1978 CHB 34' tri-cabin SURVEYORS...

Hey group!


I am taking a 'SEA TRIAL' tomorrow 03/23/13 and looking forward to the experience!

If all goes well, we will have our mechanical survey next week and then finally, a haul out with full survey...

Wondering if anyone can recommend a quality CHB/Taiwan Trawler Surveyor in the Marina Del Rey CA area.

As usual, our broker "has a guy" but it would be comforting to know the survey was conducted by not only a Trawler knowledgable guy, but an independent perspective as well.

Cheers!

No recommendation on a surveyor, but congratulations!

I have a CHB 42 Europa and if you haven'y already, you'll definitely want to join the CHB Owners Group on Yahoo at: CHB : CHB boat owners and interested parties

Lots of knowledgeable folks there for sure. They might know your boat or be able to recommend a surveyor in your area.

Rick Gorman Pacific Marine Surveyors. 714-746-7380. boatchecker@gmail.com. If that falls through I have a 79 35 ft CHB aft cabin for sale in Oxnard. CHEAP!!!!!!!

Vyndance said:

Rick Gorman Pacific Marine Surveyors. 714-746-7380. boatchecker@gmail.com. If that falls through I have a 79 35 ft CHB aft cabin for sale in Oxnard. CHEAP!!!!!!!

Click to expand...

We came very very close to making a move on your boat then we found our Owens and fell head over heels. That IS a very nice boat and priced well too IMO.

ahoyvey said:

Hey group!

I am taking a 'SEA TRIAL' tomorrow 03/23/13 and looking forward to the experience!

If all goes well, we will have our mechanical survey next week and then finally, a haul out with full survey...

Wondering if anyone can recommend a quality CHB/Taiwan Trawler Surveyor in the Marina Del Rey CA area.

As usual, our broker "has a guy" but it would be comforting to know the survey was conducted by not only a Trawler knowledgable guy, but an independent perspective as well.

Cheers!

Click to expand...

DO NOT use a surveyor recommended by the boat broker. Even if none was intentional, there will always be the whiff of impropriety. You will kick yourself for years.

That is an odd order of operations - sea trial, mechanical then haulout. Different coasts, different strokes.

Can't help on a specific surveyor. I'm on the wrong coast.

Good luck. Feel free to shout out any specific questions.

No. There are no manuals.

CPseudonym said:

We came very very close to making a move on your boat then we found our Owens and fell head over heels. That IS a very nice boat and priced well too IMO.

Click to expand...

Hey make me an offer! Two boats sucks!

Vyndance said:

Hey make me an offer! Two boats sucks!

Click to expand...

I'll take your word for it

Sent from my iPhone using Trawler

alormaria said:

DO NOT use a surveyor recommended by the boat broker. Even if none was intentional, there will always be the whiff of impropriety. You will kick yourself for years.

That is an odd order of operations - sea trial, mechanical then haulout. Different coasts, different strokes.

Can't help on a specific surveyor. I'm on the wrong coast.

Good luck. Feel free to shout out any specific questions.

No. There are no manuals.

Click to expand...

I don't agree, Al. In most markets, the brokers, surveyors, finance, and insurance folks all know each other, and easily recommend service providers to clients. By the same token, the bad eggs in any discipline are well known. It's wise to take the recommendation of the broker for a surveyor, then do your own due diligence.

Thank you all for the Information!


Sea trial went amazingly well!. All systems operated flawlessly! Every light worked, all navigation gear was in good working order, and In general the boat was smooth and responsive... Well, as responsive as a 1978 CHB can be.

To address the process we are enduring...

We opted to fist Sea Trial because it was important to us to NOT pull the cart before the horse. The Sea Trial was free. Now my marine mechanic (who has become my good friend) will do a mechanical survey. This will cost me about $150.00. Unless he finds something seriously wrong, we will then proceed with a ships survey. This survey begins in the slip and will last a few hours. Again, if all goes well... The boat will then be hauled for the the final portion of the survey.

