- Joined
- Feb 23, 2004
- RO Number
- 12830
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- 674
I've been looking at the CHB 34~35s. They're quite spacious for their length. The diesel looks to be efficient. Anyone comment on the CHB ownership experience?
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CHB 34
- Thread starter Monterey10
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2004
- RO Number
- 12830
- Messages
- 674
Used, late 80s vintage.
BayAreaBoater
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- Mar 21, 2009
- RO Number
- 31155
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- 408
Ahhhhh... The original Chinese House Boat!
My uncle had one that he bought new back in the early 80's. It had a single Ford/Lehman. They had a salty look to them.
Not really considered a high quality yacht, but then again, they were a price point trawler. Most of the bilge hardware (hose clamps, thru hulls, some wiring, etc..) had to be replaced with better quality stuff. I recall that his sliding side cabin door was always an issue. The fiberglass wall was so tweaked that it rubbed up against the sliding door which caused the door to jam up.
They seem to hold their value though. I see some for sale that are asking more today than when they sold new. I recall that he paid less than $40K for his.
Be sure and have it surveyed!
Thoroughly...
My uncle had one that he bought new back in the early 80's. It had a single Ford/Lehman. They had a salty look to them.
Not really considered a high quality yacht, but then again, they were a price point trawler. Most of the bilge hardware (hose clamps, thru hulls, some wiring, etc..) had to be replaced with better quality stuff. I recall that his sliding side cabin door was always an issue. The fiberglass wall was so tweaked that it rubbed up against the sliding door which caused the door to jam up.
They seem to hold their value though. I see some for sale that are asking more today than when they sold new. I recall that he paid less than $40K for his.
Be sure and have it surveyed!
Thoroughly...
BayTrawlerGuy
Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2004
- RO Number
- 14696
- Messages
- 185
The CHB's you describe were the original "affordable" trawler. They were also sold under the "Marine Trader" and "La Paz" names.
Overall, these boats, almost identical in design, were built by several different yards and had VERY different levels of original quality. There are no "hard" rules here--some boats were quite good, some were terrible. Over the years, some boats have gotten better, some have gotten worse. Some shortcomings are fixable (e.g., the hose clamp and wiring issues mentioned above) and some are not (too-thin fiberglass, wood stringers open to bilge water intrusion.)
Don't just get it surveyed--start looking NOW for a surveyor very familiar with this model, and have a preliminary discussion with them. Pay the hourly rate for the discussion. What you'll learn will be more than worth it.
Those issues aside, these were kickin' boats. Separate cabins with separate heads in most configurations, and even twin engines in some, which still fascinates me. (I'm a twin engine guy.) I once saw three different models of this hull at the same marina (standard double cabin, "Europa", and a large-deck single cabin "sportfisher".) Still sorry I didn't take photos.
BTG
Overall, these boats, almost identical in design, were built by several different yards and had VERY different levels of original quality. There are no "hard" rules here--some boats were quite good, some were terrible. Over the years, some boats have gotten better, some have gotten worse. Some shortcomings are fixable (e.g., the hose clamp and wiring issues mentioned above) and some are not (too-thin fiberglass, wood stringers open to bilge water intrusion.)
Don't just get it surveyed--start looking NOW for a surveyor very familiar with this model, and have a preliminary discussion with them. Pay the hourly rate for the discussion. What you'll learn will be more than worth it.
Those issues aside, these were kickin' boats. Separate cabins with separate heads in most configurations, and even twin engines in some, which still fascinates me. (I'm a twin engine guy.) I once saw three different models of this hull at the same marina (standard double cabin, "Europa", and a large-deck single cabin "sportfisher".) Still sorry I didn't take photos.
BTG
Interesting. My parents bought a CHB trawler back in 1990 when I was a kid. We spent many summers on it and had a great time. THey still own the same boat today and its running strong.
It is a VERY seaworthy boat. it can comfortably handle anything the bay/delta can dish out. We took it out in 40 knot wind and though the ride was up and down we were quite comfortable in the vessel because we knew it could take it.
If you love teak, this boat is for you. Custom, hand carved teak everywhere, even the floors.
Gas mileage will be great. My folks could fill up once per season because their boat had a 1000 mile range.
The downside is you have to be prepared to go SLOW. but since you are looking at a trawler you might expect that. But yea, Im talking about 10 knots cruising.
one thing you will like over your current boat is you have plenty of space. You can even walk the side decks comfortably. You may want to make certain upgrades like plasma screen tv, electronics of course and maybe new cushions in the fly bridge. The molded in seating could be more comfortable.
You can say what you want about craftsmanship but I really couldnt see a difference between the CHB and a Grand banks.
It is a different kind of boating experience. In stead of hanging on while cruising at 28 knots you can comfortably make a sandwhich in the galley or hold casual conversation while underway due to the incredibly slow speeds.
The aft cabin has a lot of headroom and a big master bath.
THe forward cabin has a super thin v berth but also has a private head. Very well made boat in my opinion.
It is a VERY seaworthy boat. it can comfortably handle anything the bay/delta can dish out. We took it out in 40 knot wind and though the ride was up and down we were quite comfortable in the vessel because we knew it could take it.
If you love teak, this boat is for you. Custom, hand carved teak everywhere, even the floors.
Gas mileage will be great. My folks could fill up once per season because their boat had a 1000 mile range.
The downside is you have to be prepared to go SLOW. but since you are looking at a trawler you might expect that. But yea, Im talking about 10 knots cruising.
one thing you will like over your current boat is you have plenty of space. You can even walk the side decks comfortably. You may want to make certain upgrades like plasma screen tv, electronics of course and maybe new cushions in the fly bridge. The molded in seating could be more comfortable.
You can say what you want about craftsmanship but I really couldnt see a difference between the CHB and a Grand banks.
It is a different kind of boating experience. In stead of hanging on while cruising at 28 knots you can comfortably make a sandwhich in the galley or hold casual conversation while underway due to the incredibly slow speeds.
The aft cabin has a lot of headroom and a big master bath.
THe forward cabin has a super thin v berth but also has a private head. Very well made boat in my opinion.