Trawler wanted for loop

[Davidj]

I am looking for a 32 To 40 trawler for the loop I really want a single diesel. We all know how much gas costs!

I live in LUDINGTON Mi
231-690-5611
Dave J

[backinblue]

Originally Posted by Davidj

I am looking for a 32 To 40 trawler for the loop I really want a single diesel. We all know how much gas costs!

I live in LUDINGTON Mi
231-690-5611
Dave J

Have you checked the price of diesel lately? Not exactly a bargain.+

[CaptTom]

I don't think the difference in fuel burn between a single and twins is enough to justify the decision one way or the other.


Beyond that, I think there has been enough already written on this topic that no-one needs my opinion at this point.

[Pete Meisinger]

Over the life of your boat fuel will be the smallest expense. That includes the loop. Anyway, good choice to go with a single 32 to 40 footer. Personally I would stay on the smaller side of that search.

pete

[Choices]

Agreed. My bar bill far exceeds fuel costs..

[O C Diver]

Originally Posted by Pete Meisinger

Over the life of your boat fuel will be the smallest expense. That includes the loop.

If your fuel bill isn't your biggest annual expense, you're not cruising enough.

Ted

[CaptTom]

A lot of people buy a boat specifically do "do" the loop, then sell it afterward. In that case resale value becomes at least as important as fuel costs.

But even if you use the boat a lot (like doing the loop) the difference in fuel burn between a single and twins isn't as much as you'd think. You're using the same amount of horsepower to go a given speed, just a little more of it is eaten up in mechanical losses.

One deciding factor might be that a single can have the prop protected by a keel, while twin screws are usually the first thing to hit bottom, or hidden logs in the Dismal Swamp, for example.

[backinblue]

Just my read on the OP, but I am not sure it was a single vs twin question as much as a gas vs diesel.

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard.

[fgarriso]

Welcome Aboard !

[LovetoBoat]

Originally Posted by O C Diver

If your fuel bill isn't your biggest annual expense, you're not cruising enough.
Ted

So I really did not know. I went back to a spreadsheet where I keep my expenses and the trip from NJ to FL and back after the season. Fuel was about 56% of the total expenses - excluding the seasonal marina fee in FL.



I used to say fuel is the least of your issues - I mostly thought it was a sunk cost and to keep a boat but not run it seemed like a crime. I will stop saying that to folks looking to buy a boat.

[catalinajack]

Just another data point - we did the Loop in a 60,000# DeFever 44 (twin Lehman 120s). We travelled 5,500 miles and burned 3,300 gallons, including an esimated 200 gallons for generators.

[Davidj]

Wow thanks for the wonderful input on fuel costs. Much to consider. Some of the idea of twins goes against who I am. If I can save fuel I believe I should. I really think a single diesel is my answer. Thanks again. Dave J

[backinblue]

Originally Posted by LovetoBoat

So I really did not know. I went back to a spreadsheet where I keep my expenses and the trip from NJ to FL and back after the season. Fuel was about 56% of the total expenses - excluding the seasonal marina fee in FL.

I used to say fuel is the least of your issues - I mostly thought it was a sunk cost and to keep a boat but not run it seemed like a crime. I will stop saying that to folks looking to buy a boat.

Being that the cost of diesel has roughly doubled in the last couple years, things have changed. Still not significant for me, but then again I'm not traveling up and down the coast like some are.

[Davidj]

So diesel seems to cost 25% more. Your point is interesting. How much better efficiency is a diesel vrs gas. I need to do some homework. Thanks

[Rufus]

Originally Posted by Davidj

Wow thanks for the wonderful input on fuel costs. Much to consider. Some of the idea of twins goes against who I am. If I can save fuel I believe I should. I really think a single diesel is my answer. Thanks again. Dave J

Sounds like you're suggesting that a single is more ethical/socially responsible than a twin. Really?

[Newtrawlerowner]

Originally Posted by backinblue

Have you checked the price of diesel lately? Not exactly a bargain.+

I'm also preparing for the loop and did buy a single. My reasoning was mostly based on maintenance. Having twins whether kids or engines just adds to the overall maintenance expense. 2 water pumps, 2 alternators, double the cost for oil and zinc changes. So I'm with you.

[Davidj]

Maybe plus I always try to be economical.

That’s the way I was brought up.
Thanks

[slowgoesit]

Originally Posted by O C Diver

If your fuel bill isn't your biggest annual expense, you're not cruising enough.
Ted

THIS!

I see people post this all the time "Fuel is the least of your expenses" and for most of the boat owners whose boats never leave the dock, that is probably totally true! And that applies to probably 90% of the boats in our current marina.

To the original poster, it would help if you clarified your needs/wants a little. Are you looking for recommendations on specific boats?
Do you have price point in mind?
Are you going to do the loop and immediately put the boat up for sale?
Do you need 1 cabin, 2 cabins, 3 cabins, etc?
Are you a DIY kind of guy, or do you plan on doing "check book" maintenance?

Lots of info you could provide to help members help you!

And by the way, as others have already said: Welcome to the Forum!

[Davidj]

Boy what a supportive group I really appreciate it

I only need one cabin. But my wife won’t accept anything less than the about 32 feet and I don’t want to be over 38

I expect most will be able to create a bed for anyone who might visit. I have gotten my wife to agree- I don’t want to push a living room down the Mississippi.

Thanks
Dave J