Sunseeker Portofino 31 - One Away
- Thread starter neale
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Biggles109
Active Member
From the same broker as the Mexico, what do people think of this? Wrong side of the country for me but still tempting...
http://www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk/brokerage-boats/searchfullspecs.php?DocumentID=4000792
http://www.clarkeandcarter.co.uk/brokerage-boats/searchfullspecs.php?DocumentID=4000792
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
I like the Offshore, but for similar budget and a little closer (Weymouth), I think I'd look at the Portofino 31 here Both the wrong side of towing limits for me, but if you're looking to keep afloat... 
Personally, I wouldn't let distance deter me from the right boat and think you have to be prepared to travel and look at as many as necessary! A friend & I did an 1100 mile round trip to Scotland (in 26 hours
) to collect the Arrowbolt!
Personally, I wouldn't let distance deter me from the right boat and think you have to be prepared to travel and look at as many as necessary! A friend & I did an 1100 mile round trip to Scotland (in 26 hours
) to collect the Arrowbolt!Biggles109
Active Member
Hmmm I spotted that Portofino too, looks nice. Was trying to justify it, not sure I want to put that amount in yet. Maybe we should go halves!
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Hi Brett, I see from your earlier post that you are looking at drying moorings. Might sound daft, but I think I'd be heavily influenced by the type of outdrives and in particular, how close to the keel-line they lift. I know folk do have outdrives on drying moorings but I'd be concerned about having to leave the drive lifted all the time - particularly if there's still any chance of the boats weight sitting on the drive in anything other than soft sand/mud! Where on the Teign are you looking? Is it a swinging mooring?
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
If my Missus gets even a sniff that I've been 'considering another boat', it won't be the only thing in halves... 
4 years further on however and I'd probably have already taken the bank manager for lunch... 
Biggles109
Active Member
Ouch! I found taking the wife out when it was a bit lumpy made a good case for a boat upgrade
I seem to have made a lot of use of our current smallish boat despite the summer so if work goes to plan idea is to make a move upwards come Feb, fingers crossed...
I seem to have made a lot of use of our current smallish boat despite the summer so if work goes to plan idea is to make a move upwards come Feb, fingers crossed...
Biggles109
Active Member
I am above the bridge, so swinging on soft mud at the moment. I have seen a Monterey and a Mexico kept on drying stoney ground further down, not at all ideal but I think no major damage. Not sure what I will be offered yet, if anything.
Still am keen to find what model has the least bad clearance for outdrives, if not doable I may be looking at taking a season in tq marina until the right mooring comes up and then coming back...
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
I guess it depends on location - I'd never sleep for worry! I think the Monterey is up for sale - is it this one? Keen price, but I suspect for most it would need a diesel re-engine to make viable? I'm not sure I'd fancy filling the tanks for twin V8's myself for that matter...
(He says, rebuilding a boat with a 5.0 V8...
)epervier
Well-Known Member
Before I moved her to trailer sailing, One Away was on a swing with putty under her at low spring tides, the drives have a beach mode on the trim settings and I didn't encountered any problems as to growth of tube worm or barnacles on the rams, but having said that she was used, not left like it for weeks on end.
Biggles109
Active Member
Thanks, very useful photo!
Biggles109
Active Member
I guess it depends on location - I'd never sleep for worry! I think the Monterey is up for sale - is it this one? Keen price, but I suspect for most it would need a diesel re-engine to make viable? I'm not sure I'd fancy filling the tanks for twin V8's myself for that matter...
(He says, rebuilding a boat with a 5.0 V8...
Yes, that Monterey is on the hard in the boatyard. Recent engines but just too juicy to run if going any distance....
Pennpromo
Well-Known Member
Monterey
I had a Monterey in about 2004. Really great boat, with the old Volvo petrols on carbs. I think they were 260s from memory. It was pretty scary then filling up so even worse now. But to be realistic fuel is still not the major expense after mooring, insurance and admittedly with these boats meager depreciation.
The new MPI multipoint fuel injection engines are much more economical and of course parts are really cheap if you know where to get them.
I had a Monterey in about 2004. Really great boat, with the old Volvo petrols on carbs. I think they were 260s from memory. It was pretty scary then filling up so even worse now. But to be realistic fuel is still not the major expense after mooring, insurance and admittedly with these boats meager depreciation.