The idea is to NOT spend the money on a haul out if major issues can be found at the berth first. This can save a tremendous amount of time and money. So far, I am very pleased and feel my broker has acted in my best interest! I also have the guidance of some dear friends who have been down this road before. Like I say, I'm a quite pleased with how we are approaching this.

The only real concern thus far, is NOT having a bow thruster. Although for a single screw vessel she seems to Handel very well, in a tight marina I can imagine it could be very helpful especially if its windy. I am researching now what that process entails.

There seems to be a lot of "pit falls" with these older CHB's. From what I can see, they offer lots of space, comfort, and simple operation systems. The build quality in the ship we are interested in seems great (so far) and underway she feels very stout and confident. I am wondering how she would fair in large seas and windy conditions.

As we proceed, the only price of gear NOT working was the old depth sounder. It feels like I should upgrade to a modern more feature rich sounder/fish finder. Any suggestions? As we will most likely haul her this Thursday for the survey, the bottom needs new paint and I will probably also install a new modern through-hull transducer at that time. Anyone have suggestions for a feature rich plotter/fish finder system? I'm looking at the new Raytheon C-series displays and Nav system.

Anyway, any and all advice and comments are welcomed! I am new to this type of boating and as I am so close to "pulling the trigger" the more I know, the better.

Thanks group!

Cheers!

Pau Hana said:

I don't agree, Al. In most markets, the brokers, surveyors, finance, and insurance folks all know each other, and easily recommend service providers to clients. By the same token, the bad eggs in any discipline are well known. It's wise to take the recommendation of the broker for a surveyor, then do your own due diligence.

Click to expand...

Sorry Pau.

"It's wise to take the recommendation of the broker for a surveyor" has got to be the worst advice ever given on any Internet forum since the beginning of time.

Yes, you must do your own due diligence. That includes getting an independent surveyor. Hopefully one that is sober. Even then it's a crap-shoot.

The combination of broker, surveyor, finance and insurance is designed to get as much money as fast as possible from the buyer. Some of it may actually get back to the seller (but that's his problem).

Just because everyone's wearing boat shoes doesn't make them your friends.

I agree...


I am fortunate that our Broker happens to be a very close family friend.

If I was simply working with a random broker... I would trust only myself and my own hand picked surveyors/technicians!

A boat sale is complicated and often the seller and broker are not working in the best interest of the buyer.

Always remind yourself it is a BUYERS MARKET! It is all up to the buyer NOT the seller/broker!

How did you have a sea trial without your surveyor on board? He is supposed to be checking systems while the boat is under operation.
I don't believe you had a sea trial. You had a 'boat ride'. That's nice. Make sure your surveyor stays awake during the real sea trial.

Wait until you have read his/her evaluation and you have paid for the boat until you begin installing equipment. The seller has no obligation to you and may actually sue you for 'damages' if you modify his boat. Your insurance will need the survey and your financial institution will require insurance as will all marinas. Everyone is making sure they are protecting themselves. And here you come walking down the dock with stars in your eyes and waving cash. Slow down, Cowboy.

Selling boats is the second oldest profession and they learned their craft from the first.

That said, a bow thruster is a nice to have. Not really necessary unless you have a biotch of a slip. Even so get another slip.
Mine doesn't have one. You don't get much change back from $10K when you check that box. 10 boat units can buy a lot of docking lessons.

Things to check on a 34 CHB:
Fuel tanks for leaks and rust. There are two types of 70's Taiwanese Trawlers - those with new fuel tanks and those that need them.
Window leaks. They are not just cosmetic. The water gets in the core of the deckhouse and rots it away. No core - no strength.
Deck leaks. See window leaks with the side effect of rusting fuel tank tops, steering gear rusting and rotting, hull stringers and bulkhead core rotting. See fuel tank leaks.
Skeg leaks. For some reason these boats have cracking in the rudder support that allows water to get to the steel skeg. It rusts and causes more cracking.
Electrical. No standards followed when constructed plus years of modifications. Something to think about.
Propane installation. Installation is rarely up to any safety standards.

