We're looking at purchasing a Newport MKIII 27. We're new to boating and havent seen this name before. Any feedback on this boat is appreciated. Also, in general, i hear conflicting information on purchasing a boat where the manufacturer is out of business. Some people say parts is a problem and others say almost all parts are generic. Thanks, John Perri
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Not ALL Parts Are Generic, But Lots Are
The Newport line of boats was manufactured in SoCal from about 1970ish to about the latter 1980's. They were/are a production-quality boat in the manner of Catalina, Ericson, Columbia, Hunter, etc. Plenty built and a reasonably good reputation, largely as crusers more than racers. The later models, as did many (most?) of the industry had some significant blistering on some boats. The 27 is a flush deck that was very popular because of its large interior volume and nice finish. Rick D.
The Newport line of boats was manufactured in SoCal from about 1970ish to about the latter 1980's. They were/are a production-quality boat in the manner of Catalina, Ericson, Columbia, Hunter, etc. Plenty built and a reasonably good reputation, largely as crusers more than racers. The later models, as did many (most?) of the industry had some significant blistering on some boats. The 27 is a flush deck that was very popular because of its large interior volume and nice finish. Rick D.
They're a Respected Older Boat
Check the website below. What people say about parts being a problem is probably more true than that they are generic. I suspect that many of the original parts manufacturers are also either out of business or they have dropped the particular items from manufacture. In the late 60s and into the 70s many marine hardware items were made of bronze where as today most marine items for sale boats are made of stainless steel. Older boats tend to have very small running lights which don't meed todays Coast Guard requirements, consequently, replacements for the old ones are probably not available. The boat is made of fiberglass and if one of the winches needs to be replaced you'll probably have to remove the old one, patch the holes, and install a new one with a new bolt circle. New winches will be self-tailers where as the old ones probably were not. On the plus side most of the old Newport boats had more wood in them and this is one of the things that endeard people to them.
Check the website below. What people say about parts being a problem is probably more true than that they are generic. I suspect that many of the original parts manufacturers are also either out of business or they have dropped the particular items from manufacture. In the late 60s and into the 70s many marine hardware items were made of bronze where as today most marine items for sale boats are made of stainless steel. Older boats tend to have very small running lights which don't meed todays Coast Guard requirements, consequently, replacements for the old ones are probably not available. The boat is made of fiberglass and if one of the winches needs to be replaced you'll probably have to remove the old one, patch the holes, and install a new one with a new bolt circle. New winches will be self-tailers where as the old ones probably were not. On the plus side most of the old Newport boats had more wood in them and this is one of the things that endeard people to them.
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