WE are new to this site, New to large boats. We have had 24' day cruiser, graduating to 33' Cruisers Yachts ( gas leak EXPLODED this past Dec. 19, burned to a crisp BYE BYE Cruisers ) Now hopefully we have made a good deal on a 51' Symbol Aft Cabin , Twin Diesel Motor Yacht. We will know Tues. I know it is going to be a challenge going from 33 to 51 and gas single to twin diesel Any Ideas ? Suggestions? Thanks Ken & Julie
KJF - Welcome to a great site. At which stage are you? While you say you've made a good deal, does that mean you'll have an accepted offer on Tuesday or you're closing on Tuesday? Let us know what kind of suggestions you're looking for whether they pertain to survey questions or size or single vs twin or gas vs diesel, etc. Lots of informed members here, but we need information from you on how to help. Judy Waldman
Ken, Welcome aboard. First question: did you have a survey done? You should have a hull/structural survey and an engine survey. Have the oil analyzed to see if there are pieces of metals, acids, etc in the oil. A good way to see how they have been cared for and what to expect. Once in, you'll love the twin screw handling in tight quarters. And although diesel does burn, it's safer than gasoline (but may be a little dirtier, so look around the exhaust port for soot on the hull).
Symbol 51 Go to coronado marine corp san diego pull up 51'Symbol Take a look. WE close the deal Tues Thanks Ken
Okay Ken, Pretty boat for an '85. Like the interior a lot. But how the heck do you work on the gnerator??!!?? That photo looks like it was just dropped in a box. I used to run an old Chris Craft that had Cat 3208's. Great workhorse engines, and they want to run. A bit smokey on startup. PM is fairly easy on those blocks, but see how deep the oil pan is in the bilge. If mounted too low and salt water splashes on the pan, they can get corrosion and pinhole leaks. Also, there is one water hose on the engine that is buried under the alternator or water pump (can't remember which) but should be replaced whenever you can. Many times this hose is unnoticed and doesn't get the same PM as the others. But if it leaks, you'll overheat. BTW, Cat does not make the 3208 anymore, so you may want to ask around about the availabilty of parts. Any survey?
All good advice here. I liked the 3208's. Parts are plentiful and you can still get factory CAT reman 3208's with CAT warranty.
Symbol 51 WOW!!! Are some boat sales people just used car sales guys on water. Talk about deception advertising. We drove 900 miles yesterday and wasted a whole day with cash in hand only to look at a piece of SH#$@T that did'nt even begin to be what they represented. Could'nt even start port engine, nothing worked, Probly needs $30,000 just to take out. StarB engine started, thought we were on a fogging machine. WE were there 30 minutes, 15 to say no and 15 to clean up my wifes puke. So better hunting next time. Ken
Viewing pictures and specs on the internet sure doesn't tell the story. Listing brokers sometimes don't as well. This is a prime example of why it is sometimes beneficial for a buyer to work with a seasoned broker. Its nice to have a guy or gal on your side who can sort through the junk and then only present decent prospects for you to see. Its a shame that you drove all that distance and had a bad experience. But don't be discouraged. All boat salesmen are not alike, and all used boats aren't frogs. Your princess is out there somewhere. Keep looking.
We just had a discussion on another thread ("Yacht Listings-No Crew Cabin Pics?") relating to this. Check it out. Moving from a 33 gas to a 51 diesel is a big move and a very good one (although once you cross 46' dockage gets a little harder to find). When you make the move you will need a good captain to work with you a bit. So if you're thinking of doing it and in a specific area try to find a good, independent, 100GT teaching captain in that area. Take him out to lunch and ask him to keep his eyes open for you. If you find a boat in the classifieds ask him to take a look at it before you trek out there. Also, hire him to come along on the sea trial. BTW, the late 80's weren't a great time for fiberglass. There was a lot of experimenting with resins and composites which resulted in blistering and other problems. Good luck.
teh bigger the boat, the easier it is... twin diesel are 10 times more maneuvrable than single stern drive... you shouldn't have any problem there. yes, many "yacht" brokers are no better than used car salesman and will do anything to get you to come look at a boat, even if it barely floats. using a buyer's broker may help although dont' assume the seller's broker will be more forthcoming to another broker... But having a broker on your side, holding the deposit in escrow and crossing the Ts and dotting the Is is a good idea and doens't cost you anything... The suggestion to use the services of a captain durign the process is a good one as long as it's someone you can really trust... for instance a captain may be able to pick things during inspection and survey which woudl save you from spending money on surveying a floating POS... The one thing i'd look at when it comes to these vintage/type of boat are the fuel tanks. if Alum., they are now nearing the end of their life and in some case that can be very costly. from your posts it seems you were expecting this to be quick process, expecting to close a deal on a boat you had not seen... it doens' work that way. and make sure you get a full survey as others have mentioend.
This is a buyers market. If you find a boat it is bound to still be available tomorrow and probably next month. Leave the checkbook at home when you go to look. If you find a boat that interests you make an offer in a day or two, and don't be afraid to give an insultingly low ball offer. If they turn it down you can always come back if something else hasn't caught your eye. There's a lot of inventory out there right now. When you do tender a deposit mark it as conditional on a satisfactory survey. And don't even think of making a deal without a survey.
"And don't even think of making a deal without a survey. " actually, at the risk of being picky, the contract should be subject to seatrial AND survey. you really want to do a sea trial first, to make sure the boat is even worth surveying. A pre survey sea trial will be shorter than the sea trial conducted during survey but should include a run at cruise long enough for temps to come up and stabilize, make sure that most items work, etc.... Last thing you want, and it happens, is get a surveyor on board, haul out, only to find out after that that the boat can't get to cruise speed without overheating or vibrating like crazy...
Thanks for sharing KJ...saved me a trip Actually was going to head down to San Diego (from Venice) next week to view this boat. Definitely felt like the broker was selling me from the get go, but based your experience, will keep the search going. Also, want to thank all those that post. I've been lurking here for some time now. Though I don't post, do appreciate all the knowledge I've been soaking up.
I use to own a Symbol 48 PH. Had it for 6 years before moving up to a Burger. Was a great boat, never had any major problems. Did have to have the bottom peeled and redone because of blisters. Solded to someone in Ca. Good luck on your seach.
