Well, we've made it, a Year of reliable boating!

[Murv]

Some time ago, when plagued with all the issues our first boat suffered, I asked what the possibility was of getting a Year without drive problems.
And, we've managed it!
It was a Year ago today that OldGit of these very forums kindly brought our first "big" boat back from the Thames for us, a '89 Fairline turbo 36.

I was a bit concerned about the running costs, being the polar opposite of a wealthy man and running a couple of near 30 year old lorry engines, but we're actually quids in compared to the expenses the outdrive caused us.

Servicing is vastly more expensive on the 36, it cost me around £500 to DIY compared to <£100 for the single engine boat, but saving on the cost of several lift-outs and then a new outdrive on the old boat meant that we've saved a fortune, even with the extra mooring cost.
We've got through an awful lot more diesel, but even then it's been relatively economical working out at a shade under 2 gallons per hour as we're on a speed restricted tidal river.
I do open the taps whenever we get chance, but the bulk of our cruising is 6 knots.
We've probably spent around 10x more on diesel in the new boat, but that's mainly because the old one spent most of its time broken down...

What I can't put a price on is the fun factor, we've done every club cruise and several weekends away and although I do still get a knot of dread as to what's going to go wrong this time, but even that is starting to fade now

If anyone remembers the constant problems I was plagued with with the old boat, the following is a list of what's stopped us cruising on the new boat over the last Year:





Yup, nothing. I'm a very happy bunny! And, VolvoPaul was absolutely right when doing the mechanicals survey, it was a good one

 

[CX54WEK]

Were you just really unlucky with the last boat?

 

[Murv]

Were you just really unlucky with the last boat?

I think so. Some of the problems we encountered went beyond unfortunate, it seemed plain vindictive at times!

 

[omega2]

I recall all your "happenings" pleased to hear they are now all behind you. Nice to have a proper boat!!

 

[No Regrets]

Yay! Glad OG got it right for once!

Kind regards to all you Rochester people BTW :encouragement:

 

[rafiki_]

Great news Murv, and pleased that it has worked out for you. People get a bit hung up on fuel costs, but unless you are running a huuuuuuge boat, diesel is a small % of annual costs. However, every time the boat is not available to use is a massive cost!

 

[Murv]

Thanks all And NR, kindest regard to you Thames folk! There will be another raiding party to the Thames this Year I believe, so keep an eye on the forums for when to get anything shiny secured below!
Sadly we won't be among them this Year, we're going to venture over to the continent for our boating holiday

Rafiki, that is very much the truth! It wasn't so much the hassle and expense we had that got to me before, it was putting all the work in and still sitting on the dockside watching everyone else just get on with enjoying their boating that was the highest price to pay.
I know that things will go wrong and that we will have problems still, but I think that the chances are very much in favour of successful trips out now, rather than a high probability of failure!

 

[Murv]

I recall all your "happenings" pleased to hear they are now all behind you. Nice to have a proper boat!!

Thank you! Certainly was a traumatic time, hopefully the end of it now!

 

[volvopaul]

Great to hear this, happy days and more to come.

 

[superheat6k]

Glad your enjoying the Turbo - should be about ready for your Corvette now !

I bet someone couldn't give you an outdrive boat, eh ?

 

[oldgit]

Were you just really unlucky with the last boat?

Born under a bad sign.
I've been down since I began to crawl.
If it wasn't for bad luck,
I wouldn't have no luck at all.
Bad luck and trouble's my only friend.
I've been stuck with outdrives since I was ten.

Born under a bad sign.
I've been broke down since I began to boat.
If it wasn't for bad luck,
I wouldn't have no luck at all.


with apologies to Eric Ginger and Jack.

 

[Momac]

Keep on using the boat regularly - best thing for keeping issues away.

 

[Murv]

Thanks again all! And my first thread that's inspired a song! (or the second, maybe, seem to remember "sitting on the dock of the bay, watching my outdrive rot away" at some point?

Glad your enjoying the Turbo - should be about ready for your Corvette now !

I bet someone couldn't give you an outdrive boat, eh ?

I do love the Corvettes, especially after your write-up! I've always had a hankering for a trawler yacht and they do seem incredibly spacious for their size. Still loving the T36 too much at the moment so no plans to change as things stand.
Funny you should say that about the outdrive boat, I was offered one for just the value of the engine with a bravo II leg on it a while ago...

Anyway, I'm not going to turn this into an outdrive rant, I'm well aware there are many happy owners out there and we had plenty of other problems too. The turbo keep falling off being the second main annoyance!