Problems with Trawlers

[katsailing]

Hi Everyone!

We are still searching for a Trawler, spent the last several days in Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey looking at Used Trawlers.

The problems we are finding are as such:
1)Black oil left in tanks or metal shavings, we have seen this when pulling the dip stick out to check the oil.
2)Water damage, rotten aft cabins, headliners removed with rotted wood underneath, teak decks with planks coming up and screw holes exposed.
Can any of this be fixed and if so is it very costly?
Should we just look elsewhere? This has been very discouraging for me and my husband, especially my husband since he would be the repair person for these things.
Also, if we were living aboard does anyone know if any of these could be fixed while we live on aboard or do you think we should have a backup plan?
We also still have two cats that will be aboard with us, where would we put them?!
Sorry, but we need to find something soon and our price range is limited.

 

[cardude01]

What is your price range?

 

[ksanders]

Yes, the things you are seeing are normal

AND

No, the things you are seeing are not normal.

Generally the "you get what you pay for" rule applies.

If you look at higher priced boats they will for the most part be in much better condition.

Sometimes you get lucky and find a bargain, but not often.

 

[katsailing]

Price Range

Pricing Boats from $25,000 to $40,000 and 40 is pushing it for us with limited funds.

 

[cardude01]

Oh. That's a pretty low budget for an up to date liveaboard trawler.

How about expanding your search to houseboats with outboards maybe? Good living space and 4 stroke outboards get decent economy if you run them slow.

You could buy this, sell the giant outboards and replace with two smaller 4 strokes and you are set!

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/4833798100.html

Edit: I see they will sell for $8500'without huge outboards also. You can get two new Suzuki 50hp high thrust outboards for $11000. So you have a cool liveaboard with brand new engines for under $20000. ?

http://gainesville.craigslist.org/bod/4836238640.html

 

[ragin cajun]

That $25-40,000 range will buy you what you're finding right now. Metal shavings in the oil? That's a major Pandora's box. Rotten wood in aft cabin and head liner joists can be repaired by a DIY. Removing the teak decks and fiberglassing over is a long process that can be done by your hubby. Living on board while doing these projects would be extremely difficult. I would take a guess to take a run down trawler and bring it up to livable conditions would be double your initial price of the boat.
Look at same size trawlers that are in good condition with little to no work needed, take that price and subtract what your fix-r-upper is selling for. Difference is a starting point for repairs. Sorry to be so negative. I would build up that boat buying kitty to at least $80,000.00 and buy a boat in far better condition.

 

[O C Diver]

Used market is tighter in that area now as Sandy took a lot of boats off the market and into the land fill. I had better luck looking in FL if that's an option for you.

Ted

 

[Gabe n Em]

We just locked in a 1981 40' mainship (debate-ably a trawler, I know) in the lower end of your price range. She has a couple not insignificant engine issues that the seller is going to take care of and plenty of small projects for us to do. We had been casually looking from NC to ME for over a year. They show up, you just have to be a little patient unfortunately.

We did see a number of options in Florida but they were too far for us...

The best of luck in your search!

 

[katsailing]

Florida Boats

Aren't the boats in Florida generally left out year round in the water?

Shouldn't boats be taken out at least for a month to let the hull dry out?

Its for this reason we haven't looked in Florida even though we have looked at listings online.
What do you think?

 

[ranger58sb]

Aren't the boats in Florida generally left out year round in the water?

Shouldn't boats be taken out at least for a month to let the hull dry out?

We haul ours for the winter once every 4 years.

Our cats dislike the car ride from house to boat, but once aboard they're generally happy. High speed cruising (and maybe turbo whine) isn't their favorite, but otherwise, they just hunker down (as cats are wont to do) until it's quiet again... and then they're back to normal.

You might hum a few bars about what kind of boating you might be intending to do...

-Chris

 

[katsailing]

Yes, the things you are seeing are normal

AND

No, the things you are seeing are not normal.

Generally the "you get what you pay for" rule applies.

If you look at higher priced boats they will for the most part be in much better condition.

Sometimes you get lucky and find a bargain, but not often.

Beautiful boat! Your MV Lisas Way, a 2001 Bayliner 4788. What a boat! Alaska is way too far for us and too cold, but glad you enjoy it.

 

[Pure pleasure]

My boat is 34 yrs. Old it's only out of the water to get bottom paint it takes a week and is done ever 2 yrs.

