Buying Markline 1100 - shafts or SD?

[Jeff390]

Hi Folks,
We're considering buying our first launch. Have found the Markline 1100 & decided it's pretty much everything we're looking for.
We've found 2x for sale one on shafts & the other running stern legs, Both powered by 165hp Volvos that are well maintained. The boat on shafts cruises at around 9-12kn & is flat out around 14kn. The boat on stern drives cruises around 18 & maxes out about 22.
I know the maintenance is way higher with SD's but of course these boats are pushing 35 years old. Does that significantly increase that maintenance of those drives?
The fitout and interior condition of the boat on shafts is higher but so is the price. Would welcome any opinions on which would be the better choice & why.
Thanks in advance. Jeff.

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard.

[Jeff390]

Thanks Comodave. Have I posted this in the right forum?

[Comodave]

It is ok here.

[BruceK]

The NZ built Markline 1100 is well known and well regarded in Australia. Buy the one with shaft drive, it sounds the better boat even without stern drive considerations.
The hull is more planing than semi displacement but should operate well, efficiently and economically,at hull speed.

Years ago I nearly bought my first power boat with stern drives, glad I didn`t. The problem is keeping water outside and oil inside the stern drive. You are reliant on seals, I prefer the gearbox out of the water than in it. I watched our marina mechanic, an expert on stern drives cleaning dismantling and repairing them, it`s no easy task. They really need annual attention,without which condition can get away from you and need major attention,shell growth alone seems a major issue.
Discussions on TF indicate issues with Volvo parts availability and cost but both boats have them and there are plenty of Volvo 165s around. My understanding is "165" is a model rather than a power output, many were 135hp.

[Jeff390]

Originally Posted by BruceK

Discussions on TF indicate issues with Volvo parts availability and cost but both boats have them and there are plenty of Volvo 165s around. My understanding is "165" is a model rather than a power output, many were 135hp.

Thanks Bruce. Much appreciated. The 165 is the hp rating. Apparently they came with 165hp AQAD40 engines or 200hp AQAD41 versions. I'm not too interested in speed but just wonder whether driving a planing Hull at only ever 13 kn or so is the best way to go?

[BruceK]

Hi Jeff,
I`ve not been on one running, but have been onboard chatting with a devoted owner and was impressed with the layout etc. The hulls are much like Riviera, which can plane but also operate well at hull speed(square root of LWL, around 7-8 knots) like a trawler. Takes a lot more fuel to achieve planing speeds but it`s useful to have that ability to meet circumstances. Many here accept hull speed as the usual operating speed. I`d guess that at 13 knots it would plane but noise, fuel consumption, maybe some transom drag,might discourage it long term. My semi displacement boat (2x Cummins 210s) will almost plane but it`s not fun doing it.

Does the boat have trim tabs? That would help with planing. You might be able to post a link to the advert if the TF system permits.

[Benthic2]

When you think about the boats that have to go out ( USCG, lobstermen, Sherriff's Dept, SeaTow Harbormasters, etc), have you ever seen one of them that was a stern drive ?

That can't be a coincidence.

[Comodave]

I have been on a CG small boat with a stern drive on it. They aren’t as popular but they did have them, now they mostly use outboard power.

[Jeff390]

Originally Posted by Benthic2

When you think about the boats that have to go out ( USCG, lobstermen, Sherriff's Dept, SeaTow Harbormasters, etc), have you ever seen one of them that was a stern drive ?

That can't be a coincidence.

Thanks and I take your point. I'm definitely the novice here so I'm taking it all on board. Just notice when I walk through any pleasure boat marina here a HUGE portion of the power boat are running stern drives. They are incredibly common. Why would such a flawed and troublesome technology be so popular? Is there something I'm missing? Even brand new boats costing 10 times what I'll be paying come fitted with these drives....?

[Jeff390]

Originally Posted by BruceK

Does the boat have trim tabs? That would help with planing. You might be able to post a link to the advert if the TF system permits.

It does have tabs which I'm sure should would help. Unfortunately no advert as it's a private sale. I approached the owners directly.

[BeeJay]

Originally Posted by Jeff390

It does have tabs which I'm sure should would help. Unfortunately no advert as it's a private sale. I approached the owners directly.

Check out the price of replacement stern drives and you will have your answer.

[darkside]

Consider also how you will use the boat. Will the home port be Nelson? If so it's a fair step to D'Urville or Torrent Bay. That extra pace might make the weekend escape that much more enjoyable.
My last five boats have been stern drive, stern drive, vee drive, stern drive, shaft. All of them have their merits.
For sure more maintenance with stern legs but there are other advantages.
Markline 1100s are a lot of bang for your buck.

[Bmarler]

I dislike stern drives on a boat that stays in the water full time. They’re ok on a trailerable boat where you can easily check on the gear case.

[Jeff390]

Originally Posted by darkside

For sure more maintenance with stern legs but there are other advantages.
Markline 1100s are a lot of bang for your buck.

Thanks Darkside, much appreciated. Aside from more speed and abit less draft what other advantages would 35 year old stern legs offer over similarly aged shafts? Maybe better fuel efficiency? If I'm just weighing up abit more speed against a lot more maintenance (cost) it would seem that the shafty might be the better option. Are there any other advantages to the SDs that I'm not taking into account?

[Benthic2]

There is a flexible rubber bellows below the water line in a stern drive that you can't see. When it fails ( and EVERYTHING fails ), your boat sinks.

[Comodave]

Originally Posted by Benthic2

There is a flexible rubber bellows below the water line in a stern drive that you can't see. When it fails ( and EVERYTHING fails ), your boat sinks.

If you replace the bellows on a preventive maintenance schedule they are fine. But like everything if you never service it then it will break.

[DennisB1]

I would vote for the shaft version. Reason available of shafts, props, cutlass bearings. The question on the outdrives would be parts available on 35 year old units in the coming years. They may not be available. Also check on parts availability for the engines and gears. Good luck on your purchase.

[Jeff390]

Thanks Dennis.

[BruceK]

Originally Posted by Jeff390

Thanks and I take your point. I'm definitely the novice here so I'm taking it all on board. Just notice when I walk through any pleasure boat marina here a HUGE portion of the power boat are running stern drives. They are incredibly common. Why would such a flawed and troublesome technology be so popular? Is there something I'm missing? Even brand new boats costing 10 times what I'll be paying come fitted with these drives....?

I thought the use of stern drives had waned. One reason was they kept all the mechanicals well aft, creating space where shaft drive engines would be. Another is economy of build.

I`m trying to picture where the Markline 1100 engines are located, midship or well aft? Are V drives involved? I don`t think so, but if if they are,that needs to be considered.
Here`s an advert for a sold boat (re-engined),with stern drives:https://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats...-nights/285193