Another New Member

Dock Walker · Jun 12, 2019

Hello All!
I am currently looking at buying an Ocean Alexander 40, 1980. I am not at the point of getting a survey, haul out, mechanical inspection yet, but am getting dang close.
I just found this forum after many hours in the internet wilderness and hoping to get some advice.
Mainly, it is a single engine, Lehman 120, recently pulled out and rebuilt. My concern, even if it perfectly rebuild and as good as new, is a single engine of this size going to work for a 40’ trawler? I plan on using it in retirement so getting somewhere in a hurry is not an issue.
Thanks in Advance!

Peter B · Jun 12, 2019

Dock Walker said:
Hello All!
I am currently looking at buying an Ocean Alexander 40, 1980. I am not at the point of getting a survey, haul out, mechanical inspection yet, but am getting dang close.
I just found this forum after many hours in the internet wilderness and hoping to get some advice.
Mainly, it is a single engine, Lehman 120, recently pulled out and rebuilt. My concern, even if it perfectly rebuild and as good as new, is a single engine of this size going to work for a 40’ trawler? I plan on using it in retirement so getting somewhere in a hurry is not an issue.
Thanks in Advance!

Welcome to TF. Having had a vessel with that exact engine, all I can say is, if the vessel overall is in good shape, then as you're not in a hurry speed wise, that engine will be the least of your worries. Frugal, and legend in reliability.

Comodave · Jun 12, 2019

Welcome aboard. Lehmans are almost bullet proof. With a single you will need to learn how to handle it. Maybe add a bow thruster or just practice some more.

Dock Walker · Jun 12, 2019

It does have a bow thruster, so that is a big plus. And yes practice.

RT Firefly · Jun 12, 2019

Greetings,
Welcome aboard. I'd be careful. It may not last much more than another 50 years or so...

Comodave · Jun 12, 2019

If the engine has been rebuilt then the things I would look at carefully would be the deck coring and the fuel tanks. Those are the big ticket items, the rest of the boat are much easier and less costly to repair and maintain. But I do have a lot of tolerance for neglected boats since I really like working on a boat.

psneeld · Jun 13, 2019

Rebuilds are no guarantee...but neither are factory fresth.

It's the sxteng of the rebuild that matters...a short block with old compkndnts booted on is definitely an issue to factor in, a rattle can spray rebuild is a definite red flag.

I have a 40 with single Leman 120, plenty of engine if 6-7 knots is your target cruising speed.

Dock Walker · Jun 13, 2019

Thanks psneeld, that is the encouragement I am looking for. BTW, is there a buyers checklist anywhere on this forum? I want to make sure everything is covered.

BandB · Jun 13, 2019

Dock Walker said:
Thanks psneeld, that is the encouragement I am looking for. BTW, is there a buyers checklist anywhere on this forum? I want to make sure everything is covered.

Yes, it's known as getting a good survey.

Another New Member

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Dock Walker

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Dock Walker

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