None of these are reasons not to buy the boat but they are negotiable items. Also may be reasons to walk way. Just be informed and make your decision.

alormaria said:

How did you have a sea trial without your surveyor on board? He is supposed to be checking systems while the boat is under operation.
I don't believe you had a sea trial. You had a 'boat ride'. That's nice. Make sure your surveyor stays awake during the real sea trial.

Wait until you have read his/her evaluation and you have paid for the boat until you begin installing equipment. The seller has no obligation to you and may actually sue you for 'damages' if you modify his boat. Your insurance will need the survey and your financial institution will require insurance as will all marinas. Everyone is making sure they are protecting themselves. And here you come walking down the dock with stars in your eyes and waving cash. Slow down, Cowboy.

Selling boats is the second oldest profession and they learned their craft from the first.

That said, a bow thruster is a nice to have. Not really necessary unless you have a biotch of a slip. Even so get another slip.
Mine doesn't have one. You don't get much change back from $10K when you check that box. 10 boat units can buy a lot of docking lessons.

Things to check on a 34 CHB:
Fuel tanks for leaks and rust. There are two types of 70's Taiwanese Trawlers - those with new fuel tanks and those that need them.
Window leaks. They are not just cosmetic. The water gets in the core of the deckhouse and rots it away. No core - no strength.
Deck leaks. See window leaks with the side effect of rusting fuel tank tops, steering gear rusting and rotting, hull stringers and bulkhead core rotting. See fuel tank leaks.
Skeg leaks. For some reason these boats have cracking in the rudder support that allows water to get to the steel skeg. It rusts and causes more cracking.
Electrical. No standards followed when constructed plus years of modifications. Something to think about.
Propane installation. Installation is rarely up to any safety standards.

None of these are reasons not to buy the boat but they are negotiable items. Also may be reasons to walk way. Just be informed and make your decision.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice!!

We had a "surveyor" with us for the sea trial. However, not the surveyor who will conduct the final survey.... To clarify, my good friend who was a licensed surveyor joined the sea trial as a favor. He did extensive poking around and testing of all systems during the trip.

As this is a "cash deal" the survey and purchase process is a bit simpler. If upon haul out she passes with flying colors and we do NOT discover major problems, we will complete the transaction and leave the boat in dry dock (in our name as the new owners) to apply bottom paint, install transducer, and complete any other safety repairs/work needed.

Bow thruster will have to wait... Too expensive and as i am discovering not very important... But I'm open to any and all comments regarding the usefulness of having or not having one.

Again, I feel like our approach is in our best interest and is following a good course of action. We are all on a budget. The official surveyor charges per foot by the hour... Having my trusted friend on the sea trial avoided a few hundred dollar expense which I need to try and avoid without compromising the process.

As mentioned, next up is our mechanical survey, Engine/generator/transmission fluid tests, electrical survey, and pluming. Then finally full Survey with a highly recommended (and costly) surveyor both in the slip and the yard.

I so appreciate all the advise and recommendations from this group!! Thanks!! Keep it coming!

Cheers!

I'll second the advice 'Do nothing to the boat untill it is truly yours'. I saw a deal many years ago where someone did what you are thinking of and guess what , the seller backed out, since he now had a 'monkeyed' boat , new bottom paint and some new gear. No law suit here but a lot a bad feelings.

Give yourself time after you get the boat before you start buying new equipment, especially expensive stuff, to look around and ask questions. Your ideas may change, a LOT.

You may actually be better served by replacing the non functional sounder with a simple stand alone unit for now untill you really have a look around. Decent, functional, units don't have to cost a lot. Personally, for the replacement now I'd recommend a unit with a shoot through the hull transducer. Then when you get your goody you have a back up unit.

Many of us have single screw boats and no bow thruster. Sure I'd like one but I don't need it. If I had $10K to toss about maybe then but there are lots of other things that come before.
As suggested some instruction will be cheaper and more usefull in the long haul. Then decide. You may still want the thruster and will have had some time to decide which one and get quotes.

