Coppercove1
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2017
- Messages
- 33
- Location
- Canada
- Vessel Name
- Treasure Hunt
- Vessel Make
- Marine Trader LaBelle 44
Hi Forum members: after about 4 years of mainly lurking and trying to soak up very useful information from the knowledgeable community here, we finally have made an accepted offer on a 44ft. Labelle: see https://www.yachtworld.com/boats-for-sale/make-la-belle/model-44-cockpit-motor-yacht/.
One of the apparent advantages of this particular opportunity is assumable moorage in a boathouse not far from our home, and that has to be one of the main reasons for the good condition of the vessel relative to water entry, etc.
We have access to a May 2020 survey that was generally complimentary of the condition of the boat with few issues to address, and have arranged our own survey, haul out, mechanical inspection with oil analysis, and sea trial for today.
Any particular pointers from similar LaBelle or Taiwanese trawlers of this vintage? Apart from being quite impressed with the physical condition, the recent investments in new hard top, davit, instruments, etc., our immediate concern is mechanical condition of the twin Volvo Penta TAMD 40D 165hp engines (1540 hrs) and the Northern Lights 6KW generator (hours to be confirmed). I have to say that the engine room and bilge area are impeccably maintained and decently spacious compared to most I have seen, which is a positive indication of recent attention.
Any particular tips on on the survey and mechanical inspection?
Also, has anyone retrofitted a bow thruster on a boat of this vintage? We have just returned from a charter on a similar sized boat and had some challenges docking in a strong, gusting wind pushing us off a congested finger berth in tight quarters. We had about 10 helpers on dock for this maneuver, and that gives rise to some concerns for the Admiral and I managing this size of vessel ourselves.
Thanks,
Steve
One of the apparent advantages of this particular opportunity is assumable moorage in a boathouse not far from our home, and that has to be one of the main reasons for the good condition of the vessel relative to water entry, etc.
We have access to a May 2020 survey that was generally complimentary of the condition of the boat with few issues to address, and have arranged our own survey, haul out, mechanical inspection with oil analysis, and sea trial for today.
Any particular pointers from similar LaBelle or Taiwanese trawlers of this vintage? Apart from being quite impressed with the physical condition, the recent investments in new hard top, davit, instruments, etc., our immediate concern is mechanical condition of the twin Volvo Penta TAMD 40D 165hp engines (1540 hrs) and the Northern Lights 6KW generator (hours to be confirmed). I have to say that the engine room and bilge area are impeccably maintained and decently spacious compared to most I have seen, which is a positive indication of recent attention.
Any particular tips on on the survey and mechanical inspection?
Also, has anyone retrofitted a bow thruster on a boat of this vintage? We have just returned from a charter on a similar sized boat and had some challenges docking in a strong, gusting wind pushing us off a congested finger berth in tight quarters. We had about 10 helpers on dock for this maneuver, and that gives rise to some concerns for the Admiral and I managing this size of vessel ourselves.
Thanks,
Steve