Sea Trial and now what?

Like many, I am transitioning from sailing to trawlering (sounded right) and we are having a sea trial tomorrow. Looks close to 95% chance we are buying a 83' Mainship 34. I was initially going for sailing but was "coached" by my wife's family that she was not a really a sailor and her idea of cruising is on a large ship, so trawler it is! I will get a small sailing dink to tow and everyone will be happy.
We will be crossing Florida (west to east) via ditches and Lake Okeechobee. It's my understanding that the boat has not been used much for the last year or so. The fuel tanks are 1/2 full and seems to run well.

So, my questions are:



Prior to departing on our trip home should I have the Perkins gone over by mechanic and fuel polished?


Any tips for the trip?


The boat had a recent condition/insurance survey and the few items listed were corrected but I'm not planning on getting a pre-purchase survey, not sure if that's real smart.


Figuring the trip will take 2-3 days and hope the algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee won't make things uncomfortable.

PhilPB said:

Like many, I am transitioning from sailing to trawlering (sounded right) and we are having a sea trial tomorrow. Looks close to 95% chance we are buying a 83' Mainship 34. I was initially going for sailing but was "coached" by my wife's family that she was not a really a sailor and her idea of cruising is on a large ship, so trawler it is! I will get a small sailing dink to tow and everyone will be happy.
We will be crossing Florida (west to east) via ditches and Lake Okeechobee. It's my understanding that the boat has not been used much for the last year or so. The fuel tanks are 1/2 full and seems to run well.

So, my questions are:



Prior to departing on our trip home should I have the Perkins gone over by mechanic and fuel polished?


Any tips for the trip?


The boat had a recent condition/insurance survey and the few items listed were corrected but I'm not planning on getting a pre-purchase survey, not sure if that's real smart.


Figuring the trip will take 2-3 days and hope the algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee won't make things uncomfortable.

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Talk to your insurance broker or agent regarding your plan to forgo a pre-purchase survey. Typically, the insurance will require a survey prepared for you (your name on it). They may be willing to accept a recent survey complete for insurance purposes but I believe that would be an exception to typical practice and it would be better to ask ahead of time. That said, I bought a 1980 Mainship 34 this spring, had it surveyed and ended up insuring with Progressive which did not require a survey. Progressive boat insurance does not have the best reputation and I am planning on shopping other options next spring when I'm up for renewal with my survey in hand.

With regard to the fuel, I would offer to buy fuel filter(s) and have them changed prior to the sea trial, perhaps even changed at the end of it so get an idea how clean the fuel is. You aren't likely to stir up much sediment running in protected water but if you have a chance to let the boat roll around in a passing wake and see if sediment ends up in the filter, it would be a good idea before you close on the boat and it becomes your problem.

Welcome aboard. Congrats, hopefully, on your new boat. Personally I would get a survey. But if you don’t then I think it would be a good idea to at least have a qualified mechanic check over the engine. And have him show you how to change the fuel filters and bleed the fuel system. That way you will know how to do it. Also stock up on fuel filters, both primary and secondary, so that if you do have fuel issues you will be prepared to deal with it. And then have some fun!

Getting a full boat and separate engine survey is well worth the money. We paid thousands on doing both on several boats before deciding on the current one. Worth every penny beyond any issues with insurance. We vetted surveyors at length before choosing which ones to use. You’re potentially betting your life and big bucks on your decision. Not getting the best surveys possible is penny wise and pound foolish in my opinion. I’ve been boating for decades. This is my 8th documented boat. In every case the surveyors found things that effected my decision that I would not have found.

Buy 'a number of fuel filters for the main and gen'
Yes, polish the fuel and have the tanks inspected.
I suggest you refuel before you start out after the onboard fuel is polished and tanks inspected.
A couple gallons of motor oil, couple of filters each for main and gen.
Strap wrench, couple screw driver of each design, couple of adjustable wrenches, pliers, wire cutter, water pump pliers, couple impellers each for main and gen engine.
Also change the impellers and inspect the belts. Buy an extra belt for each engine. Have the tech talk you through, bleeding the fuel pump and injectors.
Ideally, you will never use any of it but...
If you do all the above, you will be more knowledgeable than most.

