OnTheLookOut
New Member
Yep, too small alright
Where to find single engine 38 footers?
- Thread starter OnTheLookOut
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OnTheLookOut
New Member
I don't want to sound like I'm flip-flopping, but what is the cost difference between maintaining single over twins? In terms of engines and desirability does it go: Perkins, Mercruiser, Volvo, Yanmar? Or is not so simple?
OnTheLookOut
New Member
I contacted them about that one ... but probably beyond what I was willing to spend.
Exactly what I'm looking for! Also, the Atlantic benefits from a steps up the back (a benefit that the Broom 39 also has)
Hurricane
Well-Known Member
Don't you think that a twin engine boat would be more manoeuvrable?
You may be limiting yourself as well by specifying single engine.
I wonder if is is that much more to run a twin - you sound like the kind of guy who would do his own servicing.
Twins do give an element of redundancy as well as being easier (IMO) to manoeuvre.
Whopper
Well-Known Member
Have a look at similar sized boats in your cruising area. Are they generally twin or single engines? If there are plenty of twin engines boats I would not limit the search to single engine boats. It was mentioned already but on the Shannon river there are plenty of twin engine boats who get on fine. We’re based mid Shannon and in 15yrs+ with twin engined Brooms we’re only even rubbed bottom once or twice and never damaged props (touch wood).
Personally I think some of the single engines 38s and 39kl ask too much money and are simply asking the same money as twin engine versions on the market - that single engine 38 posted is hugely over priced in my view. Albeit a nice boat. That said, the big single engine 39kl and very rare 42cl with Volvo 370hp are compelling for someone inland who also wants a turn of speed.
Personally I think some of the single engines 38s and 39kl ask too much money and are simply asking the same money as twin engine versions on the market - that single engine 38 posted is hugely over priced in my view. Albeit a nice boat. That said, the big single engine 39kl and very rare 42cl with Volvo 370hp are compelling for someone inland who also wants a turn of speed.
Ferris
Well-Known Member
That 42cl is lovely, its based north shannon. I wonder what max cruising speed is with her? She passed me at a mid teens in full SD mode once. In theorey you could do sea passages and it would still be good for inland Europe. However if the owner wanted to do that in reality, I suspect it would be put an a truck and shipped as I can't see the her cruising SW ireland on one engine.
In saying that, we mentioned that a single engine Broom would have limited 2nd hand value or appeal, we forget that the original purchaser saved a mint by only paying for one engine in the first place. If she was intended to remain inland (which she has, for some time now), then well specified.
Re. comments on manuverability, I suspect fore and aft thrusters solve this. I get along fine with just one engine. I shredded an impeler once and towed her in with the tender.
Whopper
Well-Known Member
Routine maintenance is going to be 2x oil, filters, impellers and more time for a 2x vs. 1x set up. Small in the scheme of things when it comes to ownership costs. Access will be easier for a single setup and might be less daunting for DIY work. In a strange way I wonder are twins actually cheaper to maintain in some yards than single engines on a per engine basis. The initial time spent will be lifting floors etc for access which is the same either way.
There will be people with more knowledge on engine desirability. My read is that Volvo are handy for spares vs. Yanmar. Again, any difference is probably inconsequential in the overall cost of ownership.
Fuel cost difference is also going to be minimal. A single will be cheaper no doubt. To give you an idea we’re a 2x 200hp Volvo 38cl. This year was a disaster in terms of cruising and we only did about 450 litres. Normally I’d guess 1200l or so. You can’t physically do much fast cruising inland so I think these figures are reasonable estimates.
unless you’re on the Erne I would strongly consider a twin if the right boat comes along. It would be a shame to miss out on a mint example of the model you’re looking at to hold out for a single engine version.
Greg2
Well-Known Member
Engine make is very relevant on two points - availability of parts and costs. Perkins are cheap as chips for service items whereas Yanmar have a pricing policy apparently designed with an eye to profitability only. Thankfully savvy owners realise that Toyota Landcruisers shared some engines and parts can be had for a fraction of the price. Volvo aren’t cheap but also not outrageous and their network of dealers is second to none. Also worth saying that Yanmars are very finely engineered so in worst case scenario there is no option for a re-bore of cylinders. Once thought to be the engine of choice in Brooms that is less clear as they get older.
For what it is worth, we too wanted a single engined boat with a view to reduced costs after many years of owning twin engined boats. Long story short, after much searching and very careful consideration we recently bought a semi-displacement boat with twin Perkins. Why? In reality, as long as things go okay (i.e. no major breakdowns) serving costs for two engines is not prohibitive and the benefits of a twin installation, particularly manoeuvrability and redundancy, make sense for us when coastal cruising. Add to that our gearboxes and shaft seals are okay for running one engine only when inland or at displacement speeds at sea and the argument for twins starts to win out. Chuck into the mix that they are simple Perkins (not common rail) so in worst case scenario something serious should be resolvable without selling the house and it moves toward being a no-brainer. Mix all that with availability of single engine boats other than Dutch steel and the decision almost writes itself.
All IMHO of course!
Dino
Well-Known Member
OnTheLookOut, Portumna Marine had a post up on Facebook at the weekend saying that they have a Broom 425 with a single D6 Volvo coming on their books shortly. I’m sure it will be big money but it might be an interesting one.
MGM Boats have also listed a 38CL with two small non-turbo Perkins M135’s.
Broom 38cl
MGM Boats have also listed a 38CL with two small non-turbo Perkins M135’s.
Broom 38cl
alandalus11
Well-Known Member
Beneteau Swift Trawler
Fjord John
Well-Known Member
Shorter than you specify but a very spacious and comfortable boat (Westwood A35). Here’s one for sale on the Thames, though I don’t know your budget. We used to moor next to it and it appeared little used and well cared for:
Westwood A35 For Sale from TBS Boats
Westwood A35 For Sale from TBS Boats
OnTheLookOut
New Member
Thanks Dino for keeping an eye out.
As it happens we've just bought one of 39kl that were for sale in the UK. Deciding that perhaps twin engines weren't so bad! Though very interesting to hear than there's another 38 for sale in the Irish market!
I've another question for you. I saw on a thread that you bought a Talamex alu rib. Are you still happy with it? Is it the 2.7 or 2.9?
Thanks!
Dino
Well-Known Member
Congrats on your purchase. Is your boat arriving in tomorrow to Lakeside?
The Talamex has been great. It’s way lighter than the fibreglass equivalent and flies with a 9.8hp Tohatsu 2 stroke. I know someone else who has one with a 15hp 4 stroke.
The Talamex has been great. It’s way lighter than the fibreglass equivalent and flies with a 9.8hp Tohatsu 2 stroke. I know someone else who has one with a 15hp 4 stroke.
OnTheLookOut
New Member
Came in the early hours of this morning.