Problems with Trawlers

[BandB]

JDCAVE, I think I may have misquoted on the time it was on the hard. It may have been 3 years, but not more than 5.

Whether it's 3, 5 or 8, here are the most common reasons a boat would sit on the hard that long.

1-Number one by a longshot. The boat needs extensive repairs beyond what the owner can afford to make.

2-Boat is in such bad shape and needs so many repairs the owner has gotten disgusted and decided not to put any more money into the bottomless pit. Often this owner is cured of any boating desire forever.

3-Death of owner.

One of my first questions would be to ask why it's been sitting there so long. If the answer is any other than number 3, then run, unless they come up with some other reasonable answer (in the military and sent to Iraq, job transfer to Switzerland, etc.).

 

[SCOTTEDAVIS]

Looks like a nice boat. 38 MT is a nice boat. I may go see it myself if it stops snowing.

Advertisement say thrusters fore and aft. I see none, perhaps if you go look you can find em.

 

[BruceK]

Engines Unused for Years

My limited experience with gas engines which sat unused for long periods is that usually something went wrong not long after putting them back into use, and I doubt they were all bad before becoming disused. Like burning a lot of oil, consistent with excessive wear. Does it apply to diesels, can`t say.

 

[markpierce]

My diesel-engine maker (JD) recommends their engines be run at least weekly.

 

[alormaria]

Advertisement say thrusters fore and aft. I see none, perhaps if you go look you can find em.

I didn't see them in the picture either. You really need to go see a boat to determine if it's for you. Digital pictures make everything look great. Hell, I look good in a digital picture.

 

[Diesel Duck]

Me thinks the reason no one is seeing the bow/stern thrusters in the YW photo is because in the YW ad I posted the link to here on TF it says "sistership". That's makes sense since the photo the OP posted of the damage to the rudder shoe reflected a boat with a blue bottom and the bottom of the boat in the photo is red. Now I'm even more concerned for the OP since they can't/won't even display a photo of the real boat they're trying to sell. My unsolicited advice.... Turn and run screaming!

 

[SCOTTEDAVIS]

Me thinks the reason no one is seeing the bow/stern thrusters in the YW photo is because in the YW ad I posted the link to here on TF it says "sistership". That's makes sense since the photo the OP posted of the damage to the rudder shoe reflected a boat with a blue bottom and the bottom of the boat in the photo is red. Now I'm even more concerned for the OP since they can't/won't even display a photo of the real boat they're trying to sell. My unsolicited advice.... Turn and run screaming!

If they don't even want to show the actual boat in an ad, then you sir are correct. RUN.

Being born in New England I tend to have a cynical side that I come by honestly.

 

[Pgitug]

Because of your budget and if you want an economical vessel, 1 gallon an hour at 6 knots, you may want to look at a few sailboats in the 32 to 36 foot range. Take the mast off, enclose the cockpit and enjoy a lot of room below decks. Just make sure the draft is less than 4'6" or you will hate the boat. And do not even think about cutting down the keel. But older sailboats without their standing rigging are roomy and CHEAP to operate.

 

[Art]

Because of your budget and if you want an economical vessel, 1 gallon an hour at 6 knots, you may want to look at a few sailboats in the 32 to 36 foot range. Take the mast off, enclose the cockpit and enjoy a lot of room below decks. Just make sure the draft is less than 4'6" or you will hate the boat. And do not even think about cutting down the keel. But older sailboats without their standing rigging are roomy and CHEAP to operate.

That all is true. However, it may be wise to visit both a few sail boats and a few cruisers (trawlers) with wife to see which layout simply feels better. Many sail boats resemble a cave down below. Many cruiser/trawler designs offer much sunlight and views while still in the enclosed salon.

Continued good luck

 

[Mick Scarborough]

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?

No, there is no need to dry a hull out. We have had both wood and fiberglass boats that were only out of the water long enough for a bottom paint job. Years of ownership and no issues. Hell I haven't even ever heard of that before your post.