You will find , as you use the boat, that there are things that need work and replacement maybe simply because you don't like them even though all looked well at survey and purchase time. Keep some options open.


Hope all goes well.

Thanks everyone for the great advice! To be clear no work was going to be done until the sale was final!

The good news is...

So far the boat is passing with flying colors and around each corner welcomed surprises! Many upgrades and modifications which were done properly, are scoring high marks with my surveyor and mechanic.

As with any 1978 boat there is much to do....

Happily, most of what this boat needs is cosmetic wood work (sanding and varnish) and a good cleaning both down below and topside.

We have been able to negotiate with our boat yard for a 60 day credit on our haul out. This means, after the boat is hauled out this Thursday for our below the waterline survey, the yard will give us another 60 days to haul out again at no charge to do some of the work she needs.

This will afford me the time to get closer to what the needs really are. It lets me research which Navigation aids I really need or don't need, which below the waterline modifications are needed, and shop around for the best bottom paint solution. I must say so far, every step of this process (although more time consuming than I would like) has been good and my Broker, surveyors, and seller have been accommodating and honest.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the RAYMARINE system because it affords you the ability to use an iPad as an additional control surface. Install the main unit in the pilot house away from the weather, and place an iPad mount on the flybridge for access to all functions. If anyone has used this system... I would love some feedback. As its very new, there are almost no reviews online.

Cheers!

ahoyvey said:

Hey group!

I am taking a 'SEA TRIAL' tomorrow 03/23/13 and looking forward to the experience!

If all goes well, we will have our mechanical survey next week and then finally, a haul out with full survey...

Wondering if anyone can recommend a quality CHB/Taiwan Trawler Surveyor in the Marina Del Rey CA area.

As usual, our broker "has a guy" but it would be comforting to know the survey was conducted by not only a Trawler knowledgable guy, but an independent perspective as well.

Cheers!

Click to expand...

I have a 48 ft chb seamaster and I love my boat. Hope yours works out for you.

Just an update...

The mechanical survey went really well! My trusted mechanic and marine diesel guru spent five hours combing the vessel for problems (an added bonus as the actual survey is tomorrow) as well as tested the power plant, generator, electrical, and plumbing.

On a scale of 1-10, he's given the boat an 8.5! Some suggestions were to do basic maintenance (oil change, fuel system filter replacement Etc...) as well as modify some routing of the bilge pump lines overboard.

The only "issue" he discovered was that indeed, there is some rusting on the fuel tanks! No leaking, no visible fuel contamination, but some spots on the Starboard tank which look rough.

I'm sure my complete survey will better provide me with the condition of the tanks... I guess I am wondering if the only issue with the boat is the need to replace the tanks, should I NOT proceed with the purchase?

I've done some research and I have found although its a big job, it's common and could only cost $5000.00 to do it right.

I would love any feedback, ideas, or comments.

Cheers!

alormaria said:

Sorry Pau.

"It's wise to take the recommendation of the broker for a surveyor" has got to be the worst advice ever given on any Internet forum since the beginning of time.

Yes, you must do your own due diligence. That includes getting an independent surveyor. Hopefully one that is sober. Even then it's a crap-shoot.

The combination of broker, surveyor, finance and insurance is designed to get as much money as fast as possible from the buyer. Some of it may actually get back to the seller (but that's his problem).

Just because everyone's wearing boat shoes doesn't make them your friends.

Click to expand...

I guess we'll agree to disagree, Al.

Your advice is that, IMO, of someone who has a little information and wields that info as though you are a subject matter expert- or one who is not trusting of any opinion other than their own. People buy boats all the time, and they trust the advice of their broker, because they aren't subject matter experts...

I am in the marine business, and have been involved in hundreds of transactions totaling tens of millions of dollars, on boats from 15' to 100+ feet. Yes it is a business, and the marine professionals are in the business to make a profit- but not in the gouging way you describe. Otherwise, there would be no business.

