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From: Ken Wolf (no email)
Date: Thu Oct 02 2003 - 16:35:37 EDT
After exhaustive research, I reached the conclusion that MT's can be a
"diamond in the rough" or a "pig in the poke". It seems it mostly depends
upon in which yard it was manufactured & probably what labor & material was
available at the particular time. Couple that with poor owner maintenance
and horror stories are numerous. Also, I understand that knockoff Marine
Traders were made in those yards and sold directly. I believe if you compare
other similar trawlers such as Island Gypsy, Monk & even GB, etc. you will
find they also have window, deck, electrical & fuel tank problems maybe not
as numerous but still significant. The knockoffs may have contributed
disproportionately to the numbers. One other thing, I don't remember who
said this but I do remember one suryeyor said that quality standards
improved greatly after 1985.
Before purchasing my 1987 36' MTDC, a marine suryeyor conducted a fairly
extensive inspection which of course I would consider mandatory. Beyond that
I believe that the owner should be fairly mechanical. I say that not only
because of the maintenance and possible renovation requirements, but because
upon close inspection of the boat a good eye may spot quality or lack there
of. However, I learned that lesson after acquiring the boat. Luckily, mine
seems to have been made to pretty high standards. Jim Alexander wrote in
part:
"Their problems go way beyond what has been described here including poor
wiring, plumbing, cheap "Chinese" stainless, etc. etc."
In my boat, I've found the wiring to be up to ABYC standards well marked &
color coded. Tinned wire was not used but that is common in many expensive
boats. The plumbing was excellent with thick walled copper tubing & flared
fittings. The stainless steel hardware is obviously 316SS as there is no
evidence of any rust whatsoever. I just replaced the original HW heater (16
years old in marine environment, not too shabby). The teak decks are 1/2"
thick. Except for teak panelling, every piece of wood in the boat is solid
teak. My bulkheads are 7/8" thick. The interior teak cabinetry is first
class. I looked at a 2003 42' GB Europa this summer and their teak wood &
joinery is no where near as nice as mine. Make no mistake, my boat was not
perfect. There was extensive water damage to paneling from a leaking
portlight. The boat was reduced by 10BU but repair cost less than 3BU. Yes,
I have a couple of windows which need to be repaired but do the windows in
your house ever need maintenance? Most issues I've found are just normal
maintenance & repair which is all part the marine environment.
Marine Traders have their niche. To many they are affordable, homey and a
lot of boat for the money. Do your homework and if you're the right type
person, go for it.
Ken Wolf
"Gail Winds" 36' MTDC
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