 

[alormaria]

Ahh... The old "sistership" routine. I know it well.

 

[tegdesign]

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

36' Whitcraft Hatteras Houseboat

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

That's a pretty nice house boat, as houseboats go. Not elegant in profile, but it has a certain something about it that is surprisingly rather attractive.

 

[FF]

If you want attractive the old Trumphy Houseboats are hard to beat, although wood.

 

[kchace]

No, there is no need to dry a hull out. We have had both wood and fiberglass boats that were only out of the water long enough for a bottom paint job. Years of ownership and no issues. Hell I haven't even ever heard of that before your post.

I couldn't agree more. In fact, I worry that the drastic temp swings in more northern climes are worse than leaving the boat in the water year round where the temps are generally above freezing.

Ken

 

[katsailing]

Thanks Everyone for your comments and tips. Still looking, hopefully we will find one soon. We have been talking to some surveyors and shipwrights.

Thanks again,
katsailing

 

[kulas44]

One of the best places to find the boat you need is in the back of the boatyard. Lots of boats have been eventually moved there, for any number of reasons. Some are actually "good old boats" in disguise. Brokers dont like to list them and surveyors never see them. Just ask the yard boss if they have anything you may be interested in. You will be surprised. Especially if you hint that you may need the yard to do some work on it if you end up buying it. The "caveat" tho,,, you gotta know what you're looking at.

 

[sabaru350]

wait awhile

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.

I have been semi-retired for one year, I purchased a 1979 34ft Mainship, It has been a learning experience, I purchased a boat that needed some work it was one that I could repair and take out, I purchased the boat for $24k I believe that I should have waited and could have purchased the boat for 18-20k. So if you find one that you like wait a while hire a surveyor and ask other boaters what they think.

 

[sabaru350]

This is a great forum

I have been semi-retired for one year, I purchased a 1979 34ft Mainship, It has been a learning experience, I purchased a boat that needed some work it was one that I could repair and take out, I purchased the boat for $24k I believe that I should have waited and could have purchased the boat for 18-20k. So if you find one that you like wait a while hire a surveyor and ask other boaters what they think.

If you make it to Melbourne send me a message I will be glad to help.

 

[Lollipop]

If you can do all the work yourself, I found it much cheaper to have your boat trucked to the house where you can work on it without paying storage fees. It cost me $1320 to have my 36 Prairie hauled from South Florida to North Florida (that is 2 months storage in a work area at a marina). I am completely re-painting the entire boat on the outside and going through every system, plus new interior and new appliances. I had four large power poles set (pieces of transmission poles 28" in dia and 28' long) with two more place on top to form my lift frame. I purchased 4 five ton chain hoist from Harbor Freight for $137 ea. and two 28000 lb lifting straps for $58 ea. I lifted the boat straight up and the pulled the truck out. I am at the house with all my tools and shop and in six months (probably a year) the trucking Co. will return and I will set it back on the truck to go to the Marina.

 

[Art]

If you can do all the work yourself, I found it much cheaper to have your boat trucked to the house where you can work on it without paying storage fees. It cost me $1320 to have my 36 Prairie hauled from South Florida to North Florida (that is 2 months storage in a work area at a marina). I am completely re-painting the entire boat on the outside and going through every system, plus new interior and new appliances. I had four large power poles set (pieces of transmission poles 28" in dia and 28' long) with two more place on top to form my lift frame. I purchased 4 five ton chain hoist from Harbor Freight for $137 ea. and two 28000 lb lifting straps for $58 ea. I lifted the boat straight up and the pulled the truck out. I am at the house with all my tools and shop and in six months (probably a year) the trucking Co. will return and I will set it back on the truck to go to the Marina.

Nice!

