My wife and I have been looking for a boat. We've been sailing for about 8 months. We have been looking for a boat in the 30' range. Mostly Catalinas. We have also looked at a coupel or Ericsons. One thing we have noticed is that the boats with gas engines are priced lower. I understand that with a gas engine that the chance of fire is higher. But I've also heard that this is not a major factor in choosing a boat. We are confused on this point. Is a gas engine something we should really avoid. This will be our first boat and we want to get off on the right foot. Also I would like any advice anyone may give on the age of a boat. I see a lot of nice boat is th 1975 to 1985 range. Is age a major consideration when we talk about haul, mast and general condition of the boat. Is a well maintained 1975 still sea worthy and a safe investment? Thanks Tom K
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gas isn't a problem
I just recently purchased a 1978 C30 with a gas engine in it. I only paid $6k for it but i new there there was some work needed to be done. Things to look for on the boat of that age are definately the standing rigging. Whens the last time it's been replaced? Check where the stay wires is put into the turn buckle...is it corroded? Check the spreaders (that era boat may be wooden spreaders as my 78 was), what condition are they in? Check the cabin top, is it soft anywhere when you walk on it? How is the floor around the pedastal? is it soft? Any soft flooring will show a sign of delamination of the core material. Check around the keel bolts, what condition are they in? Check for rudder slop, and of course the sails and running rigging. A survey on a boat of that size is some of the best $ you can spend, so you know what you are getting into...happy buying! Oh yah and according to the coast guard to date there have been no fires caused by gas engines on sailboats...just a little fact.
I just recently purchased a 1978 C30 with a gas engine in it. I only paid $6k for it but i new there there was some work needed to be done. Things to look for on the boat of that age are definately the standing rigging. Whens the last time it's been replaced? Check where the stay wires is put into the turn buckle...is it corroded? Check the spreaders (that era boat may be wooden spreaders as my 78 was), what condition are they in? Check the cabin top, is it soft anywhere when you walk on it? How is the floor around the pedastal? is it soft? Any soft flooring will show a sign of delamination of the core material. Check around the keel bolts, what condition are they in? Check for rudder slop, and of course the sails and running rigging. A survey on a boat of that size is some of the best $ you can spend, so you know what you are getting into...happy buying! Oh yah and according to the coast guard to date there have been no fires caused by gas engines on sailboats...just a little fact.
Gas is fine . . .
Not buying a Atomic 4, or other gas IB engine, is a new boat brokers scare tatic. I've had my trusty A-4 for many years and its
Not buying a Atomic 4, or other gas IB engine, is a new boat brokers scare tatic. I've had my trusty A-4 for many years and its
Thanks For The Help
Thanks for all the good information. I feel better about looking at boats with gas engines now. Tom K
Thanks for all the good information. I feel better about looking at boats with gas engines now. Tom K
Gas engine
Because of it's low flash point, there are some extra safety precautions you must know and do. Running the engine/bilge exhaust fan before engine start is an absolute must with gas, just a good idea with diesel. Learn them, follow them, enjoy your boat.
Because of it's low flash point, there are some extra safety precautions you must know and do. Running the engine/bilge exhaust fan before engine start is an absolute must with gas, just a good idea with diesel. Learn them, follow them, enjoy your boat.
Gas is great
What Ken J says about gas inboard saftey is right on the mark. As long as you use your bilge blower religiously your gas engine will be safe. I have owned a 1983 c30 since 1996 and just love my trusty atomic 4. I can do my own work on it, it is very quiet and smooth running and it has plenty of power. Also, with a gas engine you don't have to worry about that awful diesel fuel smell if you happen to spill a few drops of fuel. One thing to add to jr's comments is to inspect the bottom for blisters. Boats manufactured in the late seventies and early eighties had a lot of problems with blistering. When I bought my boat, the previous owner had a barrier coat put on the bottom, so blisters were not an issue.
