MegoBoat

Well I've just had a call from the broker and they've sold the boat. Thank you so much to everyone who answered. Even if this wasn't to be, there is some really useful information on this thread now and I genuinely feel I've learnt new info. Having only really been acquainted with outboards and GRP hulls before the whole world of steel and inboards is a bit of a minefield so I really appreciate your resoonses. At the end of the day even after assurances from the yard that the boat wouldn't struggle, I never quite felt at ease with the idea of that engine doing all the travelling I would want it to do. Probably all for the best and lots of learning had along the way thanks to your replies. Cheers everyone, all the best!

Thanks for the opinions. As true devotees of the air cooled engine, (as some of you very much seem to be), how do you find the noise and vibration if directly compared to a water cooled? Is it actually that much louder or is it more a case of an unusual beat pattern being jarring to many listeners? Also, this boat has a very large stern for aie movement but only one vent. It was used almost every weekend for summer cruising in the Netherlands so obviously hasn't struggled there, but would it be likely that my aspiration of longer distances may push it to new limits? I suppose a slave fan system would be possible but there is already quite a list of jobs to do!

Thank you all very much for your replies! A diversity of opinion showing through and some very useful suggestions. The yard has very confidently confirmed that the engine is more than enough to handle the Thames, with the owner having driven the vessel himself (admittedly on a calm lake... yep, not a river). I suppose it's always a case of getting to know any vessel and going at the right time and river conditions, but I certainly wouldn't be winning any races from the sound of it! A boat with significant power AND a comfortable home space though seems a little out of my budget at the moment. The calorifier for me isn't much of an issue as I will be going from my only hot water option being from boiling the kettle to having space for an instant hot water boiler. I suppose you can't miss what you've never had! The engine information links and link to Marine Power Services are very useful. I will call the company tomorrow to see whether there would be issues with parts in the long run. Still more thinking to do and maths to work out. I would miss the bird song I usually hear whilst cruising but gain a lot of additional space. Thanks for the responses so far and more opinions most welcome!

Hello all, I'm looking at buying a 40ft Dutch cruiser which is in absolutely gorgeous condition structurally. I do however, have some concerns over the engine and it's long term usability. It is a single cylinder air cooled Samofa which I have seen a video of running like a dream but unfortunately haven't heard in person yet. The boat is on hardstanding so a water trial is not possible. My concerns are; - living with the noise and are they really that noisy when cruising? - the power output; I am currently on the K&A and want to be sure it could handle the faster Kennet sections, the Thames, the Avon and in a couple of years the Severn and on to Gloucester. There are some strong water flows on these rivers that the next home needs to be able to handle. - the usability for long cruises in the summer; having never met an air cooled engine it seems to my logic (which is basic and quite possibly be entirely flawed) that I may be restricted in the hours I can cruise in the summer. I love exploring our waterways and the engine needs to be able to run all day sometimes. As mentioned before, there is a plan to head up the Severn one day and the last thing I would want on the appropriate flat calm and probably very warm day would be to overheat! So if anyone has experience of the Samofa, or a similar Lister / Perkins etc. Then I would love to hear your thoughts. It's a beautiful vessel but if the engine is going to cause logistical headaches in the long run it might not be the one. Many thanks.