 

[kulas44]

That is the exact reason I own a truck/ yacht trailer. I was going to cost $13,000 to haul my boat from Bolivar Texas to my home. And another $13 to haul it back. I paid $20,000 for the truck and trailer. The trailer is a 53 foot yacht transport unit. Truck is a Freightliner FLD 120. After I'm done I will sell it. I wont make money but I wont lose $26,000 either. And, I get a lot more done when I'm close to my shop and tools.

 

[Lollipop]

McDonald & Assoc. Marine Haulers Have been hauling boats for thirty years and are a very good company to work with. Beverly will answer the phone and they are the haulers not some broker that is going to put it out for bids. No one else I spoke with came close to their prices. If you ever need a boat moved call them at 800-783-7071. They moved our boat from Sarasota to Jacksonville area for $1320 with escort and permits included.

 

[READY2GO]

If you can do all the work yourself, I found it much cheaper to have your boat trucked to the house where you can work on it without paying storage fees. It cost me $1320 to have my 36 Prairie hauled from South Florida to North Florida (that is 2 months storage in a work area at a marina). I am completely re-painting the entire boat on the outside and going through every system, plus new interior and new appliances. I had four large power poles set (pieces of transmission poles 28" in dia and 28' long) with two more place on top to form my lift frame. I purchased 4 five ton chain hoist from Harbor Freight for $137 ea. and two 28000 lb lifting straps for $58 ea. I lifted the boat straight up and the pulled the truck out. I am at the house with all my tools and shop and in six months (probably a year) the trucking Co. will return and I will set it back on the truck to go to the Marina.

Very cool! Now if I only had a house and shop to take my boat to.

 

[BandB]

Very cool! Now if I only had a house and shop to take my boat to.

Now understand me having a shop would mean absolutely nothing toward getting it fixed, but I was thinking too what our neighbors would think in Fort Lauderdale if we set that up in our driveway or something. Driveway, patio, and pool are about the only yard we have. Maybe a couple of narrow strips.

 

[CPseudonym]

I've considered the kulas and lollipop route and frankly that is the only way I'll buy a boat that needs a refit. I can hire a crane and set a 40'er in my back yard very easily. Of course if I ever go the Connall route I'll only need to hire the crane and truck for removal. Yard fees add up for a DIY effort pretty fast when you are an hour away from a yard. The drive time also kills productivity.

 

[katsailing]

Anyone Know Anything about replacing floor boards under Lehman Engines

It seems on one of the boats we are looking at there is a problem with the boards directly under the engine. They are warping.
Also, the trawler still has iron tanks, which we can't really get underneath to see if they are intact, you know no leaks and such.

Any ideas or help?

katsailing

 

[AusCan]

I'm not sure what you mean by boards under the engine. Is it a wooden boat, or are they just there to stop things dropping into the bilge? Photo's would help.

With the iron tanks, looks for rust stains on the fibreglass at the base of the tank; or any signs that water has the potential to pool under the tanks. Ideally the tanks should be raised slightly on supports so air can circulate underneath, rather than a splash of water sitting underneath for weeks beginning the corrosion process. Sadly - this is rarely done with original tank installations.
With any 30 year old trawler with original tanks, I would say the chances of it needing new tanks soon are more than 50%, regardless of how they appear. It may be worth looking at how easily they would be to replace. (Is engine removal required?)

 

[katsailing]

AusCan,

I am sorry I meant to say Stringers before. No it is not a wooden boat. It is Fiberglass Monohull.
I have another question for you though. Can a Marine Trawler have smaller fuel tanks say like 3 tanks 50 gallons each instead of 2 large 150 gallon fuel tanks? Is that possible?

 

[kulas44]

Not familiar with "marine trawler", is that the make of the boat ? If the stringers below the engines are "warped" it probably has fiberglass covered wood stringers that are ROTTEN. There should be copious amounts of other rot on the boat as well.

 

[katsailing]

Yes thank you for your input Kulas44 and yes it is a Marine Trawler.