Greetings,
Welcome aboard. Yup. Get a survey, for sure! Buy tow insurance.


"...recent condition/insurance survey..." Two different types of survey, as I understand it, with the insurance survey being less intensive. Did I mention, get your own "condition" survey?

Unless you have a lot of experience with the boats in general, and the type of boat you are looking at specifically, I would get a survey from a qualified/competent surveyor. . . . . .

Now FINDING said qualified/competent surveyor is all on you! Ask around, DON'T go with the surveyor your seller, or any broker that represents him recommends, unless he is recommended by unrelated sources.

DON'T count on any value "established" by even a competent surveyor to be anything different from the purchase price.

Best of luck in your potential purchase!

On the survey for Type of Survey states "Condition/Insurance/Valuation". I have called around the area where this was done and the surveyor is well known and is highly regarded. I'm now trying to see if there are any engine surveyors that have time to do a survey as well.

A good diesel mechanic that knows the engine is really all you need. Tell him what you want and see if he can do that.

Welcome aboard and congratulations. I think I saw your boat on CL. Looks like a good deal. Yes, absolutely take the time and spend a little more on everything mentioned by the members above. She's 38 years old and it's a long haul back Good luck/God bless

Second two things things that have been previously mentioned. 1) Replace Raycor and on engine fuel filters before you go; Have spare Racor filters and know how to change them. 2) Get towing insurance. And I’ll add a third 3) Replace sea water pump impeller before you go.

As for the survey, have been disappointed in Suryeyors. Depends on your comfort level and what insurance company may require. I went ahead a got a survey because insurance shopping for the older boats is iffy.

Above and beyond the changing of and carrying of spare filters, be sure you are aware of how to bleed the air out of the engine's fuel system. Got spare vee belts, raw water pump impellers for engine and genny? Welcome, and hope to hear of your roaring success!

PhilPB said:

Like many, I am transitioning from sailing to trawlering (sounded right) and we are having a sea trial tomorrow. Looks close to 95% chance we are buying a 83' Mainship 34. I was initially going for sailing but was "coached" by my wife's family that she was not a really a sailor and her idea of cruising is on a large ship, so trawler it is! I will get a small sailing dink to tow and everyone will be happy.
We will be crossing Florida (west to east) via ditches and Lake Okeechobee. It's my understanding that the boat has not been used much for the last year or so. The fuel tanks are 1/2 full and seems to run well.

So, my questions are:



Prior to departing on our trip home should I have the Perkins gone over by mechanic and fuel polished?


Any tips for the trip?


The boat had a recent condition/insurance survey and the few items listed were corrected but I'm not planning on getting a pre-purchase survey, not sure if that's real smart.


Figuring the trip will take 2-3 days and hope the algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee won't make things uncomfortable.

Click to expand...

You didn't mention when you plan to cross the lake but be ware that the St. Lucie Lock will be closed for maintenance from 1/2/2022 to 3/31/2022.

Thanks all! See trial went great and I have a mechanic/surveyor coming by to check out the motor. Everything seems to work very well. Of course there were a couple issues But nothing to can't be sorted out

Congrats on finding your boat. BTW we sailed for 50 + years. Got our IG 32 2 years ago. Still like to sail - on someone else’s boat, but for ourselves, never go back to sail.
As mentioned, learning curve is straight up. If an “old survey” is available (not more than 18 months) and any work required has been completed, you are probably on safe grounds. I would definitely have a mechanic check it complete with an oil analysis.
After that, remember you are purchasing a boat with some age history. We put aside 15% of the purchase price to take care of the “didn’t see that coming” event for the first year. Upgrades to start this winter layup.

I've bought boats with and without a survey. Didn't make any difference over the years (40 years) but I am an extremely thorough inspector of the boat anyway. So it all depends on how deep you can get into the boat yourself.

Make sure you have insurance at least for liability and environmental damages BEFORE you close the deal. Insurance companies are pulling back from older boats, they've had a lot of claims the past 10 years. Then you'll know whether insurance requires a survey.