I routinely recommend a list of service providers to clients - surveyors, financial, moorage, repair yards, and more- and don't make a penny off said referrals. Conversely, our business benefits from referrals from those same businesses, as well as referrals from retail clients- the word of mouth satisfaction that only good service can generate.

Unlike the bleak picture you paint, the reality is that marine professionals are not drunken sots waiting for the next willing victim. Of course, as in any business, there are bad eggs- perhaps you ran into one. Rest assured, the bad broker is the exception, and not the rule.

Pau Hana said:

I guess we'll agree to disagree, Al.

Your advice is that, IMO, of someone who has a little information and wields that info as though you are a subject matter expert- or one who is not trusting of any opinion other than their own. People buy boats all the time, and they trust the advice of their broker, because they aren't subject matter experts...

I am in the marine business, and have been involved in hundreds of transactions totaling tens of millions of dollars, on boats from 15' to 100+ feet. Yes it is a business, and the marine professionals are in the business to make a profit- but not in the gouging way you describe. Otherwise, there would be no business.

I routinely recommend a list of service providers to clients - surveyors, financial, moorage, repair yards, and more- and don't make a penny off said referrals. Conversely, our business benefits from referrals from those same businesses, as well as referrals from retail clients- the word of mouth satisfaction that only good service can generate.

Unlike the bleak picture you paint, the reality is that marine professionals are not drunken sots waiting for the next willing victim. Of course, as in any business, there are bad eggs- perhaps you ran into one. Rest assured, the bad broker is the exception, and not the rule.

Click to expand...

I don't know what planet you are on but it sounds like a very nice place. Until we all find that place, I'll continue to advise others to do their own research, seek recommendations and hide the liquor.

Since you are a broker you should state that when giving advice. Then we'll know what it's worth.

ahoyvey said:

Just an update...

The mechanical survey went really well! My trusted mechanic and marine diesel guru spent five hours combing the vessel for problems (an added bonus as the actual survey is tomorrow) as well as tested the power plant, generator, electrical, and plumbing.

On a scale of 1-10, he's given the boat an 8.5! Some suggestions were to do basic maintenance (oil change, fuel system filter replacement Etc...) as well as modify some routing of the bilge pump lines overboard.

The only "issue" he discovered was that indeed, there is some rusting on the fuel tanks! No leaking, no visible fuel contamination, but some spots on the Starboard tank which look rough.

I'm sure my complete survey will better provide me with the condition of the tanks... I guess I am wondering if the only issue with the boat is the need to replace the tanks, should I NOT proceed with the purchase?

I've done some research and I have found although its a big job, it's common and could only cost $5000.00 to do it right.

I would love any feedback, ideas, or comments.

Cheers!

Click to expand...

$5000.00 sounds low to me for a boat-yard done stock replacement of fuel tanks. Just be sure of the specs before you commit. (8 to 12 would seem more in line)

OTOH there is no earthly reason to replace the tanks as original. Plenty have done plastic or FRP replacements themselves and seem happy. They are usually small tanks manifolded together. I had stockers put back in for resale as it was a fairly new boat back. Now? NFW!

Don't be surprised if your surveyor doesn't comment on the tank condition. I remember what mine said, " They all look that way" when specifically asked about the tanks. Yes, they all look that way when they are about to dump 300 gallons of diesel into your bilge. He came highly recommended by the dealership.

Rust you can see on the top can be examined and dealt with. What will get you is the rust on the inside of the tanks in the low points and corners caused by years of water sitting under the fuel. See if you can draw out liquid from the lowest points and see what you have. Unfortunately, there are usually no inspection ports in these tanks so your best bet is to do a novena.

Al, I'm not a vessel broker or sales agent- I (as alluded to in my signature) am in the marine insurance business- I'm the Vice President of a large West Coast marine insurance brokerage. I'm not here to garner business- otherwise I would be whoring out my company's information for all to see. I'm here because, like you, I am a boater- a liveaboard in my case.

I don't understand why you're so defensive about opinions other than your own- especially from someone in the marine trade. Perhaps you got screwed, or perhaps it's just your opinion- either way, I think you're taking more of a personal affront to this discussion that is warranted.

