• Trawler Forum Classified Posting Guidelines
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Mike C

Mike C

Newbie
Joined
Dec 2, 2017
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Location
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Hello all,

We have just started our boat search and saw a 1987 43’ Marine Trader LaBelle. Is there anything special I should be on the lookout for, other than the usual things. It has twin Volvo 165hp engines with +/- 3000 hours. We are not committed to this boat so if anyone has a better suggestion we’re open to them and listening.

Thanks,
Mike
 
Stand by for rapid incoming...:D
 
The question I would ask first is what do you want to do with it and are you handy? TTs make fine coastal cruisers but they are all a serious labor of love. I like mine, but I enjoy working on things. When I retire I will buy something higher in initial build quality, as I get older I don’t enjoy working on the boat constantly as much as I used to.
 
We would like to do the loop and also my daughter lives on the ICW in NJ. I pretty handy as I’m an aircraft mechanic you day.
 
Loop Boat

Only issue I have with that particular boat - aside from the usual TT issues (decks, tanks, leaks) would be the Volvo's (parts more expensive than a Lehman).

I have not piloted one of these but every time I see one I wonder about docking with the freeboard on the aft end .vs. a traditional trunk with walk around decks. Perhaps someone who owns this style can comment.
 
You will get a lot of opinions here and most are well founded.
Still, the best advise anyone can give you is figure out what you want and what cruising intentions you have, after that your most important search will be a surveyor you can trust - not an easy bill to fill. The industry is unregulated and no amount of letters behind his or her name guarantees anything whatsoever.
Ask a lot of questions, request references and samples of work. Call marine insurers and ask who they are using or who they can recommend.
 
I have a similar vintage Taiwanese trawler and looked at a few Labelles. I have also done about 40% of the loop so here goes.
Twin engines are good, bow thruster is not a "need" to have. Is their clear engine access ? Canvases all around? Our President came with full enclosures all around, but we have removed all of them in 4 yrs as it reduces visability.
How can you carry a dink ? ( crane up top or on the bow etc? )
Water tanks ? How big ?
Access to all of the strainers for cleaning and seawater intakes. Having an oil change system is very nice. Primary and secondary Fuel and Oil filter access ? Racors are very nice to have on Diesels. Is there storage for spare parts ? spare filters, belts, hoses, heat exchangers, impellers, gallons of oil and antifreeze if needed.
Like others have said, start jumping on boats and asking questions
 
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