Once you buy the boat do a day-long trip or two and spend a night at anchor before making any serious distance or open water. once the boat knows she's yours she'll let you know what needs to be fixed.

fair seas and wonderful travel ahead

PhilPB said:

Thanks all! See trial went great and I have a mechanic/surveyor coming by to check out the motor. Everything seems to work very well. Of course there were a couple issues But nothing to can't be sorted out

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Congrats and I hope you continue to share updates as you enjoy and maintain your new boat. A few of us share our projects and updates in the mainship section of this forum, I find it extremely helpful and would be grateful to have one more active contributor. Little things like recommending sources are of parts and rebuild services is really handy. For pretty much every project you take on, someone has already worked through it and it is great to learn from their triumphs and mistakes.

Sounds like you have this boat!
I had a 2007 Mainship 34 hardtop with Yanmar turbo. Racor with the clear bowl and vacuum gauge too. The engine sends most of the fuel back to the tanks so it is polishing the fuel constantly. If you have that set up there’s no need to change filters until the bowl or the gauge say so.

Love Mainships.

Good Luck!

Good luck on your trip. When are you shoving off? I am on the Okeechobee waterway right before you reach the St Lucie Lock.

All good thoughts. 2 things to add:

I agree with Symphony's post. Pic attached: This Racor vacuum gauge shows how much psi it takes to pull fuel thru the filer element. It has a recording needle so that hours/days after running you can see how high the pressure got last time running. Adding this $99 part takes [most] all the guess work out of fuel condition / delivery system conditions. I take a pic of it on my phone every week when checking fluids. Running the boat underway (with a NEW filter element) for an hour or 3 in not-flat-calm conditions... this gauge will tell a LOT about fuel, line, and tank conditions. (I use 10 micron primary elements... that is part of this equation too.)

Do not assume you will be able to easily get good full coverage insurance, as hinted by some. If you are not financing, and you don't need good full coverage insurance because the boat is low priced, fine. But if your risk tolerance or ability to recover from unexpected surprises is LOW, then you should jump thru all the hoops before you close on the boat: survey(s), insurance quotes, etc. Conversely, if it is "low dollars" for you on a cash deal, then it is OK to cut corners, IMO.

I plan to traverse the Okeechobee (W>E) in early December for our first time, before it closes. If there is anything special I need to know about, let us know!

Capt Ray said:

All good thoughts. 2 things to add:

I agree with Symphony's post. Pic attached: This Racor vacuum gauge shows how much psi it takes to pull fuel thru the filer element. It has a recording needle so that hours/days after running you can see how high the pressure got last time running. Adding this $99 part takes [most] all the guess work out of fuel condition / delivery system conditions. I take a pic of it on my phone every week when checking fluids. Running the boat underway (with a NEW filter element) for an hour or 3 in not-flat-calm conditions... this gauge will tell a LOT about fuel, line, and tank conditions. (I use 10 micron primary elements... that is part of this equation too.)

Do not assume you will be able to easily get good full coverage insurance, as hinted by some. If you are not financing, and you don't need good full coverage insurance because the boat is low priced, fine. But if your risk tolerance or ability to recover from unexpected surprises is LOW, then you should jump thru all the hoops before you close on the boat: survey(s), insurance quotes, etc. Conversely, if it is "low dollars" for you on a cash deal, then it is OK to cut corners, IMO.

Click to expand...

To avoid future confusion the units on the gauge are in inches (of HG) of vacuum,
and kiloPascals, a metric version where 100 kPa = 30" Hg.

Bought the boat

Update, sorry it took so long.
So, after 2 sea trials with a captain who gave great operating lessons, a highly recommended engine tech that went through the systems and did annual maintenance along the way as well as assorted repairs (a/c, icemaker), replacements and rebuilds (raw water system, belts, all fluids & recovery systems, hynautic system work, water system flush, bilge cleanup....etc, etc, etc).... we bought, registered and insured the boat!



As with any boat there is work to still be completed, mainly cosmetic (of course other "minor" things, but I think she is ready to go. I had the engine tech show me how to drain fluids, change filters, how the engine and genset operates, cooling and fuel system overview and many, many questions. He didn't mind of course as he was on the clock but he was an awesome guy and in no way took advantage.


I will have one more trip over to meet the tech as he had to order new engine shutoff solenoid and will clean and get her ready for partial admiral approval (she's already concerned how she will wash her hair ).


Fuel is now full and the tanks only took 50 gal. (250g cap).