 

[Capt.Bill11]

Bare in mind diesel are harder on oil then gas engines. The color of the oil is pretty much meaningless, unless it's thick like mud.

 

[katsailing]

Oil

What do you think would cause the metal shavings in the oil?

 

[Pure pleasure]

Lots for thing could I had an engine spin a bearing and another ground down a cam both not good or cheap to fix

 

[BandB]

Aren't the boats in Florida generally left out year round in the water?

Shouldn't boats be taken out at least for a month to let the hull dry out?

Its for this reason we haven't looked in Florida even though we have looked at listings online.
What do you think?

Yes they are left in the water. No, nothing is accomplished in a month for drying the hull out. If the hull is water tight, then water isn't hurting anything. If water is seeping through somehow, then a little time out of thewater isn't going to change things. Now, that said, most boats in Florida are periodically hauled for service or paint or whatever. At least every couple of years.

 

[psneeld]

Aren't the boats in Florida generally left out year round in the water?

Shouldn't boats be taken out at least for a month to let the hull dry out?

Its for this reason we haven't looked in Florida even though we have looked at listings online.
What do you think?

Taking a boat out of the water with bottom paint on it and gel coat under won't dry out in a year if saturated.

Boats in colder water that are out of the water for 5 months or so get saturated slower if at all...the good news.

But boats in the mid Atlantic can be hit or miss if left in all year...just luck of the draw and to a point what manufacturer.

Even a boat with a toasted engine can be a good deal if you get it in good condition but 10 to 20 grand below the competition if it is the pick of the litter. A new engine or rebuilt one may be had and installed for the difference in prices.

Under 50 grand is going to limit you to the 36 foot range which is small to live on for many people. If you try for 40 footers and above...expect a real project boat if the engine is currently running.

There are always great deals that happen along...just depends if you wait or happen to be in the right place at the right time.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr./Ms kat. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince (ess). The one thing that concerns me is your phrase "...but we need to find something soon..." Finding the "right" boat is not an exercise that should be performed under duress. That, coupled with your budget could easily see you make a bad, bad decision. Buying ANY boat is NOT an investment in any way, shape or form. It's a money losing proposition 98% of the time. Mr. cardude 01's suggestion is well founded. Within your budget and it will get you on the water. Do NOT, NEVER, EVER, NO WAY, NO HOW let emotion enter into a boat buying decision. As mentioned by several of my revered colleagues, take your time and look further afield.
I don't know where you heard a boat has to "dry out" every year but stop listening to that person. Do more homework, slow down, chill, enjoy the chase, relax and mostly...

 

[cardude01]

I thought my houseboat/trawler would make a cool Bahamas boat. Couldn't draw much with the jack plate lifted.

Those big engines burn too much fuel, but two Suzuki 60hp "high thrust" 4 strokes should burn about 1-1.5 GPH at about half power each. Looks like maybe 60hp total will get this hull about 9 knots at 2-3 GPH. Not too bad. And quiet. But wait, there's more-- you have redundancy with the dual outboards if one craps out on you!

 

[eyschulman]

If the OP is still keeping track here is another opinion which may reinforce others. Many boats of all types with live aboard room in your price range are either major fix its or a few steps from the wreckers and it has nothing to do with the Trawler moniker. Good boats are expensive more so boats that are considered live aboard traveling trawlers. On the other hand, here in Seattle where land based digs are very expensive there are plenty of people living on immobile near derelicts or basically cheaper living space on the water. Have you checked out any old Bayliners?

 

[READY2GO]

Katsailing,

I do not want to discourage you but you get what you pay for. We bought our MT 36' three years ago and paid $20K. Fast forward to today and we have $55K in her (more than we will ever get out of her). But we knew going in that we would have to put alot into her to make her the way we wanted and to equip her for cruising and liveaboard. We were fortunate that we found a boat that was structurally sound and had a good motor but needed cosmetic and new equipment. It worked out well for us as we could not afford a $55K boat, but we could afford $20K and 10K a year to refit.

Concerning your budget, think of it like this. A new MT 37 is about $250K and you have a $20 to 40K budget. If a new Ferrari cost $250K, what condition would one that you bought for $20 to 40K be in?

My $ .02 is look patiently and head to Florida. Boats are cheaper there and if you are patient you will find something that fits, but it won't be a turn key trawler for $40K.