Agreed that all should do their own research, and seek recommendations. What do you think the broker is doing? He's recommending a professional/list of professionals to survey the boat on behalf of the buyer! Exactly what you advise!

The reality is that there are not many boat/yacht buyers that are "subject matter experts" with regards to the purchase process. Look at how many threads there are online that state "I'm buying a new boat- what do I do next?" or words to that effect. They (prospective buyers) would not know where to go to vet a surveyor without the advice of a broker, lender, insurance type, or other service professional. Some do make it to forums like this one to seek advice, but usually after the purchase is complete.

Perhaps you should take your own advice- "Since you are a broker you should state that when giving advice. Then we'll know what it's worth." I'm in the marine business, and deal with buyers, sellers, surveyors, and marinas every day as my livelihood- so I think my posts and advice carry some weight. What do you do that makes your advice worth more than mine (or anyone else's, for that matter)?

For the record, my planet is fine (its name is reality) and the liquor cabinet is always open!

We had a "surveyor" with us for the sea trial. However, not the surveyor who will conduct the final survey.... To clarify, my good friend who was a licensed surveyor

For the record, there is no such thing as a "licensed" marine surveyor in North America

Ahoyvey (clever name, that)--- The previous owner of our boat replaced the boat's original three iron tanks with five custom-fabricated new tanks in 1997. We bought the boat in 1998. We were given the receipt for the tank replacement and in 1997 it was just shy of $10,000. I have no idea what a similar job would cost today but everything--- design, materials, and labor--- has gone up since then.

We do not know why the original tanks were replaced but given that the boat was 24 years old at the time my guess is it was due to rust issues with the original tanks.

Should you buy a boat knowing the tanks will need replacing?

That's a call only you can make. It will depend on how much you like the boat, if comparable boats at comparable prices without tank issues are available in your neck of the woods, and the selling price of the boat itself. If the price is dropped enough to cover or partially cover the tank replacement and everything else about the boat suits your requirements and desires to a T, then it may well be a good idea to buy the boat knowing a tank replacement is in your future.

If you have other choices in the the market, or if you have the time to wait for other choices to become available, or if the final price does not sufficiently reflect the fact that the tanks, or some of them, will need replacing, then passing on the boat might be the smarter choice.

But there is no magic go/no-go formula, unfortunately. I'd say go with what your head, heart, and-- most important-- gut tell you after you have the results of the survey(s).

I too think tank replacement for $5,000 is light. A friend of mine had his done , for him as he can't do the work, and it was close to 15,000. That was about 10 yrs ago.
It was a larger boat, a 42, but the engine had to be shifted and then reset.

He lost some tankage in the process although he still has more than enough for the cruising he does. He's actually a bit happier since now he actually burns through a tank fill or two in a season so reducing the stale fuel possibilities.

Cutting the old tanks wasn't the problem as they came out in pieces , it was the new ones,. The new tanks had to fit through the doors, be scooted into the engine room necessitating several smaller tanks to replace each of the two larger. That's also why the engine had to be moved.

So be carefull with that $5,000 unless you actually have seen it done and the final bills. It could be but just be carefull.

C lectric said:

I too think tank replacement for $5,000 is light. A friend of mine had his done , for him as he can't do the work, and it was close to 15,000. That was about 10 yrs ago.
It was a larger boat, a 42, but the engine had to be shifted and then reset.

He lost some tankage in the process although he still has more than enough for the cruising he does. He's actually a bit happier since now he actually burns through a tank fill or two in a season so reducing the stale fuel possibilities.

Cutting the old tanks wasn't the problem as they came out in pieces , it was the new ones,. The new tanks had to fit through the doors, be scooted into the engine room necessitating several smaller tanks to replace each of the two larger. That's also why the engine had to be moved.

So be carefull with that $5,000 unless you actually have seen it done and the final bills. It could be but just be carefull.

Click to expand...

The number I have heard is $15,000 too. It might make a difference this vessel is a single engine or the $5,000 is just for one. The vessels I have heard this figure bantered about are in the 40' to 48' range.

