with the sale does the rod have ips drives and does this not put you off ,then again could you do anything with the electronic controls
 
the boat is simple shaft drive - I remain to be convinced by IPS. It does seem to produce good economy in the right set up/hull, but its so complex that few people really understand it and can fix it, and the parts cost is astronomical. As a leisure user I would never get the fuel benefit and risk a serious bill and a long repair time. From what I have learnt without the full Vodia set up and training courses, IPS is not DIY able.

IPS is ok I think if you never stray far from the local official volvo dealer. But out on some far flung island, I want something I can fix with an adjustable spanner and a size 32 adjuster. Bit like Toyota Land Cruisers in Africa - not the most efficient but anyone over the age of 12 can fix them with half a brick.
 
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kashurst said:
the boat is simple shaft drive - I remain to be convinced by IPS. It does seem to produce good economy in the right set up/hull, but its so complex that few people really understand it and can fix it, and the parts cost is astronomical. As a leisure user I would never get the fuel benefit and risk a serious bill and a long repair time. From what I have learnt without the full Vodia set up and training courses, IPS is not DIY able.
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so kash what year would that be with shafts pre 2005
 
IDAMAY said:
When we were berthed in Mylor Yacht Harbour a few years ago, a neighbour took his Rodman (probably a 41 or 42) to Greenland and back. I think he broke a few bits but it made it all the way which speaks volumes for the build quality.
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Seem to recall reading a write up in one of the mags about that. MBY or MBM I guess. Article might be available to buy online.
 
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