Next is the crossing of the state within the next week and the plan to get her to the standard I want (thruster, paint, cosmetic stuff, update electronics, etc).

congratulations on the purchase. sounds like you had it looked over pretty thoroughly, and received some very valuable instruction.
remember, the things important to the admiral are just as important as the things important to you.
when i do my boat improvements i usually take care of wifey's list first. happy wife and all...
when she sees that i take her concerns seriously i get a lot more leeway to do the things i want to do without getting a lot of pushback.
obviously, safety items are handled separately, and always get first priority.

Thank you for the advice and I certainly understand!


Hopefully putting the the same amount into the boat as it cost to buy will get her purty enough for approval......So I hope

Congrats on your new boat purchase. Now the fun starts, enjoy.

Just finished the trip from Naples to West Palm

Hello All. Here is our update on the maiden voyage and Florida crossing.



Day 1: Our trip started on a Sunday when we went from Naples to Ft Myers. The Gulf knocked us around quite a bit and we were spent from the approx 4 hr run in windy & choppy water. We spent the first night at the Ft Myers Municipal Marina. It was a great stay and fueled up as well as having pump out. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We walked 2 blocks to downtown and had a great dinner at Ford's Garage.


Day 2: Cruised to Clewiston and stayed at Roland Martins. The lock for the marina stays operable until 8pm and they only monitor chan 16. We were met at the Marina dock by Cap'n Sam with a fedora feathered cap, he lives on his boat and when he hears you coming he greets you. He helped us dock and hookup, gave us the low down on and we settled in. Had a fantastic dinner at the restaurant and a good night's rest.


Day 3: Fueled up and decided on taking Route 2 around the Lake. Well marked, great cruise until we ended up at the swing bridge at Slims Fish Camp where the operator wasn't there. The Fish Camp gal who runs the store answered our calls to the bridge to tell us the swing bridge operator had an emergency and would be gone for an hour or so. She invited us to tie up at their dock and she put on a fresh pot of coffee for us, amazingly nice of her. We hung out in the bait shop/store and chatted with her and the customers that came in, such a nice time and everyone was so inviting. Since we lost a bit over an hour I didn't think we'd make it to the

St. Lucie lock. We cruised route 2 and had a flock of seagulls following us quite a bit of the time and then made it to Port Mayaca Lock. Called the operator and we were in the lock rather quickly. Our cruise down the St Lucie went well and we made it to the St Lucie lock at 4:20, just in time. Started to call marina's in the Stuart area and found a spot at the Safe Harbor Yacht Club. Showered, ate dinner and we passed out.


Day 4: Fueled up and started out trek to the intracoastal waterway and we overheated so had to drop anchor and texted with the mechanic we used in Naples. He suggested opening up the radiator cap and look at the level (empty!). Waited for the engine to cool down and added about 2.5 gal of water. I checked the oil for a milky look and was happy to only see black so hopefully our heat exchanger is the culprit. Made the trip at 170f down to our slip (30-40ish miles).


Awesome trip and we made it unscathed. This was the admirals first time on a vessel, other than a cruise ship or a children's camp daysailer many years ago. We were both impressed with my docking skills on a single screw, no thruster boat....stern in at our slip too!

Fantastic!!!

PhilPB said:

Day 4: Fueled up and started out trek to the intracoastal waterway and we overheated so had to drop anchor and texted with the mechanic we used in Naples. He suggested opening up the radiator cap and look at the level (empty!). Waited for the engine to cool down and added about 2.5 gal of water. I checked the oil for a milky look and was happy to only see black so hopefully our heat exchanger is the culprit. Made the trip at 170f down to our slip (30-40ish miles).

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Overheats can prove quite serious on these older Perkins. Troubleshooting the heat exchangers is not straightforward and can prove difficult to repair or find new, MESA maybe as a source. What kind of HXer do you have?.

Not sure. I just plugged in the model engine and it looks like MR COOL has them for $380. I plan to go to the boat and try to get some pics of if I can figure out what I'm looking at. I'm hoping since after the overheat, cooldown, filling with water and about 1/2 gal antifreeze then about a 4 hr trip running at about 170f, docking and checking oil after another cooldown (black not milky). Hope those are good signs. I'm not a mechanic so someone will be paid to fix.