1980 42' LRC - Anybody familiar with this boat?

[Artzco]

Well, I spoke the broker and this what he had to say as best I can remember:
" The boat was owned by a couple, he died a few years ago. She wants to sell it. The boat has been out of the water for two years. An engine survey was completed by Atlantic Florida Marine, in the slings, cannot launch boat because of leaking seals and stuck seacocks. Engine survey looked good, minor problem with an injector, no smoke... Survey cost $1200 and is available for $600 if I want it. The survey was commissioned by a buyer who intended to purchase the boat but couldn't get title because it was tied up by the estate executor. He walked away after a while. A stabilizer needs some work, batteries are all dead. Rise glass needs replacement, panel damage to wood from leaking windows... Broker thinks $20,000 to get her fixed up."

I am a little indecisive about this. I am not afraid of doing the work but unsure of the depth, scope and cost. I have read and completely understand the view point of buying one that is as perfect as possible but I enjoy working on projects and certainly have the time. Any thoughts?

I bought mine because it was at a very low price and I knew what it would take to bring it up to standards. The PO did almost no maintenance and as a result the majority of systems needed replacing or major repair. Even with my estimates it was over double the projected dollars. $20k will barely get you out of a boatyard and a boat sitting up dry for a long time has a very negative effect on everything. As suggested, look closely at any mold issues.

Proceed cautiously and with your eyes & wallet open. Sometimes it's more pleasurable to be sitting with a cool beverage on the boat than saying, "we'll soon be on the water cruising."

 

[rwappleton]

If the Broker said 20K that means my 60K estimate is a little low!

 

[oscarvan]

If it's talking to you AND you can steal it.....do it. Otherwise.....take a cold shower and click here:

www.yachtowrld.com

 

[Finalee]

If any of us, God forbid, died today and the boat sat unused for 6 years, you know it would look rough and our wives would sell it cheap. Just saying. Look at it close. It might not be as bad as everyone thinks.

 

[SeaEric]

Unless you just like the layout and the looks I don't see that much of an appeal over a standard hulled MY or conv. Pulled back to the same speeds the efficiency isn't all that much greater. And if you've ever been caught offshore when it's getting dark storms are moving in it's awfully nice to push the throttles up and get the heck out of dodge!

+1 what Mr Smith said. Shop for a nice cond Hatt MY and run it at displacement speed.

 

[pizzazsdaddy]

Ditto to Sea Eric. There is enough expense and upkeep on a nice boat without screwing yourself on a fixer-upper. Few things worse than a boat that's been left sitting for years in a boatyard in the Florida Sun. $20,000 to fix up? The broker is clueless! A good 40-50ft Motor Yacht will provide better accommodations and serve the same purpose for the same ownership cost. Nothing wrong with seeing it, but you seriously need to look at several options. Needs TLC means it needs $100,000!

 

[Dauntless]

Setting aside the economic decision of whether a project like this particular boat is viable or not, many opinions seem to favor a different type of boat and I am curious as why this viewpoint may be more advantageous.

My observations:

Would a MY or convertible be a better choice for long term live aboard and long distance travel? I plan on spending years cruising the islands, South America, Central America, Mexico and who knows where I end up. Sure there will be stops everywhere but mostly on the hook the whole time. Definately not a weekend Marina boat. Given those parameters, wouldn't the LRC be the best choice for seaworthiness, comfort and economy? Or not.

The industrial rated GM 4-53 can run forever at 2500 rpm, at a reduced rpm cruise at 7.5 knots burning .5 gal per hour, 755 gallons means a range of 1,000 to 1,500 miles, not that it might be needed but will definately allow choosing when and where to fuel up a few times a year.

The rounded displacement hull, I have read, would be safer and more seaworthy in the open waters. I'm not sure if it would be more comfortable.

I am certainly open minded to all suggestions. I just want to pick the right type of boat for my needs. I am hoping your wisdom and experience can point me in the proper direction.

 

[rsmith]

The round bottom dosent make the boat safer just slightly more efficient. id be looking at steel hulled ex commercial boats with watertight doors and steel dogged down covers for the windows.

 

[bobk]

Setting aside the economic decision of whether a project like this particular boat is viable or not, many opinions seem to favor a different type of boat and I am curious as why this viewpoint may be more advantageous.

My observations:

Would a MY or convertible be a better choice for long term live aboard and long distance travel? I plan on spending years cruising the islands, South America, Central America, Mexico and who knows where I end up. Sure there will be stops everywhere but mostly on the hook the whole time. Definately not a weekend Marina boat. Given those parameters, wouldn't the LRC be the best choice for seaworthiness, comfort and economy? Or not.

