My first post, after having read and reread everything I could find here in the last 2-3 months. Considerable sailing experience, no power boat experience. Almost by accident, I now have a 1983 Commander 26, on a trailer. My first boat (not counting 3 or 4 canoes lol). I have no mechanic experience to speak of (one auto engine rebuild 40 years ago, and a bit of tinkering since), but getting keen to get my hands dirty.
Twin 470’s, one runs (compression 130-130-125-125), the other doesn’t (160-155-0-150, #3 problem believed to be stuck lifter), pre-Alpha drives, unknown condition. Hull, deck and cabin look in good condition, no soft spots found, transom solid.
It looks like just about anyone on this forum in my position would be repowering, with outboards. I don’t have the budget. My use will likely be lore cruising, some fishing. The “some fishing” could move up — it’s the reason I just bought a power boat, not a sailboat. My plan is to move the boat to Powell River to do as much as I can myself, limited spending, get her running and seaworthy for not-too-distant cruising this season, see how it feels, and decide where to go from there.
The reliability and maintainability of the 470’s is a concern of course. I’ve read plenty about them now, know their reputation and issues. Also I shudder to think what the cost of fuel on the 470’s will be. Was amazed to read that one forum member reported close to double the mpg with the Volvo D4 on his 26 compared to another with twin 200 and Suzuki outboards.
So, I’m posting to see if many think I’m absolutely crazy, wasting any time and money spent on my minimalist approach for now. Thanks for considering!
Twin 470’s, one runs (compression 130-130-125-125), the other doesn’t (160-155-0-150, #3 problem believed to be stuck lifter), pre-Alpha drives, unknown condition. Hull, deck and cabin look in good condition, no soft spots found, transom solid.
It looks like just about anyone on this forum in my position would be repowering, with outboards. I don’t have the budget. My use will likely be lore cruising, some fishing. The “some fishing” could move up — it’s the reason I just bought a power boat, not a sailboat. My plan is to move the boat to Powell River to do as much as I can myself, limited spending, get her running and seaworthy for not-too-distant cruising this season, see how it feels, and decide where to go from there.
The reliability and maintainability of the 470’s is a concern of course. I’ve read plenty about them now, know their reputation and issues. Also I shudder to think what the cost of fuel on the 470’s will be. Was amazed to read that one forum member reported close to double the mpg with the Volvo D4 on his 26 compared to another with twin 200 and Suzuki outboards.
So, I’m posting to see if many think I’m absolutely crazy, wasting any time and money spent on my minimalist approach for now. Thanks for considering!
have transom and stringer issues sometimes? I agree a 2006 or newer 18 aluminum or fiberglass will be a much cheaper boat in total cost of ownership but no comparison. No doubt he is going to spend money on the 26 but seems a little drastic to bail unless he learns more. Was the boat on the trailer most of it's life? Are the legs and transom assemblies in good shape? What about the other engine and engine parts, heat exchanger etc, new or 10+ years old. Original electrical and electronics. He is already better off the some big boat owners, not having to pay haul out and dry storage fees at a dock yard (hopefully). The 26 is a not cheap but pretty good compared to most of what is out there. A remanufactured 470 is $4,700usd plus plus, not cheap but compared to a new boat if everything else is good or upgrades to 4.3L are an option.
