Any super economical motorboats out there?

[Steve W]

Ive long had the desire to do the great loop trip and in my research it seems that it could cover 5000 to 7000 miles, ive been a lifetime sailor but have never owned a powerboat but expect that is what i would need. My idea is to buy a boat that is a going concern, do the trip and then sell it,hopefully not losing too much money on it. The problem is finding a boat that is economical enough to run to not break the bank, so far the most suitable boat (for me) would be an Albin 25 trawler or motorsailor, they seem to be the only boat that can potentially achieve near 15mpg, are cheap enough to buy and are trailable, an Albin 27 FC would be absolutly perfect except they only seem to get about 4 mpg which would cost $7 to $8000 in fuel at todays prices. Anyway, im wondering if anyone here knows of anything in this size range that gets even better than 15 mpg and is cheap, the Albin 25 can be had for $5000 to $20000 which is pretty good, speed is not important, im used to sailboats so if i can average 5.5 to 6 knots that would be great. Suggestions anyone?
Steve.

[eyschulman]

I think 15m/gal is a long stretch. You might do well to think of a 26-28 ft sailboat with a small diesel inboard and a folding mast. Or maybe a 22 ft catboat with same. I think under power 4-8 m/gal is more realistic. With a sailing rig you could stretch that closer to the 15.

[Steve W]

The Albin 25 trawler actually does get 10 to 15 mpg, probably because they are powered like a sailboat with a 21 hp albin diesel up to a 36 hp volvo, a typical sailboat of the same w/l length and disp would probably use about a 7hp diesel which would explain the better mpg. I wonder if a 10hp in the Albin would get it to 20 mpg. I currently have a27ft Aloha with a 7hp BMW but it would be very inadequate for this trip.
Steve.

[WestVanHan]

Steve,roughly speaking...

Say your little diesel puts out 20hp/gallon/hour.
So for 15mpg at 6knots(7mph) thats 2.1 hours for one gallon. But 1 gallon gives you 20 hp so that means 9.3 hp (20/2.1) is where you'd be at to move at 6 knots,fully loaded,etc etc.

I'd be more concerned about depreciation,dock/storage fees etc.Keep in mind it will likely take you a long time to sell unless it's very cheap.

[Steve W]

Yeah, you're probably right about the resale. I would really love to buy an Albin 27 which i think would be perfect in every way other than the fuel consumption. The Albin 25 would be the better choice with the smaller size diesel which they came with rather than the larger size. The 27 at 4mpg would use about $7000 in fuel, the 25 at 12mpg would use about $2400 in fuel, plus the 25 can be trailered. I guess i am really looking for other candidates which i havnt thought of.
Steve.

[lewisboats]

Why don't you get a cheap sailboat and strip it down? Something with a Centerboard so you can plug the slot. Store all the sailing bits if you don't want to use them then sell it whole again or part it out afterwards.

[keysdisease]

There is a great owners forum for Albin's here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AlbinC...?yguid=9324154

I myself am more of a Mainship 34 guy, my avatar is two of my kids seen from the flybridge of my last one.

Slowed down to 7knots or so the burn maybe a few gal hr and hold 300 gal. Comfortable, roomy for two, awesome flybridge, real head with seperate shower.

Steve

[Steve W]

A powerboat makes a much better powerboat than a sailboat does Steve, the problem is that most want to go too fast so burn too much fuel, even at a few gallons an hour were talking upwards of 10 grand for fuel for the trip,more than i want to spend and i deffinatly prefer the sub 30ft size range. Are there any other production boats out there similar to the Albin?
Steve.

[Zappi]

The Tiderunner 23' flybridge cruiser is worth a look. There are a couple for sale here on Puget Sound. I believe they were built in Gig Harbor WA and sell for 12k to 20k.

[Zappi]

Fun topic. I think I just fell in love. Not in the inexpensive price range I'm sure, but.....
"Boojum 25"

[WestVanHan]

Steve
I assume you know about yachtworld advanced search..plug in your prices and lengths etc and see what comes up...there's an albin 25 and trailer in Cali for $12k.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1972.../United-States

This ones interesting
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1971.../United-States

I appreciate the minimalist designs and small boats but at 6'4 I don't fit too well and don't do to well in close quarters with anyone other than my gf...and even then I need my space.

[sabahcat]

Originally Posted by Steve W

Ive long had the desire to do the great loop trip and in my research it seems that it could cover 5000 to 7000 miles,

How will you carry the fuel required?

[philSweet]

??????

http://sailingtexas.com/201101/sclippermarine32100.html

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by sabahcat

How will you carry the fuel required?

Sabah, the great loop is a circumnavigation of the eastern US by way of the mississippi,gulf of mexico,ICW and the great lakes so no problem refueling, might be fun to run on wvo and arrange fuel drops. Ive seen that Albin for sale and its pretty much ideal with a newer, low hour diesel. Im just in the research stage right now but there were a lot of albins in the US so there are always some for sale. That permacraft is one i had not known of, to big an engine though,1/2 gal/hr would be better. I like small boats as i would be doing much of the trip alone with others joining for parts of the trip, about 25 to 30 but trailable or transportable suits me. If i can tow it with my F250 powerstroke i can buy from far away. I wouldnt be against an outboard powered boat if there were any that meet the citeria.
Steve.

[DCockey]

Originally Posted by sabahcat

How will you carry the fuel required?

Buy it along the way?

The "Great Loop" refers to a circut trip around the eastern US. Link to a map of alternative routes: http://www.greatloop.org/sasonal-gre...p-map-cms-1035