‘94 Symbol 54 Pilothouse

[Vahevala]

We are actively searching for a live aboard long range pilothouse trawler, and the market is crazy! Saw the ‘94 Symbol 54 Pilothouse listed that is coming out of charter soon. We are in FL and would be a big trip out to see her. Wondering if anyone can give knowledge of the sea worthiness of these vessels? After cruising the PNW we would love to head south to the Sea of Cortez. Is this boat capable? It’s not stabilized and doesn’t seem to be outfitted for long range cruising...no water maker, fuel polishing, solar etc. Has Cat 3208 engines, 375 hp w/ 3000 hrs. Not sure the range with 800 gallons. The broker couldn’t tell us if it has a keel...no photos of the bottom. She’s a little older than we’d like and a little bigger as well. Can’t find too much info online.
Love hear opinions! Thanks

 

[OldDan1943]

Start here.

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s3/symbol-yachts-good-passage-makers-14669.html

There's a lot of 'old' messages there. SMILE

https://www.yachtforums.com/threads/symbol-yacht-information-opinions.29174/

I did a google search on Symbol 54 Pilothouse and found more than 10 pages of 'stuff'

 

[tiltrider1]

Considering the boat and engine package, I would expect a range of 800 nautical miles at 10kts and possibly 1200 nautical miles at 7.5 kts. This of course assumes a clean bottom.

 

[Comodave]

I would have the engines checked carefully since the boat was in charter. It may have been run hard and put away wet so to speak. 3K hours isn’t a lot for a diesel if it wasn’t run hard, but a charter boat may have been run pretty hard. Just go in with your eyes wide open...

 

[Lwerder]

Absolutely a big concern. Folks on a charter never take care as if it was their own.