The new MPI multipoint fuel injection engines are much more economical and of course parts are really cheap if you know where to get them.
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Re: Monterey
Apologies for the old-thread resurrection, but 4 years on I find myself back looking at Portofino 31's again...
For various reasons (mostly time), progress on the Arrowbolt has been very slow and having had a year away from the water we've both been turning thoughts to boats a lot lately (Missus is as bad/worse than I am! :ambivalence: )
Following the loss of two close family members (Uncle & Mother In Law) in less than a year, we've both concluded that life needs a bit more 'living' and a bit less racing to pay off mortgage (now quite small) and so forth... We both have some limited inheritance due and although not large sums and some tied up in property, combined they would clear existing commitments apart from said mortgage and leave perhaps 20-25K. Common sense says this should fund new windows and a list of other mundane (sensible) house things - but common sense isn't always the answer is it? I'm not deluded enough to overlook the annual costs of keeping such a vessel and that is probably still the biggest hurdle, but having made the effort to learn how to do loads more maintenance in the last few years I'm hopefully far better equipped. I also took a big career direction change 2 years ago to do something I enjoy rather than chasing earnings. After a 'year out' (Working Holiday) driving all around the Westcountry delivering food, I'm now lucky enough to be working in the Marine sector - and for a Volvo Penta Centre! Something tells me that there will never be a better time to realise a dream...
Anyway, whilst in the process of looking around the market, I stumbled back on this thread and wondered who still ran these 'Plastic Classics' as I believe they were kindly referred to?
(Besides, winter is getting tedious now and more Classic Sunseeker pics would be inspiring!)
Apologies for the old-thread resurrection, but 4 years on I find myself back looking at Portofino 31's again...
For various reasons (mostly time), progress on the Arrowbolt has been very slow and having had a year away from the water we've both been turning thoughts to boats a lot lately (Missus is as bad/worse than I am! :ambivalence: )
Following the loss of two close family members (Uncle & Mother In Law) in less than a year, we've both concluded that life needs a bit more 'living' and a bit less racing to pay off mortgage (now quite small) and so forth... We both have some limited inheritance due and although not large sums and some tied up in property, combined they would clear existing commitments apart from said mortgage and leave perhaps 20-25K. Common sense says this should fund new windows and a list of other mundane (sensible) house things - but common sense isn't always the answer is it? I'm not deluded enough to overlook the annual costs of keeping such a vessel and that is probably still the biggest hurdle, but having made the effort to learn how to do loads more maintenance in the last few years I'm hopefully far better equipped. I also took a big career direction change 2 years ago to do something I enjoy rather than chasing earnings. After a 'year out' (Working Holiday) driving all around the Westcountry delivering food, I'm now lucky enough to be working in the Marine sector - and for a Volvo Penta Centre! Something tells me that there will never be a better time to realise a dream...
Anyway, whilst in the process of looking around the market, I stumbled back on this thread and wondered who still ran these 'Plastic Classics' as I believe they were kindly referred to?
(Besides, winter is getting tedious now and more Classic Sunseeker pics would be inspiring!)
dustywings
Well-Known Member
Re: Monterey
Sorry can't help you in the slightest about Sunseekers but just wanted to say what a great realisation and decision, the same thoughts have been hitting me recently for similar reasons and life is too short to worry about the mundane things! Of course we need to be sensible to a point but just go for it. Anyway back to someone who knows about Sunseekers.......
Apologies for the old-thread resurrection, but 4 years on I find myself back looking at Portofino 31's again...
For various reasons (mostly time), progress on the Arrowbolt has been very slow and having had a year away from the water we've both been turning thoughts to boats a lot lately (Missus is as bad/worse than I am! :ambivalence: )
Following the loss of two close family members (Uncle & Mother In Law) in less than a year, we've both concluded that life needs a bit more 'living' and a bit less racing to pay off mortgage (now quite small) and so forth... We both have some limited inheritance due and although not large sums and some tied up in property, combined they would clear existing commitments apart from said mortgage and leave perhaps 20-25K. Common sense says this should fund new windows and a list of other mundane (sensible) house things - but common sense isn't always the answer is it? I'm not deluded enough to overlook the annual costs of keeping such a vessel and that is probably still the biggest hurdle, but having made the effort to learn how to do loads more maintenance in the last few years I'm hopefully far better equipped. I also took a big career direction change 2 years ago to do something I enjoy rather than chasing earnings. After a 'year out' (Working Holiday) driving all around the Westcountry delivering food, I'm now lucky enough to be working in the Marine sector - and for a Volvo Penta Centre! Something tells me that there will never be a better time to realise a dream...
