"97" Mainship 350/390 questions

I looking at a "97" 350/390 Mainship that may have some issues. first is twin volvo TAMD- 41's w/HSIA trannies, 1800 hrs and no maint. records. second is a two year old suvey @ 1450 hrs in 2014 that really doesn't say anything negative other than " Both unit are down on full load rpm (overpropped). the salesman says she has been well kept buy her current owner. so here are the questions;
Does an engine survey usually consist of some sort of oil test? Are HSIA trannies any good? Why over prop? And finally, I have to get her from Fort Myers FL to Portland ME, is the most economical why on her bottom or is that asking too much of her?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Was that survey a mechanical (engine) survey, done by a Volvo specialist? Or was it a marine survey?


Our mechanical survey was quite thorough, included compression testing, valve adjustment checks, oil samples, etc.


-Chris

this was an engine survey however, it must have been the economy one as none of that is listed in the report!

kendad said:

I looking at a "97" 350/390 Mainship that may have some issues.
... second is a two year old suvey @ 1450 hrs in 2014 that really doesn't say anything negative other than " Both unit are down on full load rpm (overpropped).
Why over prop? !

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No experience w/ Volvo's or tranny but I'd be cautious & asking more about the over prop...how long? why? Since new? Owners & brokers can tell you most anything - look for evidence - maintenance records, talk to the yard / mechanic that did the work? How about talking to the surveyor for more Q&A

I'm no diesel expert but have been trying to research & learn...my understanding...
Continued operation overloaded not a good situation and should probably be investigated thoroughly / fixed before undertaking a long haul cruise.

Boatdiesel.com probably worth a membership to research the engine, tranny, overprop situation.

kendad said:

that really doesn't say anything negative other than " Both unit are down on full load rpm (overpropped). !

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Does this mean that on sea trial the engines did not get up to full RPM? There are many reasons this could have been the case, and wrong size props are pretty far down the list. A dirty bottom could have caused not getting full RPM and would be first on my list.

I would not discount an otherwise good boat over this questionable report. If everything else looks good get your own survey before purchase. Check what size props are installed against what should be there. If there's no on here with a twin Volvo 350/390 ask at the Mainship Yahoo site or search the archives.

Volvo's are good engines, at 1800hrs has lots of life left. FL to ME should be no problem if everything checks out, nice trip.

Keysdisease said:

Volvo's are good engines, at 1800hrs has lots of life left. FL to ME should be no problem if everything checks out, nice trip.

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They MIGHT have lotsa life left. My first question is what is the purpose you are buying this boat??? What kind of boating will you be doing??? I ask that because I am wondering why you are considering this particular boat instead of the other 150 Mainship 350/390s that are on the market. Key is correct...it "could" be just a fouled bottom. But it could be just as likely that this person has been running this boat hard(these boats will easily plane with 400hp...especially overpropped). If this boat has been run hard overpropped a good portion of its life, those engines are suspect....plain and simple.

If you are absolutely in love with this particular boat, then do your due diligence even if it costs a little more than you think. A condition/hull survey might be $500-800. And engine survey will likely be double that. Just DO IT...or look for another boat. Me personally....if my plan was to cruise at displacement speeds(which most people with these boats do), I would find one with a Single(most likely a Cat 3116). They put single Yanmars in the later models but you may be wanting to stay away from those boats due to cost??? If you are wanting to Plane in the boat, I would get the twin 240hp Yanmars.

I agree with the choice of a single, these boats run real nice with one engine and either the CAT or the Yanmar provide a good choice for this boat. Access is just so much better with a single, and all singles came with bow thrusters.

My comments regarding "overpropping" is because I question the source. Everyone that has ever seen a boat is an expert. The "engine survey" where this comment was made did not include any real data as listed in Ranger's post. A look at the prop size will tell if it's overpropped or not pretty quick.

Baker said:

I would find one with a Single(most likely a Cat 3116). They put single Yanmars in the later models but you may be wanting to stay away from those boats due to cost??? If you are wanting to Plane in the boat, I would get the twin 240hp Yanmars.

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Baker said:

They MIGHT have lotsa life left. My first question is what is the purpose you are buying this boat??? What kind of boating will you be doing??? I ask that because I am wondering why you are considering this particular boat instead of the other 150 Mainship 350/390s that are on the market. Key is correct...it "could" be just a fouled bottom. But it could be just as likely that this person has been running this boat hard(these boats will easily plane with 400hp...especially overpropped). If this boat has been run hard overpropped a good portion of its life, those engines are suspect....plain and simple.

If you are absolutely in love with this particular boat, then do your due diligence even if it costs a little more than you think. A condition/hull survey might be $500-800. And engine survey will likely be double that. Just DO IT...or look for another boat. Me personally....if my plan was to cruise at displacement speeds(which most people with these boats do), I would find one with a Single(most likely a Cat 3116). They put single Yanmars in the later models but you may be wanting to stay away from those boats due to cost??? If you are wanting to Plane in the boat, I would get the twin 240hp Yanmars.

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AGREE

When I did the sea trial on my current MS it reached spec WOT RPM but not MPH. Found bottom was severely fouled when pulled for inspection. After pressure washing/cleaning WOT meets RPM & MPH

Agree w/ Bakers comments re; considering single - makes a BIG difference in ER / engine access for inspections, PM & any repairs.

I had to adjust mentally from previous twins & 25MPH cruise to 14MPH w/ single MS 34 but the adjustment has been easier and more enjoyable than I thought.