We followed your weekly boat hunting and loop adventure years ago. As we are getting close to retirement and looping ourselves, we have just went into contract with a boat very similar to this. 1987 DeFever 44OC with Ford Lehman engines. The difference is that the current owners are 19 year owners with extensive upgrades, maintenance records and its a freshwater/Great Lakes boat. Many of the older/uncomfortable items are gone and with new electronics, full isenglass enclosure and fully refurbished engines we believe this is a boat we can enjoy for 10-15 years ourselves. Thank you for providing a wealth of information along your journey!
So when you get to going on your adventure and when you get to Lake Erie and specifically the lakes name sake Erie Pa please consider dockage at Wolverine Park Marina. We specialize in transient dockage and host lots of “Loopers” on their journey. Lots to explore with floating docks electric both 30 and 50 amp available and water. Would love to see you there. Love your videos 😀
Even with a brand new boat, fresh from the manufacturer, you _SHOULD_ expect problems. I know I do even with an automobile LOL! For as old as that DeFever is, it seems to be in very good shape. That new wiring panel in and of itself speaks of care in any repairs/upgrades/renovations that the most recent owner has done. A _MAJOR_ plus for this one is the fact that it has stabilizers installed. My big questions would be (before calling in a surveyor) how many hours since the last major overhaul on the engines, gensets, watermaker etc. Regarding the comfort level of the various seating areas, you can always, and relatively cheaply, redo the cushions and add at least forward/side isenglas for the flybridge. With both of the extra cabins being identical at least you wouldn't need to deal with "his/her room is nicer than mine is!"
I think you could expect problems out of a boat but if you’re buying a car in 2021 and the lines don’t match up and you still paid full price or you didn’t send it back to the dealer for adjustments that makes you a fool. Lol
Given that you are planning for the loop I would budget to replace all the belts, hoses, impellers before departing. Those things make up a lot of the things that can go wrong while under way. One plus on this boat is the top on the flybridge looks like it can be easily dropped to reduce your bridge clearance.
We are sorry for your loss. This looks like a neat boat but the age yikes (insurance!!!!). And those bunk beds don't look very comfortable (thin mattresses and look really narrow. We may have found our lop boat!!!
Hey, thanks again #tacoyachts! Thanks for very generously taking the time, on short notice, to get us on some boats! My wife is still nagging me about not getting on that Hatteras (I told her to book a flight)!
Those are fixable for a relatively cheap price tag. A full isinglass enclosure for the flybridge _AND_ cockpit area plus redoing all the seating to thicker foam should come in well under $10k