 

[JDCAVE]

Greetings,
Mr./Ms kat. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince (ess). The one thing that concerns me is your phrase "...but we need to find something soon..." Finding the "right" boat is not an exercise that should be performed under duress. That, coupled with your budget could easily see you make a bad, bad decision. Buying ANY boat is NOT an investment in any way, shape or form. It's a money losing proposition 98% of the time. Mr. cardude 01's suggestion is well founded. Within your budget and it will get you on the water. Do NOT, NEVER, EVER, NO WAY, NO HOW let emotion enter into a boat buying decision. As mentioned by several of my revered colleagues, take your time and look further afield.
I don't know where you heard a boat has to "dry out" every year but stop listening to that person. Do more homework, slow down, chill, enjoy the chase, relax and mostly...

<---What he said!!!!!!!!! We spent more time looking for a boat than when looking for a new house-both houses combined. It took us over two years. Looking back at the process, we were right to walk away from a bunch of boats. And 2 years later we are pleased with the boat we purchased.

Also the OP said: "Black oil left in tanks or metal shavings, we have seen this when pulling the dip stick out to check the oil."

Metal shavings on a dipstick? Hmmm. We did an oil sample analysis when we purchased our boat and they check for metals in the oil, but I'm surprised if metal shavings would come up on the dipstick. If so, run don't walk away. In hindsight the oil analysis should have been done sequentially at time increments after an oil change but I haven't done that since,


Jim
Sent from my iPad using Trawler Forum

 

[dannc]

Hi Everyone!

We are still searching for a Trawler, spent the last several days in Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey looking at Used Trawlers.

The problems we are finding are as such:
1)Black oil left in tanks or metal shavings, we have seen this when pulling the dip stick out to check the oil.

Black oil? Do you mean the oil in the engine is black?

Engine oil in a diesel will turn black very quickly. Even after an oil change the oil will quickly turn black when mixing with the old oil left in the engine.

Once you find a boat you think you would want to buy, get the oil tested which will tell you if the oil is in bad shape but also can indicate if there are metal particles and where the metal is from in the engine.

I have used Blackstone for years, Blackstone Labs. They will send you sample kits for free when you need to test some oil.

Good Luck,
Dan

 

[kulas44]

From what you have posted I would say that you need to LEARN a lot more about boats, and trawlers in general before putting down your money.

 

[cardude01]

I agree. I'm the most impatient person I know, and it took me two years to pull the trigger.

 

[tego]

Katsailing, I believe the hunting is much better in Florida. I lived there and worked in the marine trades for several years. There are always some very good boats there for a good price. Retirees usually head for the warmer climes and a lot of them leave this world there. The kids just tell the broker to "sell the boat and send me the money". The brokers ask the going price but are very receptive to ANY offers, 'cause the kids are on their tails daily. You can make a low offer and insist the broker present it to the absentee owners. I had a good friend who was a broker and he told me tales of some hiway robbery episodes. It's true that the sun is tough on the brightwork in FL but that's easy to make right, and a good compounding of the 'glass can usually make things much better also. Don't be afraid of Florida boats but BE PATIENT! Your boat will find you! Good luck, Ben

 

[ksanders]

Have you checked out any old Bayliners?

Good call...

Often a 1980's Bayliner 38' can be purchased pretty inexpensivly, and they have relativly few problems, (although any boat of that vintage can be problematic if not maintained).

And, that particular boat can and has cruised the Bahamas, the Caribbean and into Central America.

Read the "diamond Lil" series of books, which are an excerpt of Melanie Woods adventures on her 38' Bayliner.

 

[BandB]

Read the "diamond Lil" series of books, which are an excerpt of Melanie Woods adventures on her 38' Bayliner.

And very enjoyable reading.

 

[FF]

Look at the Gulfstar and other US brands.

Usually no buried house ply , solid GRP hull and decks and deck house.

$25K to $40 K will get a fine boat in the 35 -40 ft size.

ANYTHING can be repaired , but time and cost may be excessive.

Go solid , go simple , go now!

 

[Autoteacher]

We looked at over 50 trawlers before we found a 40 ft sundeck that we could afford that was not total junk. Many adverts with pictures are deceiving. Many brokers told us what they wanted us to hear. After 40+years in the car business I thought I could spot the lies but some were very slick. Hire a good surveyor! There are bargains out there. Our friends looked for a year before buying a $85000. older trawler to replace their Grand Banks that was too small for them. We only had a small kitty to work with and found owners that would work with us. We have a lot of sweat equity now but enjoy a paid for boat full time. If you can't do your own work (Electrical, wood, light mechanical) you will be upside down very fast. Good advisement here on this forum!