Nova Heritage East,,,, Well made ???

antioch01 · 02-21-2012, 07:49 AM

Hi,

We are looking at a trawler to enjoy cruising and W/E trips. Are the Taiwan boats made well or should they be avoided. We like the looks and they seem to be made well from just looking. Also the pricing seems to be better than Grand Banks etc.

The other concern is we have to get into the 87' 88' year range to be affordable,,, then comes the mechanical concerns,,, corrosion, engines etc.

Can the engines be removed if needed ? Or do they have to be rebuilt inframe?

I guess that is enough for now,,, any thoughts would be appreciated.

RT Firefly · 02-21-2012, 08:23 AM

Greetings,
Welcome aboard Mr. antioch01 (01). EVERY boat is made to a price point! (I know, general statement but every boat the likes of us will be buying). Decide what you want the boat to do for you, do a lot homework, pick a boat/model and get a good survey.
That being said, it's not so much the make, model nor country of origin that determines a "good" boat, it's how she's been maintained, again as a GENERAL statement.
Your profile doesn't list your location and how/where you plan on boating will have some bearing on your choices.....Now galley up or galley down? hahahaha...

antioch01 · 02-21-2012, 08:49 AM

Thanks for the reply,,, still not sure how to set up my profile. I am in Tampa Fl. and looking to cruise the Gulf and maybe some trips to the Keys and Bahamas.

Looking at the trawlers, I know we want twin diesels and the Sundeck layout is the most attractive to us.

I think 40' - 44' would be good for length. I am a machinist so mechanical issues are my concern especially with a boat this age. I wondered about engine choice,, Perkins, Volvo or Lehman as far as parts and ease of repairs.

antioch01 · 02-21-2012, 08:57 AM

I think I got it,

Another question I had was how bad can a bottom get from just sitting. Is it a matter of just scraping or can worms get into the fiberglass like the old wood boats?

**GonzoF1** · 02-21-2012, 09:46 AM

There is no easy answer because there are too many systems to say if one boat is good and one is bad. However, if you can get a Nova 44 that has been well cared for, they are a good boat. Don't be afraid of any boat, really. The KEY is to find one with a knowledgeable owner that has kept the systems in good shape, kept fluids changed, and generally tried to keep their boat up-to-date. As to the question about the bottom, the same rules apply. Some of us take our boats out annually, some every other year to paint with anti-fouling paint. If you get as far as a survey, you will be pulling the boat out of the water to see what she hides below the waterline. Until then, no REAL need to worry about it, but as mentioned earlier, a dedicated owner will have done what it takes to care for her bottomside as well as her topside.

The takeaway is to look for a boat that was CARED for, NOT necessarily the brand. And BTW, all the mechanical experience in the world will prepare you for your first boat ownership. It's a whole new ballgame. Be ready to learn and adapt your current skills over to the maritime world.

(BTW- My only opinion about Nova is that, while it's a fine craft, they like to totally enclose the space. Bess and I like outdoor space. Nova likes to enclose the "sundeck" and the flybridge. I want the wind in my face while I drive and lots of open spaces.)

Moonstruck · 02-21-2012, 10:43 AM

I have a little experience with that year model 36' Heritage East. *When the importer was in Clearwater, I helped commission and deliver a boat. *It had twin Volvo 160 or 165 hp. *The first trip was from Clearwater to Orange Beach, AL. *I cruised it a little sporadically after that. *The boat was solid and reliable. *It was squirly in a following sea. *It was comfortable with a great amount of space for its size. *My overall impression was good.

wingspar · 02-22-2012, 07:01 AM

I had a 40' Nova Sundeck. I brought it up from Southern California to Washington state. For what it is the boat handled well even if rough weather. Some waves were higher then the boat but with long periods.

Overall all I found the construction to be good. Maybe not to the quality of a GBs but more then OK for the price difference.

Things I didn't like at least on my boat was the engines outerside were about four inches from the fuel tanks. This made it nearly impossible for service. I never did service the port sides oil cooler because I couldn't get to it.

The hull design just doesn't want to go much above nine knots. Keep it at eight knots and the boat was very economical to run. Anything above and you made alot noise, bow wave and fuel.

The other problem we had especially with my wifes bad knees were all the steps with a high rise. You do get alot of space but be prepared for all the steps. This was the main reason we sold it and bought a Canoe Cove sedan.

The aft cabin on the sundeck was wonderful.

Access on the sundeck was easier with no ladder to climb up.

Overall a great boat for the money.

dave N

FF · 02-23-2012, 02:35 AM

"I wondered about engine choice,, Perkins, Volvo or Lehman as far as parts and ease of repairs."

PRICE of parts as well as availability are the concern.

Pretend you are going to yank a head and do a valve job.

Call the various locals with a list of parts you would need

. Head gaskets , manifold gaskets and a couple or valves and all new springs and valve guides.

The difference in price and the wait time , may shock you.

Check on line sources, same price differentials.

antioch01 · 02-23-2012, 02:50 AM

Are you saying the Perkins are the more expensive ?