Sealine S28 owners Please

[davecw000]

Currently considering a 2000(yr) S28

Single mercruiser diesel, Bravo III leg

I know there’s a lot of debate about singles over twins – but I guess at the end of the day if it suits and all that….. after all its only 29 foot….. Planning to keep her on Scottish loch so top end speed not that important nor is redundancy factor of a second engine if one were to fail….. a decent small outboard would prob keep me out of trouble.

So to my question(s)….. I have read much about sealines and cracking on the hull noticeable near the bow and on the chines – whilst I do not wish to set any debate running on the issue – I would be grateful if someone were to give me an idea of exactly where to look for this i.e above or below water line, where the deck meets the hull etc… (boat is on the hard and just had the bottom painted – but above this, the hull looks clean and solid) also there has been some suggestion of the tabbing becoming dislodged which leads to this cracking – I do intend to get a survey but before this are there places i.e within the interior spaces where I should be looking before going that far?

Also read much about the bravo III leg; can it be that bad? .. and with a mercruiser diesel, again the suggestion is made that this should be cheaper than a VP is this true? …. Has there been any sign of the market moving more toward singles – obviously looking to see how hard it may be to sell on in a few years…..

Many thanks

Dave

 

[enterprise]

Sealine s28

No responses yet???

I can only assume you are touching a few nerves with your opening questions but they are very valid, although not so much in the s28 (crazing etc).

Fwiw we had a sealine s240 some years ago, having surveyed a couple we picked the best which at the time and being nieve we though was the best way to go, having had the boat repaired costing several thousands we were very happy with what we had.

We decided to move on to the next size when funds allowed & started looking at s28's, we found no documented problems as with the s240's but having had previous experience decided to research deeper as you are doing now.

We found the biggest reported problems were with 260's & 270's centred mainly around hull flexing causing stress fractures and detached tabbing, along with early s240's and subsequent early s24's.
We had 1 s260 surveyed and 3 s240's, (buying the best 240), so were no experts but the reason we turned our attention away from the 260's/270's was that on all occasions that we contacted 260 owners they did report (after some very pointed questions) that they too had noticed the onset of fractures and tab detachment, all four sealine's surveyed had problems.

The period before these models (215, 218, 220, 255 etc) don't seem to get bad reports and the current crop of sealine's seem to fair better so I can only assume (IMO) that it has to be a couple of models around the s' Series.

Whether the s28 is one that escaped problems then only the very avid owners of them will be able to tell you, they don't seem to be blighted and have got to be one of the most sought after models, so resale would be ok regarding the model, single engine however will appeal to a different market which in these times might well expand, after all it's partly the reason you interested too.

As for us we didn't buy another sealine which Im led to believe is unusual as brand loyalty is quite high, not that we would never buy another, just make sure you have a reputable and knowledgeable surveyor.

Main areas to look are around the bulkheads, also the engine bearers.
Lifting point's too, our surveyor sugested that one we looked at had been "Squeezed", possibly incorrectly lifted at some point or hard driving in unsuitable conditions.
Tabbing detached around the internal mouldings, often showing cracking at the same points.
Another area for concern is with the Alu tankage, many of the tanks suffered with corrosion around the base & underside, having been mounted on foam pads, excluding air circulation from certain points on the tank, pitting and subsequent holing was common.

Again Im not trying too suggest that any of these problems are associated to the s28, just that these we found in some of the models from the same era.
I'm sure current owners can help balance the picture.

Good luck with your search.

 

[rafiki_]

Sorry, not a Sealine owner, but my advice is to have a really thorough (3-4 hr) crawl over the boat, opening every locker and hatch that you can find. Any serious damage should be easy to spot.

S28's are quite sought after, so if there were systemic problems, this would not be the case.

With the Merc diesel, it depends which variant. Some early Merc diesels were based on the VM 2.8/3.6/4.2 engines from Italy. They have a bit of a reputation for overheating, if not properly maintained, coolant changes, heat exchanger cleaning etc.

