which one or...Ocean 30 or Project 31

[scoty]

Anyone out there taken either of these boats out to sea or just in the estuary,

My friend wants to buy an Ocean 30 to go out to sea and also travel the canals/rivers,

He also has the possibility of a Project 31, we both would welcome the sea going experiences
of anyone, please,

 

[No Regrets]

The Ocean is a broom 30 hull, so 9kts whatever engine/s you use over 50hp!

A little bit rolley, but good for River and Estuary, capable of sea crossing on a nice day.

 

[towzer]

Hi
I had an Ocean 30 for nine years and would recommend the Ocean over the project. I did inland waterways, the Humber and it was never found to lacking. I miss the fact that with the Ocean I could go nearly everywhere, as I had one without hardtop. The merc engine was great and never let me down

 

[dash300]

Check parts availability for the Mercs. have heard form my son that they are getting more difficult to source.

 

[No Regrets]

Actual engine bits should be fine, not sure about the marinised parts though...

You can still buy parts for 1950's Mercedes, just give 'em the chassis number

Not good for a boat of course, but.....

 

[macnorton]

I have a P31 and under power at sea it is quite stable (took it through an F6 without drama), it does roll when at anchor but all boats do.
The early ones do roll as they have a single keel, some were fitted with twin builge keels and these do make it better at sea.

 

[Bilgediver]

I have a P31 and under power at sea it is quite stable (took it through an F6 without drama), it does roll when at anchor but all boats do.
The early ones do roll as they have a single keel, some were fitted with twin builge keels and these do make it better at sea.

There is a Project 31 or similar for sale in Queensferry Harbour near Edinburgh which has cabins fore and aft with hard tops and a hard top to the wheelhouse. It has I believe Perkins engines and I believe Ensign drives. It regularly sails in the local seas as well as visiting the west coast. It may have bilge keels??? Not sure if advertised but might be worth checking the usual places however there is/was a mobile phone number displayed.

 

[Alpha22]

Ocean, round bilge and shafts. Excellent quality fit out. Very quiet engines. Easy access to fuel tank. Very difficult access to water tank. (could well need replacing by now) Mid engine weight. Slightly rolly, but flat, stable platform. Cannot dry out, but some have on sand???

Watch out for single engine Broads built cruisers, they are totally different and not at all suited for sea.

Project, Hard chine, legs, basic interior, Depending on engines, can be noisy, vibration. All the weight is at the rear, 'interesting' in a chop as they tend to stand up on their rear ends. Can lift the legs and dry out.

A good Ocean will cost you lots more than a good Project.

I would be far happier at sea in an Ocean, having done a little cruising in both.

We have over 10 Ocean 30's in our river club, most have been to sea at some time or another, some as for as France and Belgium.

 

[Portland Billy]

Ocean Project

I had a Project for seven years (1984-1991) we had no problems with coastal trips - Thames to Broads and general east coast cruising.
But at the time of purchase I was actually seeking a twin engined Ocean - which I think is a better built boat in terms of lay-out and lay-up.
Although the Project never let us down - twin Volvo (Peugot) 75 HP diesels.