The industrial rated GM 4-53 can run forever at 2500 rpm, at a reduced rpm cruise at 7.5 knots burning .5 gal per hour, 755 gallons means a range of 1,000 to 1,500 miles, not that it might be needed but will definately allow choosing when and where to fuel up a few times a year.

The rounded displacement hull, I have read, would be safer and more seaworthy in the open waters. I'm not sure if it would be more comfortable.

I am certainly open minded to all suggestions. I just want to pick the right type of boat for my needs. I am hoping your wisdom and experience can point me in the proper direction.

Some thoughts for you: I went through this decision process 9+ years ago when my late wife decided (demanded?) that we get a larger boat. We had a single screw 41' Hershine trawler in the sundeck/hardtop configuration so we were used to economy and the spacious living arrangement. We were living aboard 9-12 months per year cruising the AICW to the tune of 3000 miles per year. The single 135 HP Lehman burned 2.7 gph at about 7.5 knots so I would seriously doubt the fuel burn you are anticipating. You might approach 1.7 gph in a 42 KK with a sail boat hull at 6 knots but that is a single engine boat.

Anyway, our search for a larger live aboard trawler led us no where as we wanted a 'trawler' with the large sundeck arrangement for comfortable living. Several brokers suggested we buy a motor yacht and run it slow, but we resisted because of the fuel burn concern. Once we saw the 48 series I MY, we were hooked. I run it at 8.3 knots and it delivers at 1.3-.1.4 SMPG. In terms of overall costs, the incremental fuel cost is a small fraction.

My view of your questions... first read Beebe's 'Cruising Under Power'.. Visit a variety of boats at shows and meetings of groups like MTOA. Then make up a formal spread sheet of your wants, desires and no-go's to help keep you objective. Check the various Hatteras models under the advertising brochures here.LRC's are rugged, but not true 'trawlers' in that the chines are only softened, unlike a boat with a round hull shape eg KK 42. The flat transom will respond to quartering seas poorly. If most of your time is at anchor, vs. running, give creature considerations more priority. I like many others here prefer the space of a MY over an LRC. I have also made use of the power to out run a storm, catch a bridge opening, or improve stability in a short quartering sea.

I'm rambling. PM me if you would like to take this off line.

Bobk

 

[saltshaker]

There's no answer we can give you other than to say, "Go look at it yourself." Don't put much into someone else's assessment of the boat unless they have something to back it up. If they want to sell the boat they should give you a copy of the current survey free of charge. Two years isn't that long if she was laid up properly. Could be minor work needed or could be too far gone to be worth it, depending on your skill level and available time. Take a good hard look at everything. Make an offer if you think it's worth the effort and then get a thorough survey of the boat and engines. They should make the boat ready for survey and sea trial at the owner's expense once you have a signed deal. If you buy it as is/where is then make sure you are paying a price that would account for all the big stuff being shot. For me that would be less than $0.

 

[rsmith]

"I plan on spending years cruising the islands, South America, Central America, Mexico and who knows where I end up. Sure there will be stops everywhere but mostly on the hook the whole time. Definately not a weekend Marina boat. Given those parameters, wouldn't the LRC be the best choice for seaworthiness, comfort and economy? Or not."

Sounds like your still dreaming about what your missions will be for the boat. You need to seriously analize your mission profile and pick a boat accordingly. A run out old pleasure boat might not be the best choice for long open water passages where the weather might change drastically with little options once your committed.BTW round bottom boats really roll when their stopped or at anchor.

 

[gbharrington]

I come down squarely on the side of the MY crowd. When I began looking for a live aboard I considered a trawler, but was discouraged by the cost/volume equation. Every one that I looked at in the mid 40' range seemed small and twice as expensive when compared to a MY. When I looked closely at fuel consumption at hull speeds, there wasn't enough of a difference to warrant the "trawler premium". Add to that the fact that I am on my boat considerably more than I am underway (around 30-1), space and comfortable living is, in reality, the most important virtue for me.
To be honest, I just don't get this whole trawler thing. Most seem to be dock queens, and few ever lose sight of land. Of course I guess that could be said about most boats.
Unless you truly intend to do multi day offshore deep water passages regardless of weather conditions, your dollar will go a lot further and your pleasure and comfort will be a lot greater with a well founded MY.

 

[kjcampos]

for me the MY is the way to go..we have a 56' MY and we burn about 10 gal. an hour at 1200-1350 RPMs doing about 8-10 knts but i can throttle down to 1000 RPMs and do from 6-8 knts and get better fuel economy but in not worried about that i like the comfort of our MY we are not always on the move with her and when we are at the Marina and on the hook comfort and room mean a lot for me and my wife....oh yea and we don't go anywhere if the weather is not going to be in our favor....we no it can change so having the extra get up and go is worth it for us....