For you use on the Loch, you will not be a hard user of the engine, so as long as sensibly maintained, no reason for it to let you down. The Bravo 3 is a robust unit, probably more robust than the equivalent VP. Again, sensible maintenance is the key to success.

Once you are happy with the boat, make an offer, subject to survey and sea trial, and go from there.

I'm sure with enough digging you could unearth a horror story or 2 about the S28 and Merc diesel, but there will also be many more very happy users of the same.

Someone on this forum was convinced that my Sunline would collapse from under me. Those who have been on board, including a couple of technicians, have been very complimentary about her build quality and robustness.

 

[davecw000]

Enterpise

Many thanks for taking the time to post a reply....

Not many viewers either? - perhaps all inside praying for the weather to change.

As I said in my question(s) - I didnt wish to start any debate just get some genuine comments...

Funny, I posted a question on another forum about the 270 and again no reponse - Perhaps everyone is trying to keep sealine as the "best kept secret" lol.....

Anyway have veiwed a second boat - just out of the salty suff and just by the waterline was some crazing - looked pretty cosmetic to me - there was other areas where the crazing had also cracked through the antifoul.

As you say though very nice boats...Still very much interested in the model - like the layout, space and fittings...

Everyone tells me how had it is to sell just now - but I just sold my boat in 4 days - Fantastic condition, well maintained - but above all was realistic with asking price - ended up getting fully asking price too.

Many thanks again for your considered comments - I wish you very best for rest of the season and beyond....

david

 

[davecw000]

Rafiki

Thanks for your constructive comments good practical stuff there.....

david

 

[neale]

Answer as an S28 owner.

AFAIK there are no specific major structural problems with the S28. Having said that any boat subjected to a hard life can suffer and the S28 is no different. It may well have stress cracks along the leading edge of the radar arch, as this is fairly common, but is only cosmetic.

As has already been said, go over it in as close detail as you can, looking for obvious evidence of damage or poor repairs. If it looks good to you, get a professional survey.

As regards to the engine query. Its horses for courses. Most people expect to find two engines on a Sealine S28 so the re-sale market may be limited. If you can get it at a good price go for it, you will make significant savings in the running and servicing costs during ownership and if you price it accordingly you should have no trouble selling. With fuel prices going the way they are, there may well be a market for single engine boats like this providing circa 3-4mpg rather than twins returning around 2mpg.

The only proviso I would have with this particular boat is that with a single outdrive on a 28ft boat you will find a bow thruster very, very useful. If it's got one, great. If it hasn't , bear in mind it will probably cost circa £3K to get one fitted, or £1.5k to do it yourself.

The S28 is a fab model, offering lots of boat for good money.

 

[davecw000]

Neale

Thanks for that - a BT had crossed my mind particularly if I can get it cheap enought - and that may in fact form part of the negotiations - I take it there is enought space (height available, presumably under the fwd dinning area) and access is sufficient to allow good all round glassing of the tunnel.... Suspect I would get professional to install the tunnel and install motor, wiring etc myself

regards

David

 

[neale]

Yes plenty of room for a thruster, it was a factory option after all. I fitted one to my single outdrive Bayliner and it made a huge difference in the usability of the boat. Quite simply one of the best upgrades I carried out, after swapping the petrol for diesel

 

[davecw000]

BT........I'm googling already...... LOL

Cheers

David

 

[Sneds]

A bow thruster is definately on my wish list.

 

[Elessar]

Currently considering a 2000(yr) S28

Single mercruiser diesel, Bravo III leg

I know there’s a lot of debate about singles over twins – but I guess at the end of the day if it suits and all that….. after all its only 29 foot….. Planning to keep her on Scottish loch so top end speed not that important nor is redundancy factor of a second engine if one were to fail….. a decent small outboard would prob keep me out of trouble.