Anyway, whilst in the process of looking around the market, I stumbled back on this thread and wondered who still ran these 'Plastic Classics' as I believe they were kindly referred to?
(Besides, winter is getting tedious now and more Classic Sunseeker pics would be inspiring!)
Sorry can't help you in the slightest about Sunseekers but just wanted to say what a great realisation and decision, the same thoughts have been hitting me recently for similar reasons and life is too short to worry about the mundane things! Of course we need to be sensible to a point but just go for it. Anyway back to someone who knows about Sunseekers.......
mparrish
Well-Known Member
Re: Monterey
Rob
There is one for sale behind me in Brixham marina (see http://www.rpaboatsales.co.uk/boats-for-sale/ for details). Sunseeker Offshore 31' - supposed to be in excellent condition.
A friend of ours also has an older Sunseeker (again in Brixham) - not currently for sale mind, but a good example to look at.
We are down in Brixham late Saturday and Sunday if you wanted a visit or for me to take some photo's for you.
Mike
Rob
There is one for sale behind me in Brixham marina (see http://www.rpaboatsales.co.uk/boats-for-sale/ for details). Sunseeker Offshore 31' - supposed to be in excellent condition.
A friend of ours also has an older Sunseeker (again in Brixham) - not currently for sale mind, but a good example to look at.
We are down in Brixham late Saturday and Sunday if you wanted a visit or for me to take some photo's for you.
Mike
dpb
Well-Known Member
Re: Monterey
We had one for five years up until we sold it this time last year to go back to trailer boating.
It was a fun boat to own, use and drive. We would spend weeks at a time 'living' on it in summer as it was berthed near home so could still go to work.
These boats are getting on now but apart from the engines and drives, I can't think of anything that could go wrong that could not be fixed for less than a few hundred pounds.
The positives are well documented for these, such as sea keeping, the cockpit layout etc.
The negatives were:
Head room in the cabin was for me at 6ft 4in to low. It probably is about 6ft.
The crawl through into the midships cabin was for me tight, and storage for your 'luggage' was limited though we solved this on ours by adding shelves to the entranceway to the mid ship cabin which could take a couple of bags.
But the biggest issue for me was the engine access. Whilst it looks ok when you raise the hinged cockpit floor and have removed the side seating, in practise everything you do is done hanging upside down. The engines are very close together and so everything there is one handed as the other hand is needed to stop you falling through the gap. Outboard of the engines is better but you are still upside down unless you remove batteries and calorifier ect so you can lie on the 'side shelves' but you need to be a contortionist to get in (again being 6ft 4 didn't help).
Access to the rear of the engines beyond cylinder 5 is virtually non existant so working on the transom shield (inc service greasing of steering rams and steering yolk) is near impossible unless you start removing turbo and intercooler components etc. My muscles used to ache for a week after a day working on the engines!!! (not getting younger you know!!).
This was such a big deal for me in the end that it was a big reason for selling and when we chose the next boat the first thing I checked was engine access.....and we found many that were even worse.
Anyway, good luck with your plans which sound great!!
We had one for five years up until we sold it this time last year to go back to trailer boating.
It was a fun boat to own, use and drive. We would spend weeks at a time 'living' on it in summer as it was berthed near home so could still go to work.
These boats are getting on now but apart from the engines and drives, I can't think of anything that could go wrong that could not be fixed for less than a few hundred pounds.
The positives are well documented for these, such as sea keeping, the cockpit layout etc.
The negatives were:
Head room in the cabin was for me at 6ft 4in to low. It probably is about 6ft.
The crawl through into the midships cabin was for me tight, and storage for your 'luggage' was limited though we solved this on ours by adding shelves to the entranceway to the mid ship cabin which could take a couple of bags.
But the biggest issue for me was the engine access. Whilst it looks ok when you raise the hinged cockpit floor and have removed the side seating, in practise everything you do is done hanging upside down. The engines are very close together and so everything there is one handed as the other hand is needed to stop you falling through the gap. Outboard of the engines is better but you are still upside down unless you remove batteries and calorifier ect so you can lie on the 'side shelves' but you need to be a contortionist to get in (again being 6ft 4 didn't help).
