Identify this boat

New to the forum but need some help identifying the year and make of this boat. Don't know much about it. It is powered by a single Lehman 120. The engine head was removed by someone before I got involved with it. It has been poorly maintained over the years and will require a lot of time and expense to get it sea worthy. Is it worth it?

Thanks, yarb

Greetings,
Welcome aboard.

yarb said:

New to the forum but need some help identifying the year and make of this boat. Don't know much about it. It is powered by a single Lehman 120. The engine head was removed by someone before I got involved with it. It has been poorly maintained over the years and will require a lot of time and expense to get it sea worthy. Is it worth it?

Thanks, yarb

Click to expand...

It looks very like the 30' version of the boat I had, called a Clipper 34 here in Aus, but not ever sold in large numbers as the cockpit is a bit on the short side. There are several still around here. But over in the US it was called a CHB. So, my guess is it's a CHB 30, but possibly called there a Marine Trader 30.

Actually, looking more closely, the structure on the dock is obscuring the end of the cockpit, so it is possible it is a 34. The 120 hp Lehman engine would support that also. If so, they are a nice boat layout wise, but subject to all of the usual issues of an older Taiwanese built boat. If in very poor order I'd say beware, based on experience, let's say.
I think in terms of age, it would be circa 1975-78, I think.

The first three characters of the HIN can be used to identify the boat builder. The last three characters identify the month and year built. Google “ boat manufacturer codes.

Its probably a Taiwan Trawler, which is neither good or bad in itself. Since we seem to know a bit about the condition I would say the decision should be based pretty much strictly on negotiated price.

Someone took the head off the engine and stopped there because what they learned was bad news. Figure $20,000 for a new engine.

You must assume that the fuel tanks are bad. Figure at least another $10,000. Probably less, since you will have the engine out.

Canvas, bright work, electronics, etc. will cost a lot.

Even totally restored, this boat will have a value of less than $30,000.

Just go into it with your eyes open and don't pay more than a couple thousand for it. (If anything at all) The boat basically has no value.

pete

Just for a reference point see the post titled : 1980 chb pt-38. It is a nice looking 38 or 40 foot T.T which looks to be in decent condition listed for around $30,000

It is not my boat, I have no interest in the boat and am not making any recommendations, just look at it for comparison.

pete

Welcome. I would also recommend starting with the hull ID #. That should be a clue. Nice looking boat, not sure it is worth it w/o more info on what it is and what it needs? Do you own it and how did you get involved with it?

You need to look beyond the engine. Deck, fuel tanks, windows, running gear, wiring, etc. It could be a great boat needing a rebuilt engine or a never ending headache.
And Welcome Aboard!

The advice re the HIN = hull ID number, is good, but from my experience, can be hard to find. I found mine only when it was out for an anti-foul, as it was tucked in under the right hand end of the stern platform, so virtually impossible to view in the water. But good luck with that, but particularly take note of Pete Meisinger's comments above. Sorry, but all true.

Thanks to all that replied ! Unable to find a HIN but will keep searching.

yarb

yarb - Welcome into TF

BUT - Be very careful... this could become a money pit headache for you.

Good Luck! - Art

What if you can't find the HIN? Is there another option?

Greetings,
Welcome aboard eh?