Posted awhile back that i was thinking of something bigger and set my heart on a Freeman...but. Was down my local marina today talking to Steve the owner and he showed a boat which had just had a complete mechanical overhaul and polish and quite honestly fell in love with it. He said will be coming for sale very soon. It's a Fairline Holiday think 23ft and with new Wilson covers looks like a new boat but apparently mid 80's. My biggy concern it's a Volvo Penta AQ145 with an Alpha leg i think he called it. Anyone know anything about these engines or would it be a gas guzzling money pit ?
At river speeds, it will not be too bad, but once you open her up!!! Loadsa money!!
The cost of servicing the leg needs to be investigated too. Gaiters need regular changing and experience shows that older legs often need parts, clutches, bearings ect.
Do a bit of research......
On the flip side, they are loads of fun and if the purchase price is right and the general condition good, they make a reasonable river boat and loads of fun on the sea if you pick your weather.
But as you know, I wold go for the Freeman every time!!! There is a fantastic 24 footer (new shape - brown) on ebay at the moment. An absolute stunner for the price.
Hi Dean, l am keeping my eye on that one but quite a distance away and with work and away next weekend don't think it will be around in a few weeks at that price. This Fairline has the leg and engine completely overhaled and looks near immaculate new Wilson canopy and matching window/ hatch covers. Think it's the 24ft model. Just been profesionally valeted and polished with 2.5k spent on it just awaiting a side screen repair being paid for by the marina where the crane jib caught it putting it back on the water. Told will be going on brokerage at another marina for 10k but he's certain they would take around 8k beforehand. Just got reservations about engine size for river use and live south Midlands 70 miles from nearest sea.
Volvo Penta
Posted - 02 Oct 2013 : 21:31:28
