Who uses boats properly?

[LiamS]

Are most(90%+) under used?It would appear that builders and designers make a boat capable of taking certain distances and seas in there stride.How many users actually come near the limits of their boats.I am not advocating that all should be pushed to the limit after all this is a relaxing and social hobby.But it seems to me that twin engined motor boats are in abundance on these shores a lot of posts here would give the impression that engine problems are commonplace no matter what age and that care must be taken when laying up for the winter in order that all equipment should work in season.
My point is that most commercial craft like trawlers pilots and even coasters have only one engine and they develop far fewer problems than leisure craft
equipment.Could it be that a boat that is in constant use irrelevant of engine hours is actually in better shape than one which is constantly being looked after "just in case".Or is it that far inferior equipment is sold to the leisure industry?It is common to see a trawler built in 1950s leaving port every morning but such a leisure craft would be a classic in need of TLC?

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[BrendanS]

Well, I take my little 21'er all over the place. Weymouth, Salcombe etc are pretty easy from Solent. Scillies this year. Happily take it out in F6/7.

Not what most 21' sportsboats do, so yes, I supose you can say I push it, but it's never had a problem coping so far, or even felt like I was pushing it near it's limits

<hr width=100% size=1>Utinam logica falsa tuam philisophiam totam suffodiant

 

[kindredspirit]

Fishing boats are always having little problems like hoses splitting and hydraulics and such like. But as the boats are being used everyday they're solved "as you go".

Its true though, that diesel engines like to be running constantly rather than standing idle for 98% of the time.

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[Deleted User YDKXO]

My understanding is that complete engine(s) failure is comparatively rare and most engine problems are fuel related so any boat thats used regularly is going to experience less fuel problems.
Whilst many small commercial boats are indeed single engined, the engines will tend to be understressed non turbo charged lumps with good access for servicing. In contrast most leisure boats have 2 highly stressed turbo or supercharged or both engines squeezed into a tight engine bay with difficult access and subjected to sudden bursts of activity after weeks of idleness. Its no wonder these engines give more problems

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[Nat]

I think most problems are caused by neglect I tend to use my boat 1 week in every month & I mean use, not just go out & play for an hour or two. I carry a fair amount of spares, and a decent tool kit. also I change fuel filters every 3 months,
Some boats in my marina haven't moved, been out of the water or seen a service,since the year zonk, others get used maybe twice a year. the owners arrive get them started go out, mostly to return in an hour or two on the end of a rope. the boats used on a regular basis & looked after don't seem to give any serious problems, I think lack of use & maintainence is the cause of most breakdowns. Filters & carbs gum up, hoses harden, cables sieze the lists endless.
Fishing boats are in my mind built to a different standard. ie more solid & built for the job in hand. but lack of use & neglect would still cause the same problem.
Boats engines are the same as any engine look after them & they will look after you

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[ari]

If you're enjoying owning it then you're using it properly!

But agree, its lack of use rather than over use that seems to cause the most problems...

Ari.

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[duncan]

Re: this recent thread covers...

...a lot of the issues

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[Nat]

Thats a good point you made,

<hr width=100% size=1>2655 ! You can tell me, I'm a Docter !

 

[Renegade_Master]

Once again agree with Mikes words of wisdom. Case in point my F36 used practically everyday on tuition and/or pleasure trips, hardly ever idle, serviced regularly, no probs.. Now......

The brother of my local broker friend aT Atlas Marine, bought a Sealine 450 berthed in our marina, been used about twice in two years, and despite best efforts in preparation, which included lifting out new shaft engine service etc,
we used it to give own boat tuition to the new owners, and it was plagued with problems during the 4 days tuition.

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