Sealine 255

[Danpompey]

Hello everyone....

I am now looking to maybe change from sail to power...

I am looking at a Sealine 255 with a Volvo penta 151 driving two volvo penta 290 outdrives (petrol).

Is anyone familiar with the running cost of this? also should I be looking at petrol or diesel ? (pros and cons!)

Any help would be appreciated !

Thanks

 

[Chris_d]

Your looking at roughly 8-10 gallons an hour at a cruise of 20-25knts or 1-2gph at 5/6knts, a planing boat of this type will simply not work at any other speeds in between.

255 is an excellent little boat, get the engines and drives checked by someone whos knows them or your into 000's.

If you are considering going anywhere other than just round the bay for a quick blast get a diesel boat, biggest problem with petrol is avaliablilty so you can't go anywhere.

 

[rafiki_]

Your looking at roughly 8-10 gallons an hour at a cruise of 20-25knts or 1-2gph at 5/6knts, a planing boat of this type will simply not work at any other speeds in between.

255 is an excellent little boat, get the engines and drives checked by someone whos knows them or your into 000's.

If you are considering going anywhere other than just round the bay for a quick blast get a diesel boat, biggest problem with petrol is avaliablilty so you can't go anywhere.

I think your fuel cons estimates are a little low. I had a 23ft Sunbird (lighter than the Sealine) with a single V8 petrol, and 12-15 gph was optimistic. I think you may be nearer 15+gph with the twin Volvo set-up. This sort of boat would be much better with a single diesel, giving 6-8 gph at these speeds. However, you are probably looking at the newer S23 series, and a bit more cash up front, but significant savings in running costs, easier to sell on etc.

 

[Chris_d]

I think your fuel cons estimates are a little low. I had a 23ft Sunbird (lighter than the Sealine) with a single V8 petrol, and 12-15 gph was optimistic. I think you may be nearer 15+gph with the twin Volvo set-up. This sort of boat would be much better with a single diesel, giving 6-8 gph at these speeds. However, you are probably looking at the newer S23 series, and a bit more cash up front, but significant savings in running costs, easier to sell on etc.

I could be wrong, but Volvo 151's are only little 4 cylinder 145hp each and not too bad on fuel, however its the £££'s per hour that will hurt regardless, especialy if coming from a sailboat, definately get a diesel.

 

[rafiki_]

I could be wrong, but Volvo 151's are only little 4 cylinder 145hp each and not too bad on fuel, however its the £££'s per hour that will hurt regardless, especialy if coming from a sailboat, definately get a diesel.

Agreed

 

[joejo]

I have a Sealine 255 which gets most of its use on the non tidal Thames with a few trips down the tideway. Mine has a 200hp Volvo Penta 41A 6 cyl diesel with a 290 DP outdrive. We love the boat which ticks most of the boxes and the specification suits us well, within our budget constraints. On the non tidal river I get about 0.5 gph and when in other waters at full speed which can be approaching 30 knotts this goes up to about 7 gph. However I dont think one would want to go at that speed for too long. The tank holds 88 gallons.
The single engine is just fine for us, plenty of access in the engine bay and reasonably economic. I would recommend a diesel over petrol.
As previously mentioned condition is all important as these boats are now 20+ years old.

Good luck with your search

 

[Danpompey]

Thanks everyone for the advice, it really helps.