R. Bush
Veteran Member
After two years of searching I have finally made an offer on a 1979 Mainship 34. There are a couple of things I am wondering about.
The first is the engine. The good news is that it has been repowered by the previous * 2 owner and has pretty low hours. My only concern is that the original 160 hp Perkins was replace by a 320 hp detroit Diesel 8.2L. I have no desire to burn a lot of fuel going fast, but am I going to do any harm to the engine by essentially idling it along at 6 knots for hours on end?
My second concern is that I am not as spry as I used to be and it is a LONG way up from the dock to the side deck and then a LONG step down into the cockpit. I was wondering if anyone else has added a stern access door to these boats? I was looking at a Prairie a couple of days ago and it seemed much more civilized in this respect. Just step off of the dock onto the swim platform and then walk aboard thru the stern access door. The marina where the boat is currently located has a good fiberglass shop and I was considering asking them to add a door once I take delivery. Any reason I shouldn't do it?
Thanks; as always; for the informed advice.
The first is the engine. The good news is that it has been repowered by the previous * 2 owner and has pretty low hours. My only concern is that the original 160 hp Perkins was replace by a 320 hp detroit Diesel 8.2L. I have no desire to burn a lot of fuel going fast, but am I going to do any harm to the engine by essentially idling it along at 6 knots for hours on end?
My second concern is that I am not as spry as I used to be and it is a LONG way up from the dock to the side deck and then a LONG step down into the cockpit. I was wondering if anyone else has added a stern access door to these boats? I was looking at a Prairie a couple of days ago and it seemed much more civilized in this respect. Just step off of the dock onto the swim platform and then walk aboard thru the stern access door. The marina where the boat is currently located has a good fiberglass shop and I was considering asking them to add a door once I take delivery. Any reason I shouldn't do it?
Thanks; as always; for the informed advice.