1998 mainship 34 motor yacht

Hi. I'm new to this forum but someone I met on the water recommended this yesterday.
My question is about a boat I'm very interested in buying but have no experience with a larger boat like this. I currently rock a Bennington pontoon and am selling it next month. My fiancé and I love boating so much that we would like to spend more time on the water and not have to run back to the marina at sunset.
It's been clearly put that AFTER our wedding in January is when I can buy this boat, so I'm in the planning phase.
The boat I really like is a 1996-1998 mainship 34 motor yacht. Any advice would be much appreciated. I plan on keeping it at a marina with a floating dock and shore power. We don't do much off shore stuff, mainly inter-coastal cruising and sand bar swimming but would like to expand into different experiences like visiting new cities, marinas, cruising clubs, etc. Would this be a nice boat for that or does anyone have another model I should check out maybe. We aren't go fast people, we'd rather take it slow and entertain friends.
Thanks for any help!

At the local marina see if you can beg a ride on a similar size and style boat.

Pontoon boats have a totally different motion , underway and anchored.

Great idea. I'm sure it'd be a big welcome aboard. Its exciting this is taking shape.

Another question. 454 EFI's or Yanmar diesels? Everyone says diesels and I can find this thing with both. Diesels are about 15k more in these years. Worth it?

If covering a lot of miles is your main objective buy one with diesels. If you plan to stay in the marina, take short local trips and occasionally go long get gas. You can afford more boat (fun) with gas engines. I prefer freshwater cooled EFI versus raw water cooled...

If you buy gas make sure the engines are EFI. Better economy and easier maintenance.

I have gas motors and they are fast but burn some fuel.

It depends on your long term goal on the boat. Me, I'm trading up in a year or so.

bglad summed it up quite nicely in my opinion.

My "personal" guidepost is under 35 feet either works fine, after 35 feet I "personally" would only consider diesel. I have a gas engine and no regrets, diesel would be nice too but is it worth the extra money?? At this point in my boating life, no. I'm a short trip boater with less than 15 miles ran in a typical day/weekend. In other words, we use our boat similar to what you described in your first post.

Diesel is inherently safer as it is not explosive, and that is enough for some folks to only own a diesel boat. Gas needs extra vigilance on your part assuring your system is leak free and in good repair. Be mindful of running bilge blowers and ventilating your engine space properly. Gas engines are also cheaper to replace if something catastrophic goes wrong internally, broken crank or such. Rare, but could happen.

I believe I looked at a similar boat when we were boat shopping. If it's the same boat it was powered by twin Yanmars and would cruise effortlessly at 18 kts. I do believe they made the boat in both gas and diesel versions.

This boat has tons of room for it's size. It is a coastal cruiser and not a blue water boat. It has a walk through helm in that you access the deck via the bridge and not the sides of the boat. This I think is unique to Mainship.

Gas engines are much much cheaper to repair or replace.
Diesel engines if taken care of will last much longer than gas.
Diesel fuel is much safer than gas as diesel fumes will not as likely explode.
A diesel generator does not emit CO gas.
A diesel engine is slightly more fuel efficient for the same HP.

Most engines on boats in the size range we're discussing are gas and very few have exploded.

Diesel engines and generators most certainly DO generate carbon monoxide.

Keith said:

Diesel engines and generators most certainly DO generate carbon monoxide.

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Yes Keith is correct, however I believe the CO emitted by diesel engines is around 1 -10% of a gas engine. CO is the result of incomplete combustion.

That said I have a 120v CO detector in addition to the 3 permanently mounted DC CO detectors on my diesel powered boat with diesel generator.

"Diesels are about 15k more in these years. Worth it?"

Not to 99% of boaters , except to strut the dock.

Gas is far cheaper to buy , maintain and keep in great operating condition.

A new engine may cost less than a half set of electric diesel injectors.

Should you be different and operate 2000 hours a year , instead of the optomistic 200hrs thought to be the pleasure norm, sure diesel is a better answer.

For a trawler lifestyle 6K- 7K cruise Gas would always be first choice.

Now if the boat were 50+ tons , and was used for long ocean passages diesel would be a better choice as the diesel fuel will be more distance per tank, and out of the USA gas delivered to docks is less common and way more expen$ive.

How many hours of maintenance per week would you say you put into your boat, while on the dock and plugged into shore power? I'm not talking upgrades, but mainly cleaning, engine/diagnostic checks, etc? I know you can hire this out, but is it feasibly, easily doable with the right knowledge?
What would be recommended for a first time motor yacht owner?

I think for many on this forum we do as much maintenance as we can and hire out those thinks we can't or don't want to do. You will find most of the folks here are hands on types.
I have no idea how many hours I spend per week. I fix things when they need it and change oil and wax on a schedule. However, I do spend a fair about of time working on the boat, far more than using it.

I think a 34' motoryacht would serve your purposes just fine.
Good luck in your quest.

Knot Now said:

How many hours of maintenance per week would you say you put into your boat, while on the dock and plugged into shore power? I'm not talking upgrades, but mainly cleaning, engine/diagnostic checks, etc? I know you can hire this out, but is it feasibly, easily doable with the right knowledge?
What would be recommended for a first time motor yacht owner?

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Depends...

How anal are you? I'm more than average for my marina according to the staff. I wash exterior and detail interior at least monthly 4hrs total. Wax will be annually perhaps 10 hrs. Mechanical maintenance inspection/checks 1hr per month. Swim the hull to clean bottom every trip.

Most of the folks at my marina hose it off before using.

Everyone has a different agenda, none of them are wrong as long as you're enjoying it.

