Please Read. I Need Some Advice

[SEAWISE]

Okay guys I need some help and advice. I just got back in town last night. I have spent the last eight days on the road. I went to look at a 1967 41C that I am interested in buying. There a couple of things I need some advice on. While doing sea trials I noticed something. The boat seems very slow to respond to controls. During docking maneuvers it takes her a long time to respond. Now out on the river running ahead she does just fine. (I love the sound of those Detroit’s). For example while we were docking to take on fuel. The boat is moving forward at what I considered a normal marina no wake idle speed and when the engines were put into reverse I thought she would never stop moving forward. While maneuvering away from the docks same thing it was a very slow process to pull the bow around. Maybe I am just used to Sea-Wise, my 34C. Another bit if info that may help. Let’s say you are at dead stop. You put the port engine in reverse and the starboard engine in forward. My 34 will for the most part spin in her own length. This 41 will tend to move ahead somewhat. Does that make any sense? The 41 seems to be propped correctly. WOT rpm’s are about 2600 seem right huh. She comes up to speed in good time. Is this just the way these 41’s behave? The engines ran fine, fired right up after a second or a second and a half. Very little smoke, just a puff, cleared right away. While out on the river I had the owner run her up to speed while I watched at the transom. From the exhaust there was no smoke but I did notice from both engines a very slight vapor trail. Almost like steam, it dissipated within 6 to 8 foot out of the exhaust. I have never noticed this from the 3116 Caterpillar’s on Sea-Wise. But it was a cool rainy morning. I am assuming this is normal. It seems that I have seen this on other boats before. I just never really thought about it before. The engines run out great. I was surprised how spry she was with the 6-53’s I am guessing but I think she was running at maybe15-18 knots. Not as quick as my 34 with the 3116 Cats. But not bad at all
The boat is very clean. Fresh water boat all her life. Interior has been redone in white Formica throughout. There is some of the original wood doors and trim. And all that has been recently refinished. The head liner is original and could stand to be replaced. The floor in the lower station or main saloon and the head needs new carpet. Down side, she has no A/C or gen. set. Even though the Detroit’s have done there share of drooling the bilge is fairly clean.. And of course if I do buy the 41 I need to sell my 34…….. Sooooo anyway anyone noticed or had any experience with this slow responding to the props.
I have placed a couple of pictures in my Hatteras Owners Gallery, look under Sea-Wise. http://www.samsmarine.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=49
I am not sure if i can link through here but if not you can cut and paste. there are also pictures of my 34c. But the pics of the 41c will have 41c in somewhere in the title of the picture. Last question …………. I have got a quote of between 5 and 6 thousand to move her here to Louisiana by truck. But even at that, this boat has got to be worth 40k huh???? HELP………….. I need to make a decision soon. Thanks guys

 

[Genesis]

Sounds totally normal to me. You're talking about a lot of tonnage there and it doesn't stop or start instantly.

The "move forward" thing on a spin is normal too. The fix is to slightly increase the RPM of the astern engine; props are more efficient going with the cup than against it, which is why this happens.

 

[NAN-PO 41]

I have a 1966 41tc with the 8v53 Detroits. Very heavy boat for the size and it does take a second to respond @ idle. Great ride in the tough stuff because of the weight. We absolutely love the boat. If it is in good shape you won't go wrong with the 41 hull. Let me know if you buy the boat and we can exchange notes. I did hear that the freshwater boats had more blister problems.
Fred
pennbilt@rcn.com

 

[hat48lrc]

Everything stated in the two previous responses is basically correct. Heavy boats definitily require more time to respond to the throttle. Also hull configuration can have a lot to do with how a boat responds to "turning" on her keel.

However, if after these things are considered she still seems to take an abnormal amount of time to respond, it could also be related a transmission slippage. This is not uncommon in older boats and can be a serious problem and at worst require a costly transmissin overhaul. Sounds to me that you need to bring in a qualified marine surveyor/tech to check this out before writing that final check?

Jim Alexander
Serendipity

 

[67hat34c]

what props are on it. 4 blade props respond better at slow speed than 3 blade.

 

[first230sl]

I had the same kind of experience when I got my 58. The first time I drove it myself I had the exact same feelings ("boy - it is slower to respond to steering inputs and engine speed changes than I am use to"). The reason I felt this way was because my previous boat was just over 1/2 the length and about 1/5 the weight. They do respond differently, and you notice it.

Having said that, the fellow that sold it to me could work it like magic, and I am now about as good as I was with my previous boat (quite a long way from "magic", however).

My only remaining question from your post is whether you noticed a long delay between the time you shifted (say from forward to reverse while docking) and the transmission response. Obviously that would be a whole other issue. I could not tell from your post if that seemed to be an issue.

Take care - Murray

Okay guys I need some help and advice. ... The boat seems very slow to respond to controls.

 

[CaptainHatt]

I Have 1967 41 hatteras docking this boat with detroit 53 is slow because tranmission are 2 to 1 which turns prop slower than most boats. you can get better responce by just increaseing rpm a small amount. Your boat appears to be lighter than most 41 this will make cruse better. You will have to keep it light if you want to conteniue to cruse at that speed. If you increase your horse power you will lose that good slow docking. Unless you keep 2 to 1 tranmission and large props. I love my 41.

 

[lisaann]

my 68 41c has 6-71n detroits i spin 24x27 four blades 2-1 gears i feel it reacts very quickly and strong when docking. i dont no horsepower of the 6-53 but you may be turning a smaller wheel or a different reduction, anyway you typicaly dont change props for docking purposes.you may have to bump up the throttles when docking. boat looks clean and resonable price
good luck!

 

[micky]

6-53 are 210 hp

 

[spartonboat1]

That different feel might be due to weight...former Hatt Owner of a 43' MY changed brands to get a new go-fast boat of similar size, which is a Carver. Says he notices he "blows around more", when docking in a wind.

 

[SEAWISE]

thanks for the input

T Thanks for the input. I have made a decision and have made an offer on the 41. I should know something in a few days. I am amazed how I can always justify buying something I want. But I’m sure it’s just me. You guys will be the first to know if my offer is accepted. Thanks again.