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Are there any Symbol owners out there?

Discussion in 'Symbol Yacht' started by Noodlyarm, Jul 6, 2015.

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  1. Noodlyarm, Jul 6, 2015
    #1
    Noodlyarm

    Noodlyarm New Member

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    Chime in and be heard, contribute, and gain from shared knowledge.

    I have questions, I have some stories, and I may have some answers (or at least I can share what I've done on my 1994 Symbol 54).

    All my best,
    Peter Adams
  2. NYCAP123, Jul 6, 2015
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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  3. jimnlouisiana, Oct 1, 2015
    #3
    jimnlouisiana

    jimnlouisiana New Member

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    I have an 86 symbol classic 41'. Love it...
  4. Noodlyarm, Apr 2, 2016
    #4
    Noodlyarm

    Noodlyarm New Member

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    I've looked at 6 different Symbol PHMYs 1994-1999, 54'-58' and noticed that they all list to port, my 1994 54' included. Does yours?

    Anyone fix this? If so, how?

    My plan is to build some storage in the engine room forward of the starboard fuel tank and put about 500lbs of items there as that should trim the boat out OK.

    Suggestions?
  5. Capt J, Apr 2, 2016
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yeah, it's always best to trim out a list with useful items instead of just lead. However, I don't like using engine room for storage of anything but fuel filters and engine parts. On the last delivery, the previous owner had multiple cans of spray paint, solvent, either, and other flamable stuff in there, and it ALL got left on the dock for someone else, because none of that flamable stuff belongs in an engine room.

    Most builders use lead. But if you can relocate something from the port side to the stbd side, it makes a huge difference, since you're removing from one side and putting it on the other. A water heater would probably do it. I think it's pretty dumb that a builder has built an entire series of boats, and never corrected the list in the origional build by relocating something on the next build.
  6. clrkwgriz, Jul 30, 2017
    #6
    clrkwgriz

    clrkwgriz New Member

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    I am looking at a 55 symbol, 3208 cats 2000 hrs. great shape. Are they good boats??
  7. Noodlyarm, Aug 5, 2017
    #7
    Noodlyarm

    Noodlyarm New Member

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    Hello Clrkwgriz,

    I sold my 1994 Symbol 54 PHMY and bought a 1999 Symbol 57 PHMY. So I'm either not bright (much evidence to support this as I am a repeat boat owner) or I really like the value that is the Symbol Yacht. I'd rather have a Fleming, Offshore, or Outer Reef, but those boats are significantly more expensive.

    Conversely, I didn't want a Carver, Bayliner, or Navigator as I think they are under built (just my humble opinion).

    To me the Symbol represents good value for money. It has good bones, solid construction, great finish, accessible compartments, and good systems. The weakness is in the installation of those systems. All in, the Symbols fit my personal criteria for the best boat I could buy for the money I had available.

    So, to get more to the point, yes I think they are good boats. On the older ones, pay attention to soft spots in the deck core, the pilothouse door mechanism, and make sure the mechanicals have been rigorously maintained. Poor maintenance can ruin a great boat, whereas great maintenance can make a mediocre boat a good buy.

    Good luck!
  8. jhall767, Dec 2, 2017
    #8
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

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    I'm looking at a 1999 58 pilot house. Do you know if the coring is balsa or foam? Seams earlier models were definitely balsa and later models were foam. Can't find anything specific on this model.

    Thanks
  9. Noodlyarm, Dec 2, 2017
    #9
    Noodlyarm

    Noodlyarm New Member

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    My 1994 was balsa and plywood. My 1999 557 is foam. That is the primary reason I made the switch. I believe (but don’t know for sure) that 1999 and onwards were all foam core. Please let me know if you find out otherwise.

    Good luck and congratulations on your new-to-you Symbol.
  10. jhall767, Dec 2, 2017
    #10
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

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    Thanks. that's very helpful. Should know by Tuesday if I'm getting the boat.
  11. Cooper2014, Jan 3, 2018
    #11
    Cooper2014

    Cooper2014 New Member

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    Just purchased a Symbol 51 Yacht fisher. The previous owners had some had some great tips on this forum about draining the keel. We just completed a haul out and drained the keel from the drain plug he had installed. We are replacing all A/C water lines now and new toilets and hoses. We are also going straight to holding tank and fresh water in toilets. Boat has 320 gal. Of fresh water so it not a issue for using it in toilets. The boat has Lectra San units now, and a lot of smelly hoses. Any help or advise?
    Thanks
  12. Noodlyarm, Jan 5, 2018
    #12
    Noodlyarm

    Noodlyarm New Member

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    Congratulations on your new-to-you Symbol. I hope you enjoy your boat as much as we do ours.

    I don’t have any first-hand experience with the LectraSan product. I have read about it and it sounds excellent with only 1 issue as I see it. Much of our local cruising area in the Puget Sound is a 0 (zero) discharge zone. That means pump-outs only, rendering the LectraSan only useful on those occasions when we go into Canadian waters.

    Good luck to you.
  13. jhall767, Jan 5, 2018
    #13
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

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    Well we bought it! It is a 1999 Symbol Pilot house. The broker listed it as a 557 but the name plate in the wheel house says 558. Just starting to learn the systems. I'm sure I'll have a million questions. It appears the fresh water lines are metric pex sizes.

    Does anybody know about the thru-hulls and ball valves? Are they standard or BSP or what?

    Thanks
  14. jhall767, Jan 5, 2018
    #14
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

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    The lectro-scan is the old version. The new one is the electro-scan. Either one will work with fresh water but you will need more salt in the brine tank. The old system just runs even if it is out of salt. The new system requires enough salt in the water to work or it will show an error.

    The system works well if you are in an area that allows treated discharge. If you are looking at getting a new but equivalent system the purosan model is designed for a complete fresh water system. Also much less power usage.
  15. Noodlyarm, Jan 6, 2018
    #15
    Noodlyarm

    Noodlyarm New Member

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    Congratulations on your 558. In my humble opinion, that is the best of all of the Symbol models. You have a beautiful boat. Does yours have the Cat 3196 mains?

    Insofar as the ball valves and thru-hulls... I’ve been replacing mine with new silicon bronze ones along with new hoses too.
  16. jhall767, Jan 7, 2018
    #16
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

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    Thanks. We're really looking forward to using her.

    She has 3196's, about 1450 hours with the aftercoolers reworked last summer.
  17. Noodlyarm, Feb 22, 2018
    #17
    Noodlyarm

    Noodlyarm New Member

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    Excellent engines. Enjoy!
  18. lwitbeck, Nov 12, 2018
    #18
    lwitbeck

    lwitbeck New Member

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    We're looking at a Symbol 45 Pilothouse. We're planning to do the Loop and anticipate a lot of slow cruising at 7-8 knots. She has twin Yanmar 440's. Anyone have helpful data on fuel consumption and will she be happy going so slow?
  19. jhall767, Nov 12, 2018
    #19
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

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    Is there one in particular that you are looking at? I know my friend is getting ready to sell his and I could ask him but I don't want to create a conflict of interest.

    If it's the one in Baltimore I can tell you the seller is a 100% upright and upfront guy and won't steer you wrong. The boat is in fantastic condition too.

    John
  20. lwitbeck, Nov 12, 2018
    #20
    lwitbeck

    lwitbeck New Member

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    If your friend could answer my questions above, I would love to hear from him. I would be interested in hearing about his boat, too.
    Lana
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