So to my question(s)….. I have read much about sealines and cracking on the hull noticeable near the bow and on the chines – whilst I do not wish to set any debate running on the issue – I would be grateful if someone were to give me an idea of exactly where to look for this i.e above or below water line, where the deck meets the hull etc… (boat is on the hard and just had the bottom painted – but above this, the hull looks clean and solid) also there has been some suggestion of the tabbing becoming dislodged which leads to this cracking – I do intend to get a survey but before this are there places i.e within the interior spaces where I should be looking before going that far?

Also read much about the bravo III leg; can it be that bad? .. and with a mercruiser diesel, again the suggestion is made that this should be cheaper than a VP is this true? …. Has there been any sign of the market moving more toward singles – obviously looking to see how hard it may be to sell on in a few years…..

Many thanks

Dave

I own a sealine with mercs......

Sealines are well made with good quality fittings. Princesses and Fairlines of that era have inferior catches and other fittings compared with sealines. Yet for some reason people knock sealines quality.

They had a couple of stress crack issues on some new models, but sorted them all as far as I know.

They had a few issues with engines in S42s. They re engined them.

Even with a boat 10+ years old you can ring sealine and they will help you. They are an excellent company.

So you can buy with at least as much confidence as any boat of that age.

They use interior space second to none.

The genius engineer who fitted everything into such a small space was rewarded by being allowed to choose the upholstery carpet and curtain colours. He should have asked his wife but with choices like that he can't have had one. To reduce the floral nausea you'll need a k or 2 to re upholster the saloon if it hasn't been done already. But maybe you like green......

B3s corrode very easily if the anodes are neglected or if the batteries are allowed to go flat (there is an active anode which is essential)

Merc engines are easy to work on and the parts are easy to import at reasonable prices from the states. Volvo and yanmar prohibit this so you are the mercy of their rip off UK prices.

Yes merc boats are harder to sell. There are fewer merc agents around and volvo have marketed themselves very well. Some of the stuff volvo sells now is unfit for purpose yet people keep buying it. As a company they dont give a damn, ignoring people who have spent the price of a luxury car on a boat engine and drive that just falls apart - the company does not deserve it's market dominance.

Agree with neale about the BT, though with an outdrive its better than a single shaft. My last 2 boats were single engine and I never got round to fitting BTs. They're very useful indeed but not essential.

 

[enterprise]

I own a sealine with mercs......

Sealines are well made with good quality fittings. Princesses and Fairlines of that era have inferior catches and other fittings compared with sealines. Yet for some reason people knock sealines quality.

They had a couple of stress crack issues on some new models, but sorted them all as far as I know.

They had a few issues with engines in S42s. They re engined them.

Even with a boat 10+ years old you can ring sealine and they will help you. They are an excellent company.

So you can buy with at least as much confidence as any boat of that age.

They use interior space second to none.

The genius engineer who fitted everything into such a small space was rewarded by being allowed to choose the upholstery carpet and curtain colours. He should have asked his wife but with choices like that he can't have had one. To reduce the floral nausea you'll need a k or 2 to re upholster the saloon if it hasn't been done already. But maybe you like green......

B3s corrode very easily if the anodes are neglected or if the batteries are allowed to go flat (there is an active anode which is essential)

Merc engines are easy to work on and the parts are easy to import at reasonable prices from the states. Volvo and yanmar prohibit this so you are the mercy of their rip off UK prices.

Yes merc boats are harder to sell. There are fewer merc agents around and volvo have marketed themselves very well. Some of the stuff volvo sells now is unfit for purpose yet people keep buying it. As a company they dont give a damn, ignoring people who have spent the price of a luxury car on a boat engine and drive that just falls apart - the company does not deserve it's market dominance.

Agree with neale about the BT, though with an outdrive its better than a single shaft. My last 2 boats were single engine and I never got round to fitting BTs. They're very useful indeed but not essential.

Sorry Elessar, I don't agree with many of your statements but will refrain from making comment as the original post is requesting info on a 2000yr s28, good or bad, I wouldn't expect anything less than praise from current owners.

