The new old boat

Tomorrow we will close the purchase of this lovely craft with our partner. She's a 1968 Fairliner Sedan Express. Though it's advertised as a 28 foot it's actually closer to 31' because Fairliner measured the lengh from where the water comes on the bow through to the props.

The twin big block 350 Chris Craft engines make this boat very fast compared to the other comparable cabin cruisers from this era - they are not original to the boat and her past owner had a thing for speed....

It sleeps 4 and is fully equiped with fridge, stove, oven, bathroom, and a fiberglass dingy with a 6 horse engine - or for the nautically inclined, she has a head, galley, 2 berths, and a tender with a 6 horse kicker ;-). The previous owner passed away 2 months back, and has owned this boat since the 80's. We were amazed by the meticulous attention to detail he had. Everything is fully documented from the new engines through speed trials. It cruises comfotably at 18 knots (2200 RPM) - I have no idea what top speed is but we were running her at 3500RPMs.

Everthing on board is in great shape. New paint, new wood trim, fresh varnish on the finish, well maintained fresh water cooled engines, hot water heater, 5 new marine batteries, and a full array of tools, polishes and spare parts - including 2 spare props! Other extras include Halon automatic fire extinguisher, fuel smell sensors, feul gagues (a novelty on these old boats), and did I mention the tender and kicker???? That little boat itself is worth $2500.

Now we just need to find somewhere to park her in the city. Old wooden boats need a cover, and covered moorage in Seattle comes at a premium price, but I hope to earn it back in the weekly poker game - on the boat of course ;-)