Ross
Note how many of the problems that Russ finds with the C-27 are the
direct result of having difficulty with servicing the engine. I've been
helping crew at the servicings of the engines aboard a 30' J and a
Pearson 32. Things were not much improved there: I found myself in
awkward and painful postures over long periods on both occasions. The
only real relief was on my friend Chris' 42' Challanger. On it we could
step down into a compartment and work on the engine standing up. My
skipper on the J30--29, really-- solved these issues by being a
successful lawyer and having his engine maintenance, all of it, done by
the maintenance crew of his yard.
So I'm opening a can of worms, ritually opened each spring. Why in the
world, short of chartering your boat, would you want an inboard engine?
I bought Phoenix partly because I know that fixing an inboard costs, on
a fair average, three times as much as servicing an outboard. And then
you have to drag a slowing prop (minus1 kt for a fixed prop, minus at
least 1/4kt for a folding prop. ). In five years I've spent $600 on
fixing my engine, and that's only because at 74 years old I do have a
difficult time working even on an outboard. So I have a pro come in.
And I have a noisier, gas inefficient engine, on purpose because it has
only three moving parts (vs ca 23 for the four stroke). Apart from the
results of my ignorance induced engine difficulties (My own race boat
was an enginless Thistle), my Evinrude 97 has been very reliable.
There are now 2 stroke outboards that are quiet and gas efficient, but
they cost almost as much as my boat , so they are for successful lawers
to buy, I guess, certainly not for retired teachers.
Rudy B.
Russ Dearmore wrote:
Ross, I'm only 5'9" and 195 and although I love my 27' I am really
weary of the bending and twisting involved with any activities done
below. I'd ask myself how much time I would spend single handing the
boat. If you would usually have someone to help crew (wife?) then
I'd enthusiastically recommend the 30. The 27' inboard is
very difficult to work on. Slide into the port side cockpit locker
and see if you have a prayer of a chance to inspect the transmission
fluid. Every time I get in there I spend 2 days of bed rest because
of a back operation. Sleeping is not comfortable to me but again it
may be due to the back.
In short, I'd get a very used 30' and improve it as budget
restraints allow. It will be much more enjoyable for the wife
(extremely important, I can't emphasize this critical point enough)
and your enjoyment will be enhanced also. It's amazing what some
fiberglass work and paint will do to make a tired looking boat look
nearly new......
As Ralph so accurately pointed out the head routine is not to be
underestimated. The 30 is basically just a more enjoyable boat. Put
your money in improvements on the right size boat so as not to lose
the work you put into your first boat. It's sad to see all that labor
and money go to the next owners wallet. Bargains are out there so
just be patient.
Hope I haven't angered to many 27 lovers because for it's size,
it's the best........
Ross Aresco <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi All,
I'd appreciate some advice here. I've been researching diligently
for the best first boat for my wife and me (no kids just yet) and
have had my heart set for a while on a C30. However, with trying
to save up for starting a family, etc. I'm thinking that it may be
the best decision financially to start with a more typical (and
cheaper) "starter boat" and then move up in a few years, versus
spending at least $10-20K more for a C30 and moving right to the
boat that we could grow into. Yes, I know that if you amortize
that over a number of years it doesn't add up to much, but it does
right now.
How do you like your C27s? I've never sailed one - but they're
clearly super popular and can handle a variety of conditions. For
the same accoutrements that we'd like (newer sail inventory, well
maintained engine, pressure hot/cold water, generally well
maintained boat) you can land a C27 for so much less than a C30,
I'm thinking that this makes more and more sense.
Part of my apprehension, however, is that I'm 6'3" 260lbs and I'm
a bit worried about feeling like Will Ferrell in Elf while
onboard! We're in Erie, PA so we'd ideally like to do a lot of
day/evening sailing, some weekly club racing and ideally do some
weekend trips west past Cleveland and north to Canada.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
~Ross
Change your thinking, change your life. We are guided, we are guarded,
we are healed, we are blessed.....
