Thoughts/Opinions on a 2003 Cruisers Yachts 3470

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GregR

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As some here may know, I've been looking for my next (hopefully last - haha) boat for almost 7 months now. I'm a river boater, mostly fresh, some brackish water. 1-2 hour cruises, overnight stays at marinas, occasional anchor out overnight. It's just me and the girlfriend (for now).

I have found a 2003 Cruiser Yachts 3470 with Merc 8.1s (400 hours) with V-drives and Nibral 4 bladed props. It's in good condition, lots of upgrades.

I love the beam in the Crusiers Yachts, and at 6'3" I fit everywhere on the boat, the forward berth and the aft berth as well. It's got the settee seating versus a dinette that I want. And the settee is flush with the cabin floor, which I like over a raised step up settee.

Anybody have any experience with this boat and/or this engine/drive configuration? The engine compartment will be a challenge, it's tight. Current owner had Jacobs oil changer installed for easy maintenance.

My #1 concern is he's owned it 5 years and never replaced the risers/manifolds and cannot document the first owner did.

This is the boat: https://www.boattrader.com/listing/...e=enhanced listing&refSource=enhanced listing
 
"with Merc 8.1s (400 hours) with V-drives and Nibral 4 bladed props."
Your link says one engine.
Two would be my choice, however.
Please have a survey done to save yourself possible grief.
 
It's twin 8.1s. Hour meters read 400, add is a typo at 600.

Yes, hull survey and sea trial plus I'd get engine compression checks. Always do ;)
 
I owned a 2001 3470 with Twin Horizons and Bravo III's
I loved this boat
Loved the seperate shower.
Mine had the nice cherrywood interior, this one you have is white mica.
In V drives it would be good, less corrosion issues.
 
You might want to check out the Cruisers yacht owners forum
 
quote:
Originally posted by CurrentSea

I owned a 2001 3470 with Twin Horizons and Bravo III's
I loved this boat
Loved the seperate shower.
Mine had the nice cherrywood interior, this one you have is white mica.
In V drives it would be good, less corrosion issues.

Click to expand...


Thanks, seems we are moving in the opposite direction: me from a Regal 3780 to possibly a 3470, you from a 3470 to the Regal 4080 ;)
 
quote:
Originally posted by cwms

You might want to check out the Cruisers yacht owners forum

Click to expand...


Thanks, I thought about that, though I'd have to join.
 
I have seen some posts regarding issues with the aluminum manifolds and the stainless risers. Some say the manifolds are part of the closed cooling system though. Any idea how I can confirm which are on this boat?
 
quote:
Originally posted by GregR

quote:
Originally posted by cwms

You might want to check out the Cruisers yacht owners forum

Click to expand...


Thanks, I thought about that, though I'd have to join.

Click to expand...


If you want to post anything, yes you have to join, but it is free and really no different from joining any other forum...like Boatered.
 
I've been a member of Cruisers' forum for four years. Great site with lots of help and info. Join.I have a 3375 which is basically the same boat. The engine bay is a nightmare to work in. They don't design these boats for people to service, even experts. I would assume you'll need new manifolds and risers. That's about $4000. If the survey comes back clear, I'd say go for it. A survey will tell you if it's a full or half closed cooling system. If it has a Maxwell 500/800 windlass, always carry extra tension arms and learn how to replace it; not difficult but common.Good luck with your boat. I'm actually getting ready to sell my 3375; too much boat and expense for my needs. A shame as I love the boat. Going down to a 24', probably a Chaparral. Used to have one; also a great boat. Hy
 
Look around the junction of the exhaust manifold and riser. If it's a full closed cooling there will be a hose coming off the exhaust manifold right before the junction to the riser. There has to be for full closed cooling.

Cruisers Inc builds a very well built boat.
 
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