Access to the rear of the engines beyond cylinder 5 is virtually non existant so working on the transom shield (inc service greasing of steering rams and steering yolk) is near impossible unless you start removing turbo and intercooler components etc. My muscles used to ache for a week after a day working on the engines!!! (not getting younger you know!!).
This was such a big deal for me in the end that it was a big reason for selling and when we chose the next boat the first thing I checked was engine access.....and we found many that were even worse.
Anyway, good luck with your plans which sound great!!
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Re: Monterey
Thanks for the enthusiastic reply. We don't take holidays due to family and other commitments, but that means we've both worked pretty much solidly for the last 25+ years and there comes a time when you feel the need to ease up a bit... Apart from our son (13), family commitments are no longer and thus the comments about never being a better time. We don't want to be frivolous with inheritance, but nor do we feel it should get consumed by 'routine stuff'.
Thanks for the enthusiastic reply. We don't take holidays due to family and other commitments, but that means we've both worked pretty much solidly for the last 25+ years and there comes a time when you feel the need to ease up a bit... Apart from our son (13), family commitments are no longer and thus the comments about never being a better time. We don't want to be frivolous with inheritance, but nor do we feel it should get consumed by 'routine stuff'.
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Re: Monterey
Hi Mike,
Many thanks for the post - I think I've already clocked that one, but maybe confusing with one in Torquay? If it's the one I think, the engines are the AQAD40B's and getting parts could be an issue - I think many are obsolete. That's a shame, as I think they're quite long lived and reliable from what I've found. I will have another look, but as we're perhaps 6 months away yet, I can't really looks seriously just yet. Once the flat is sold, I hope to look more seriously and with luck can top-up the budget a bit if needed.
Sadly, I'm in Dorset Sunday, but would love to catch up at some stage and keep thinksing I should have another go at organising some local forum meets! Had a few years with very little time, but should now be able to plan ahead a bit!
We speak to Richard quite a bit through work for survey lifts etc, so I'll mention next time. :encouragement:
Regards,
Robin
Hi Mike,
Many thanks for the post - I think I've already clocked that one, but maybe confusing with one in Torquay? If it's the one I think, the engines are the AQAD40B's and getting parts could be an issue - I think many are obsolete. That's a shame, as I think they're quite long lived and reliable from what I've found. I will have another look, but as we're perhaps 6 months away yet, I can't really looks seriously just yet. Once the flat is sold, I hope to look more seriously and with luck can top-up the budget a bit if needed.
Sadly, I'm in Dorset Sunday, but would love to catch up at some stage and keep thinksing I should have another go at organising some local forum meets! Had a few years with very little time, but should now be able to plan ahead a bit!
We speak to Richard quite a bit through work for survey lifts etc, so I'll mention next time. :encouragement:
Regards,
Robin
rbcoomer
Well-Known Member
Re: Monterey
That's great feedback - thanks :encouragement: I'm more of a shortie at 5'10" ish, so shouldn't be so bad on some areas, but I have to admit engine bay is something I need to consider as I'll need to service myself most of the time. Getting on a bit now and not as supple as I once was and that could be an issue! Very good points to bear in mind and look carefully at. Missus likes the layout of the Portofino more than the earlier Offshore, so the former will be higher on the list. There's one at Parkstone Bay that looks interesting, but sadly won't have time when I'm up that way Sunday, or I may have gone and had a look... I'm not ruling out petrols, but fear that might impact how far we go in our travels. A repower is unlikely to be an option on cost grounds with two lumps.
That's great feedback - thanks :encouragement: I'm more of a shortie at 5'10" ish, so shouldn't be so bad on some areas, but I have to admit engine bay is something I need to consider as I'll need to service myself most of the time. Getting on a bit now and not as supple as I once was and that could be an issue! Very good points to bear in mind and look carefully at. Missus likes the layout of the Portofino more than the earlier Offshore, so the former will be higher on the list. There's one at Parkstone Bay that looks interesting, but sadly won't have time when I'm up that way Sunday, or I may have gone and had a look...
I'm not ruling out petrols, but fear that might impact how far we go in our travels. A repower is unlikely to be an option on cost grounds with two lumps.
