Turbo 36

[John_d_Smith]

I've been lusting after a Fairline Turbo 36 for as long as i can remember, and now would like the collected knowledge of the forum.
Which engines, OK i know the 306's are the most sought after but i'm told the space in the engine room with that option is limited. What's the speed like with other options and how do they handle? Any other comments welcome. (Was that a wise thing to say?)

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[Deleted User YDKXO]

We owned a Turbo 36 a few years ago and really loved it. For its length it has a vast amount of space inside. The aft cabin is truly palatial and the saloon well laid out for entertaining. It is acknowledged as being an excellent seaboat and it certainly looked after us in some atrocious conditions - we went out in any weather in those days, we're a bit wiser now
The only downside to the Turbo, as with most aft cabin boats, is the height of the deck above the pontoon which makes boarding difficult for the elderly and dogs. Also the aft deck is a bit exposed and the seating uncomfortable although I have seen a couple of Turbos with enclosures over the aft deck
The other plus point about the Turbo is that it is a sought after boat so it should keep its value if you buy well
Definitely the engines to go for, as you have pointed out, are the TAMD 61A 306hp or 62A (320hp I think) which were fitted to the very last ones made (badged Turbo 38) although I think one or two were made with 300hp Cummins as well. Turbos with these engines should be capable of 22-24 knots cruise and 28-30knots max. The earlier models were generally fitted with TAMD 60B or 60C engines (235/255hp I think) which give perfectly adequate performance, 18-20knot cruise and 24-26knot max. Steer clear of the 41A (200hp) models as this is not enough power if the boat is loaded or dirty and these will be more difficult to sell on. One problem is that some earlier Turbos are getting on for 15-18yrs old and you could run into major engine repairs if you're unlucky. I believe a few Turbos have now been re-engined and these might be worth seeking out but dont pay over market value for them
Fairline facelifted the Turbo around 1989 I think and, amongst other things, changed the radar arch from stainless to grp and, importantly, fitted transom mounted exhaust silencers. The earlier unsilenced boats are a bit noisy at speed which is tiring on a long run
So I would think a good buy would be a well maintained late model (1989 -1993) boat with 61A's (which should also have the grp arch and silencers) for about £95 - 105k. Because the Turbo is popular some owners ask silly money (120k?) but I dont think the boat is worth this kind of money

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[Deleted User YDKXO]

Forgot to say. Yes you are right, access to the rear of the engines and gearboxes on all models is very tight and it helps if you a double jointed dwarf if you want to check the gearbox oil. There are small hatches in the aft cabin for adjusting the sternglands

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[miket]

Agree with most of what Mike says.

We had a 1991 boat with 300hp Cummins. Superb engines and to my mind a better option than the VP TAMD61A's. This is not a general view and if you can find one, go for it, but it should cost less than the VP engined one.

Some interior variations:
Double fwd in place of singles.
Sideboard (stbd) in saloon in place of settee/ double berth.

A bit blowy on flybridge but no more than any flybridge boat.

Good choice.

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