TWL: Re: Pacific Trawlers
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Sanders" KSanders@gci.com
Sent: Sunday, July 14, 2002 11:42 AM
Subject: RE: Pacific Trawlers
I'm going to look it over very closely when the owners arrive back in
port.
I do have a couple of questions for you though.
- Many trawlers of this vintage are starting to need major fuel tank
work,
and the tanks are very difficult and costly to remove and replace. Are the
Pacific trawlers tanks constructed or installed in a manner that makes
tank
replacement something that I'll have to take on in the near future, and if
so, are they installed in a difficult to access area ?
2. All vessels have "problem areas" that owners over time have had to
overcome. What are some of the "problem areas" on the PT37 ? The things
I'm
thinking about are issues that a good surveyor that is just not intimate
with Pacific Trawlers might miss. Thanks for your help.
Kevin Sanders
Whittier, Alaska
Hi Kevin,
I have received a few emails about the Pacific Trawler (PT). I think the
boat you are talking about is named Trofast, and there is a picture at the
PT website: http://www.andoc.com/index1.html
I would also suggest that you post any specific questions regarding problems
on the Pacific Trawler Bulletin Board at
http://venus.beseen.com/boardroom/g/50916 The group is small but very
helpful.
For the best information on PTs contact Bob Wilkinson
rwilkinson@slowboat.net He probably knows more about the new and old PT than
anybody I know -- he also represents the PTs owners in a lot of boat forums.
His boat is the same as mine, and the one you are interested in. He takes
his boat from Seward, Alaska to Seattle regularly -- he has first hand
knowledge of how the boat runs in all kinds of sea conditions.
I don't know of any specific or widespread problems with PTs. Some of the
points mentioned by Capt. Mike Maurice: engine, gen set, fuel tanks and
blisters are things you want to look for. I would also check the wiring and
electronics. My boat has been rewired over the years by many different
owners and if you can get someone like Arild to check the wiring, and
equipment, I think you would be making a good investment. Also check the
two pilot house teak doors. The door window was made to open/slide downward
and my doors had a lot of water/wood damage at the bottom.
My PT had a new American Diesel installed, so I don't have any experience
with the Lehman engines. The hull on the older PT is very thick about 2-3
inches. It was originally advertised as having a bullet proof hull. In
addition to the hull there is a very strong liner about 1 + inch thick. I
haven't heard about any major blister or delamination problems. Last year
when I was considering a barrier coat, I had the hull examined, found 5
blisters ranging in size from a dime to a quarter. The blisters were on the
surface, about a 1/2 inch deep and repaired by the guy that does hull work
using a West System paste preparation. He advised against the barrier coat
(didn't need it) and I just had the bottom painted. I understand that my
experience is typical.
The boat is a bit heavy, full displacement hull, dry weight 32,000 lbs;
gross weight 38,000 lbs; fuel - 450 Gallons, 2 tanks; water - 400 Gallons, 2
tanks. The fuel and water tanks are integral fiberglass (built into the
structure) and mine have access panels on the top of each tank. So you won't
have any rust problems. Two things that I have added are a hydraulic stern
thruster and a fuel polishing system.
Standard on all the older PTs are: all counter tops are marble and 2 doors
in the galley cabinets have leaded stained glass panels, SS sinks, and the
walls and ceilings inside are Formica with a lot of teak trim. My guess is
that the PT you are interested in is similarly equipped. I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Al
Pacific Trawler 37 "Pleasant Moment"
Palm Coast, Florida