New boat w problems ... can it be?
INDEED,
I worked w a builder (Uniflite(highly respected)) to correct design problems. Mostly having to do w CG issues having to do w all boats being different. The location of all the stuff in the boat like sanitation systems, generators, AC, fuel tanks ect ect. You couldn’t have the long range fuel tanks in the same place in every boat as other heavy equipment upsets the CG, mostly in roll axis (list). So boats are more different than one would think.
But pre-blister days the Uniflite was a very high quality boat. A little heavy and wide. A very different boat than the TollyCraft that was their direct competitor. The TollyCraft had narrower chines w considerable flare whereas the Uniflite had more beam and lots more chine beam. Being wider and heavier the Uniflite took lots of power. The 42 had twin JT 6-71’s and other powerful engines. Most were turbo’d as I recall.
But the Uniflite had a great ride and was known for it’s seaworthyness and durability.
One day while working on the line I mentioned to an older long timer at Uniflite that it seemed there was a lot of repair work being done as a result of worker mistakes and carelessness. He said a new boat receives more wear and tear during construction than through most of it’s normal life.
Used to own a Uniflite - 1973 31' sedan, twin screw, flying bridge. Really nice boat!
Currently own a Tollycraft - 1977 34' tri cabin, twin screw, flying bridge. Really nice boat!
Our Uni, with twin 350 cid, 260 hp "Chris Craft" engines when run at 4,800 rpm [5,500 +/- rpm was WOT] handled somewhat like a weight restricted large sports boat. Pretty damn agile in twists and turns. We usually cruised at about 3,200 rpm... on a quick flat plane.
Our Tolly, has twin 350 cid, 255 hp Mercruiser engines. She's substantially heavier with more bottom to water contact than the 31' Uni. At 5,400 [WOT] she handles like a very, very overweight large sports boat. At 4,800 rpm she settles down and does not feel anywhere as nimble as the Uni did at that rpm. We usually cruise Tolly just below her [7.58 calculated knots] hull speed. For wanting to get somewhere quicker I can push her onto full plane [at 16/17 knots]. That speed = 1 nmpg. Below hull speed [at 6.5 to 7 knots] = 2 nmpg.
Being a good bit larger and designed to have much more room inside and outside; Tolly tricabin is 3X more outfitted and comfortable than the sedan Uni.
As often said about boats: "There's a trade off for everything"! We traded water handling speed and agility for lesser speed and agility... but MUCH improved comfortable living accommodations.
Both boat makes were expertly built to meet the designs in excellent marine plans with sturdy material and product choices.
