Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-02-2017, 09:14 PM   #1
Newbie
 
Mike C's Avatar
 
City: Raleigh, NC
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
Looking for Trawler

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
Mike C is offline  
Old 12-03-2017, 01:28 AM   #2
TF Site Team
 
City: Ex-Brisbane, (Australia), now Bribie Island, Qld
Vessel Name: Now boatless - sold 6/2018
Vessel Model: Had a Clipper (CHB) 34
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,100
Stand by for rapid incoming...
__________________
Pete
Peter B is offline  
Old 12-03-2017, 06:52 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
SeaMoose's Avatar
 
City: Anchor Pointe, Ohio
Vessel Name: Sea Moose
Vessel Model: 1976 34' D/C Taiwanese Trawler
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 360
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.
SeaMoose is offline  
Old 12-03-2017, 06:58 PM   #4
Guru
 
BruceK's Avatar
 
City: Sydney
Vessel Name: Sojourn
Vessel Model: Integrity 386
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 13,293
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter B View Post
Stand by for rapid incoming...
The "V" word ?
__________________
BruceK
2005 Integrity 386 "Sojourn"
Sydney Australia
BruceK is online now  
Old 12-03-2017, 08:15 PM   #5
Newbie
 
Mike C's Avatar
 
City: Raleigh, NC
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
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.
Mike C is offline  
Old 12-04-2017, 11:25 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
SeaMoose's Avatar
 
City: Anchor Pointe, Ohio
Vessel Name: Sea Moose
Vessel Model: 1976 34' D/C Taiwanese Trawler
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 360
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.
SeaMoose is offline  
Old 12-08-2017, 01:32 PM   #7
Veteran Member
 
Capt. Joe's Avatar
 
City: Margaritaville
Vessel Model: Wittholz 40 Passage
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 88
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.
__________________
Capt. Joe
CruisingDog blog
Capt. Joe is offline  
Old 12-13-2017, 02:38 PM   #8
TJM
Senior Member
 
City: Essex, Ct.
Vessel Name: Harmony
Vessel Model: 1982 41' President
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 436
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
__________________
Tom
"Harmony"
1982 41' President
TJM is offline  
 

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:13 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012