That is so funny. The folks at the marina say the same about me. I'm there any chance I have to clean and perfect, however, it's a Bennington pontoon and I ran out of things to do. I've upgraded everything I can and it seems like the only thing left to do is go up a story. I'm an inventive guy and will get a thrill out of spending time at the marina. Glad others are the same way - thought I was a little obsessive but I really do enjoy tinkering on my boat. I've got a friend that manages a yacht services company and when you add up the cleaning, washing, waxing, engine inspections and hull scraping - it's more than your monthly dockage fee. So if I can do most or all of these things myself, I can save about $800/month and enjoy my time doing it. I love in SW FL so maybe in the hot summer months a service or two wouldn't be a bad move to outsource to stay out of the heat.

"What would be recommended for a first time motor yacht owner?"

No external wood to maintain.

Avoid "teak decks" like the plague, as the chance the structure under them is rotten is high .

The repair is more than a minor operation..

I was like you and was bashful about getting into a larger boat. I googled boating schools and found a 'school' in Fort Myers, Fla. So I spent a week on a 39' Mainsail and had a dedicated instructor who is a retired Navy Captain, Annapolis grad who teaches folks like me for coins and grins. Money very well spent for me. Suggest you consider something similar.

Alan Bridgeman

Alan,
Can you provide the name of the school in Florida? Thanks

CPseudonym said:

I wash exterior and detail interior at least monthly 4hrs total. I have it done every two weeks. Wax will be annually perhaps 10 hrs. Every 8 months on my boat. Mechanical maintenance inspection/checks 1hr per month. Swim the hull to clean bottom every trip. Are you kidding?

Most of the folks at my marina hose it off before using. I hose it off with deionized water after every cruise.

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And I thought I was bad!

SeaHorse II said:

And I thought I was bad!

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Lol Walt. I can see I have to step up my game a bit I get away with annual waxing because of the covered berth


??? Where to hook up the deionized water...

Florida Sailing Cruising and Trawler School Learn to sail vacations, boat handling lessons on sailboats, trawlers and powerboats.

Try this. Alan

JByerly said:

Alan,
Can you provide the name of the school in Florida? Thanks

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JBYERLY

Try this: Florida Sailing Cruising and Trawler School Learn to sail vacations, boat handling lessons on sailboats, trawlers and powerboats.

CPseudonym said:

Where to hook up the deionized water...

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At the dock.

Having owned and cruised on both gas and diesel boats I am one that way prefers diesel for the safety aspect, etc especially as it relates to runing the gen at anchor.

I remember cruising from Jacksonville down river to head south along the ICW in a very wet day with canvas up and the CO2 alarm was going off constantly, also another time from Key West to Marathon when the weather didnt follow the forecast (go figure) and we were taking some green water over the top a few times. Again the CO2 got real bad mainly for my wife. On both occasions canvas up and slogging along at about 8 to 10 knots.

Now diesel no issues even under heavy weather that San Francisco and the Pacific can throw at you, I still run my bilge blower underway, now I spend my time working on keeping fuel clean so more expense but hey you only live once so pick your poison and just be aware of the pros and cons of each.

This is the 3d time I've tried to send this, but I'm new in the forum and don't know what I'm doing. The school I went to is below and I will gladly give you name/email of instructor if you want. Alan

http://www.flsailandcruiseschool.com/

Thanks for the link.

Don't get frustrated, the forum (I think) does not permit links or photos from new members with under 10 posts.

This helps to prevent unwanted junk from getting into the forum.

A moderator can fill in the facts.

I have a 96 Mainship 34 ACMY with 470 HP Marine power 454 EFI sport packs Handles well cruises at 22 knots not bad on fuel, more room in the cabin than most 40 foot motor yachts. Walk through from bridge to bow makes docking a breeze. Get a good survey mainships are prone to blisters below the water line.

Moderation Note: Merged posts

Hi, i am new here.

How has your 34 treated you? i am looking at one sunday and would like your thoughts and experiences

I have been looking for a a trawler and then i found this. I am concerned w fuel mileage and the open props and rudders. Any thoughts or ideas? regards, Graham Coombs

Modsled@aol.com

mesmer eyes is see your listing...why are you selling?

Knot Now...

Sounds like you are ready to take a big step up but doing the right thing to look at it from many angles and consider the experience of others.
I'm not familiar w/ the details of the MS 34 you are considering but we absolutely love our MS 34 HT trawler. I've had 2 gassers prior to the MS which is diesel. Bottom line I don't think you can go wrong with either as long as you realize the +/- and make a conscious choice.

Re: learning - I'm a member & instructor with our local Sail & Power Squadron and think they have a lot to offer in the way of boater education. Most folks know us because of the basic boater safety course but few realize the extent of their advanced courses. If you have a squadron near by it can be a great way to expand your network of local knowledge & folks that can help along the way. Take a look at USPS.org Education dept and review the education program. Not sure about FL area but I know we have taken a lead and doing more on-the-water courses which were out of the question a few yrs ago.

Also - I'd advise - no strongly advise! - get the new bride - AKA Admiral -involved in education and being part of the search / decision making process.
WE have done that w/ previous boats but really got serious w/ our last purchase and the Admiral really loves the "new to us" MS almost as much as I do and keeps telling everybody how it was the right decision to move up even thought we both loved our last boat. We went to boat shows (we we're really interested in buying new) as a way to look at a lot of boats in a short time & think about +/- of different ones. Also had dealers / brokers show us several alternatives in the 32 - 36 size range. Once we decided the MS 34 HT was our best compromise she let me search everything available and find the "best " one - condition... price....etc

Think collectively how you will use the new boat... write down the "musts" & "wants" and agree on a budget... then start the search in earnest. All the Q&A and touring others vessels helps clarify the above for your situation which will likely be different than others & their priorities.

Good Luck w/ the search & decision making