My only advice would be to employ a surveyor who is used to this kind of boat, make inquiries as to previous boats surveyed etc & get one who really knows their sealines, then at the very least you will know you have a good one and not one that has required attention at some point, of course this applies to any boat from any manufacturer.

Another recommendation would be to check the boat over thoroughly before you employ a surveyor, it can get expensive once you have surveyed one or two, loosing the best part of £1k each time you find a lemon is no fun.

 

[Peanuts]

Hi

I have a 2001 S28, commisioned in 2002. Currently just pass the 1300hr mark so you can see I tend to use my boat and it doesn't have to be calm for me to go out!

I am very particle when it comes to inspecting the hull, I was in non-destructive testing for 10 years just in case you are wondering if I am qualified to answer, to date I have found no signs of any stress cracking in the hull, and neither have any of my fellow S28 owners that I know, so I don't quite know where this question of stress cracking comes from.

Regarding your engine related question I cannot answer that as all of the S28's I know are twins.

 

[gimmesunshine]

I have had a 2001 s28 for 5 years now with twin kad32's. I've always kept my eye on the market and single's dont seem popular along with mercruisers. But having said that, as long as the price is reflective then its likely you will get a boat that fits your particular needs.
Regards VP or merc's. Well touch wood the volvo's for me have been perfect but I wouldnt touch a new D series and would seriosly consider a merc if i were buying something much newer.
general boat wise, never had a problem and sealine support is excellent.
I believe if you look and ask you will find people who will say for and against for all brands.
best of luck

 

[Risingstar]

We have a 1998 Sealine S28 with single Merc 4.2 250HP and Bravo III X. Full annual service and couldn't be happier. No hull cracking issues. The only upgrade we made was a vetus bt. Servicing costs are not too bad either, as parts can be found at ok prices if you shop around.

 

[petem]

I own a sealine with mercs......

Sealines are well made with good quality fittings. Princesses and Fairlines of that era have inferior catches and other fittings compared with sealines. Yet for some reason people knock sealines quality.

They had a couple of stress crack issues on some new models, but sorted them all as far as I know.

They had a few issues with engines in S42s. They re engined them.

Even with a boat 10+ years old you can ring sealine and they will help you. They are an excellent company.

So you can buy with at least as much confidence as any boat of that age.

They use interior space second to none.

The genius engineer who fitted everything into such a small space was rewarded by being allowed to choose the upholstery carpet and curtain colours. He should have asked his wife but with choices like that he can't have had one. To reduce the floral nausea you'll need a k or 2 to re upholster the saloon if it hasn't been done already. But maybe you like green......

B3s corrode very easily if the anodes are neglected or if the batteries are allowed to go flat (there is an active anode which is essential)

Merc engines are easy to work on and the parts are easy to import at reasonable prices from the states. Volvo and yanmar prohibit this so you are the mercy of their rip off UK prices.

Yes merc boats are harder to sell. There are fewer merc agents around and volvo have marketed themselves very well. Some of the stuff volvo sells now is unfit for purpose yet people keep buying it. As a company they dont give a damn, ignoring people who have spent the price of a luxury car on a boat engine and drive that just falls apart - the company does not deserve it's market dominance.

Agree with neale about the BT, though with an outdrive its better than a single shaft. My last 2 boats were single engine and I never got round to fitting BTs. They're very useful indeed but not essential.

Mmmmm, I'm far from convinced. There are narly 50,000 threads on these forums and you will struggle to find any citing hulls issues with Fairlines (I certainly can't remember a single one). Regarding inferior catches, I've never heard of this either. AFAIK Fairline catches are made by the highly respected Timage and I assumed that they made them for Sealine too (please correct me if I'm wrong).

Despite that S28's are definitely one of Sealine's best. A nice practical boat that is popular on the used market (in fact almost as good as a T28/29/30). I once went on a Merc powered single engined S28 to Cowes. Once it got going it was fine and I agree that for Loch use a single would be adequate. Certainly the increased MPG and reduced running costs will be a bonus.

Pete