If you are going to do it yourself then you might have a shot with enough sweat equity

Thank you all for the comments, suggestions, and guidance!!

Our survey went amazing! John bowman (our surveyor) spent 10hours going through each and very square inch of the boat! Using an array of interesting tools and gadgets like mirrors, hydrometer, inferred thermometer, hull tapper, Etc...

The survey provided us with a laundry list of "suggestions" as well he pointed out some issues we already knew the boat had. The in the water portion revealed that the rust present on the fuel tanks was alarming but that the tanks had many more years of service in them. The decks were holding some moisture but that they were in appropriate condition for the boats age and not a concern. The flybridge floor was as John put it "in the same condition he would expect it to be if the boat was new"

Our haul out went well too! All the zincs have been doing their job, no blistering, prop, shaft, rudder and through hull fittings were fine. Bottom paint is needed but we knew this and have arranged a 60 day credit to re-haul and do the bottom paint and I stall a new high tech transducer... Still researching which electronics package but feel like the RAYMARINE will be the one.

We "pulled the trigger" and the boat is now ours! Next, it's all about clean up and wood work! Fine tuning the systems and learning her idiosyncrasies. We will be quite busy (how glorious) getting her into tip top shape! This process has been very informative and rewarding!

Again, thanks for all the love from the members of this forum! I look forward to a long continued presence her and keeping informed as well as sharing my experiences along the way!

Cheers!!

^^^ Congrats! Now the real "work" begins

After much research, we also went with Raymarine- it's an excellent system, and does all we want it to do. Simrad came in a close second, as did Garmin. Furuno is much loved, but I simply couldn't justify paying $6200 for 1 14' screen (TZ Touch)

We have the e125 on the flybridge, e127 in the saloon, iPad 1 at the cockpit station when needed, and all work seamlessly together.

Enjoy the new boat!

Congratulations, Looking forward to hearing about your experiences as you get to know your new boat.

ahoyvey said:

The only real concern thus far, is NOT having a bow thruster. Although for a single screw vessel she seems to Handel very well, in a tight marina I can imagine it could be very helpful especially if its windy. I am researching now what that process entails.

Click to expand...

I hear this all the time, but let me assure you that docking a single screw boat without a thruster is not only possible, it can actually be fun. My current boat is 60 feet long, single screw, no thruster, and it's always a good brain exercise planning to leave and arrive. Yes, you have to think about it, but it's all very doable.

Three suggestions I would make:

First, get a few books on powerboat handling. Dag Pike, Stapelton, and the like. Read the docking sections. Maybe even get a block of wood and pretend it's a boat. Remember that the rudder has no effect in reverse. Try moving the block around a tabletop by just pushing forward from the back end. Remember that unlike a car, the back swings but the front doesn't.

Second, remember that you rarely have to go fast. Slow and easy is the key. When I dock and leave, it's very very rare to use anything but idle. And hitting the dock when you are going slow is a heck of a lot better the when you are going fast.

Third, practice. But don't use a dock. Here's my suggestion: one afternoon, when it's quiet and you don't have kids along, practice throwing a life ring overboard and then bringing the boat in a loop and back alongside the ring. With a bit of practice, your partner should be able to use a boat hook to retrieve the ring without stretching at all.

Have fun!

Scott Welch
Island Eagle

Points made by Scott are all good and a must do. However another fact re single is that some times you might have to back down a distance. On that calm day try to back down over at least 100 or so metres. You will soon find out that your prop walk moves the stern in one direction. Now using your rudder find the angle which negates that walk. Remember your bow and as you move astern you may need to give some fwd bite to correct any issues. But it can be done. The other issue is bringing your bow into the wind. I have found that I can control things by backing into an area which gives me some manoeuvre room. Departing my club I have a 50 metre stretch then a 90 degree turn with another 50 meters before I get to an area where I can safely fight my bow into the wind. I have managed it numerous times.
Good luck you have just gained an important family member, treat her with care and kindness. Bill.