Joe
1981 56' MY
Lake Gloria II

 

[Pete]

After reading this thread, I probably should stop at Lowes today and buy a bag of rocks to throw at my 48 LRC.

Pete

 

[bobk]

After reading this thread, I probably should stop at Lowes today and buy a bag of rocks to throw at my 48 LRC.

Pete

Not at all. As they say different strokes etc. The 48 LRC is a great boat. If it works for you, that's just super. BTW, what kind of fuel burn do you get?

Bobk

 

[krush]

After reading this thread, I probably should stop at Lowes today and buy a bag of rocks to throw at my 48 LRC.

Pete

Lawn darts, not rocks .........(joke). I really like the layout and styling of the 48 and 58 LRC. Only thign I don't like about the 48 is that it isn't walk-around deck and one has to go inside to get from bow to stern. Oh, and I don't like the prices--but that's nothing against the LRC, it's good they hold their value!

 

[Pete]

Fuel burn is right at 6 gallons an hour doing 8 knots in semi calm waters, generator on but lightly loaded, stabilizers active, with 1300+ gallons of fuel, and 350+ gallons fresh water onboard, plus and this is the big one, everything the Admiral thinks is necessary for her and the dog's life style, and any possible request from a guest.

Pete

 

[dastahl]

After reading this thread, I probably should stop at Lowes today and buy a bag of rocks to throw at my 48 LRC.

Pete

OK some of you MY folks need to come over to Skooch and take a little ride on a 58 LRC. And on the little Skooch 42' the ride was much more comfortable than on my 41 SF at the same speed. If you are going to go long and slow the LRC with Stabilizers is more comfortable. Range is better and just as much room as the same sized 42 MY.

The hull is flatter aft to keep it from squatting when over powered by the mighty 4-53s. But she would do 9 knots if you want to. 7.5 was best at just shy of 4 gallons an hour. Now you MY folks will say I get 7-8 knots and only burn 6-7 gallons an hour. And although I got fuel for 1.92 last month, try to think in percentages like 6 gallons per hour is 50% more than 4 gph. That will make a difference.

The Mark II 42 LRCs have a U-shaped galley which we liked. Ours was hull number one and had the fuel tanks along the keel keeping the weight low. Newer Mark II has saddle tanks which are easier to use.

Yes a 56 MY has more room than a 42 LRC. But 58' Big Skooch makes the 56 MY look like a little sister. Not sure where you folks got the idea the LRCs don't have as much room. My freind had 40 people on his 58 LRC for her birthday party in Miami. What no cockpit on the MY. I gotta tell ya the YF have too much boat tied up in too big a cockpit. We use are cockpit all the time to access floating docks and the usual swimming and grabbing the dog when he jumps in. Oh its essential for Man Overboard safety. Do the motor yachts has electrical access on the bow and stern? I don't think so. Do you have to deploy the heavy ladder all the time. We use our occasionally.

Also you might note that when the grand kids and their little dog are with us they sleep in a nice stateroom with head and shower while mom sleeps near buy in a large stateroom with head and shower while my wife and I sleep aft down a separate stair case away from the noise. This in contrast to the long dark companionway thru the galley, past the small engine rooms and staterooms to the master with a small double bed. The 58 LRC has a stand up full beam engine room in the middle with all the machinery. Galley UP. Our aft cabin has a real King sized bed. And a real pilot house with nearby day head and A/C. I gotta ask do any of the MY have day heads?

So lets talk about the speed. The LRCs can not do the MY's 14-15 knots. I gotta tell ya most MY 53s and 58s can't get up on plane at all with out a perfectly clean bottom and less stuff on board and full throttle. So if you go slow anyway? And in conclusion the LRCs go half the speed, but a better in many many other ways. IMHO

Thanks Pete. Don't throw rocks at you 48 LRC bring her down to our LRC rendezvous in St. Pete next month! If you go out at Beaufort NC its three days to Fort Peirce. Can a motor yacht do that, nope they can't.

David
Skooch
Beaufort SC

 

[Boatsb]

I love the 58 lrc. It's just massive. The 42 is not as large in comparison to a 42 my.

That all being said it's all what you want to do with it. I like convertibles. So neither suits my needs yet if I wanted a live aboard I'd look at the 58 and 65 lrc along with motor yachts and others based on what my needs changed too.

Downside to the 58 lrc is size.

She's deep wide and heavy. It's harder to find slips and hauling facilities. You also need deeper water.

 

[Pete]

My post about throwing rocks at my 48 LRC was my feebly attempt at some light sarcasm, as I read the opinions of some that fail to appreciate what the free market has forever rewarded with a premium value. The boat is the best fit for what I value, and I only hope that everyone else can find the boat they want to keep forever. There are lots of choices out there.

Pete