What Ken J says about gas inboard saftey is right on the mark. As long as you use your bilge blower religiously your gas engine will be safe. I have owned a 1983 c30 since 1996 and just love my trusty atomic 4. I can do my own work on it, it is very quiet and smooth running and it has plenty of power. Also, with a gas engine you don't have to worry about that awful diesel fuel smell if you happen to spill a few drops of fuel. One thing to add to jr's comments is to inspect the bottom for blisters. Boats manufactured in the late seventies and early eighties had a lot of problems with blistering. When I bought my boat, the previous owner had a barrier coat put on the bottom, so blisters were not an issue.
DIESEL HAS ADVANTAGES
The diesel engine is a work horse. It can take massive abuse and not let you down. If you plan to do any kind of cursing, think about a diesel. I had an experience in Nantucket where my engines anti-siphon valve became clogged and the engines 3 cylinders flooded with sea water. Salt water was flowing out of the air intake. Had this been a gas engine and water was coming out of the carburetor I would have been screwed and a long way from home. I cleared the clogged siphon valve, cranked the motor over a few times, and it started right up. Ran like a champ all the way home. I swear by the diesel engine. It seems like the harder they work the happier they are. A real comfort to know when your in heavy weather.
The diesel engine is a work horse. It can take massive abuse and not let you down. If you plan to do any kind of cursing, think about a diesel. I had an experience in Nantucket where my engines anti-siphon valve became clogged and the engines 3 cylinders flooded with sea water. Salt water was flowing out of the air intake. Had this been a gas engine and water was coming out of the carburetor I would have been screwed and a long way from home. I cleared the clogged siphon valve, cranked the motor over a few times, and it started right up. Ran like a champ all the way home. I swear by the diesel engine. It seems like the harder they work the happier they are. A real comfort to know when your in heavy weather.
Gas/diesel and old boats
Tom; You have been getting good advice. Diesel can take abuse, but when they finally go down, they can be more expensive than gasoline to repair. Gas engines can require more regular maintainance than diesel. Clean your spark plugs regularly. If a boat is over 10 years old, consider getting a marine survey before buying it. Some insurance companies require it after a certain age. Osmosis is worth avoiding. One thing that most sailors agree on.....every boat is a compromise. Your first one will teach you a lot about your next boat
Ron (love my Catalina)
Tom; You have been getting good advice. Diesel can take abuse, but when they finally go down, they can be more expensive than gasoline to repair. Gas engines can require more regular maintainance than diesel. Clean your spark plugs regularly. If a boat is over 10 years old, consider getting a marine survey before buying it. Some insurance companies require it after a certain age. Osmosis is worth avoiding. One thing that most sailors agree on.....every boat is a compromise. Your first one will teach you a lot about your next boat
Ron (love my Catalina)echo a couple of things ...
I think that as long as you follow the right maintenance program, the atomic 4's are fine. Just be aware that it's a bit more stringent a program, and the penalty for not following it is higher. One thing no one has mentioned, and that is checking all the gas line and fittings for vibration induced cracks or possible failures. In addition, check the wiring and blower motor carefully. In that age boat, as others have said, I'd sure get a survey before purchase. And I'd include the engine in the survey, which around here is an added cost but I think worth it. Oh ... be there and intimately involved with the surveyer while the survey is being performed. If the surveyer is talkative (most are) you'll learn an incredible amount about boats and their ownership. Happy sailing !!!! Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
I think that as long as you follow the right maintenance program, the atomic 4's are fine. Just be aware that it's a bit more stringent a program, and the penalty for not following it is higher. One thing no one has mentioned, and that is checking all the gas line and fittings for vibration induced cracks or possible failures. In addition, check the wiring and blower motor carefully. In that age boat, as others have said, I'd sure get a survey before purchase. And I'd include the engine in the survey, which around here is an added cost but I think worth it. Oh ... be there and intimately involved with the surveyer while the survey is being performed. If the surveyer is talkative (most are) you'll learn an incredible amount about boats and their ownership. Happy sailing !!!! Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
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