Boat Buying Blues

[Funsail]

We are looking at a 1981 O'day 34. It is in reasonably good condition as far as we can tell, with out a survey, and is well equipped. It has original sails and rigging in fair shape but probably in need of replacement. It has the Universal 5424 diesel engine that has been yard maintained. It has no hour meter. My question and concern is how reliable are these engines of this era. I've read that the heat exchanger is to small, is this true and, if so, what would be the costs of a larger exchanger? What fuel usage should I expect as an average at cruising speed. With no hour meter I would estimate anywhere from 1500 to 3000 hours, where would be a general rebuild point, is this near the end of its life span?. And any general opinions and or knowledge of these boat would be appreciated.

Boat shopping in new England
Funsail

[JimsCAL]

The Universal 5424 is a good engine. Base engine is a Japanese Kubota industrial diesel that was marinized by Universal. Parts are readily available from both Universal/Westerbeke and Kubota. If it was well maintained over the last 30 years, it may continue to run fine for many more. Only way to assess its condition is pay for a mechanic to do an engine survey as part of the boat survey.

[BarryL]

Hello,

I have owned my 1986 O'day 35 (same as the 34, with the addition of a swim platform) since 2006. I have the M25, which is basically the same as the 5424. Those engines are very reliable and are supported by many companies today.

My engine does have an hour meter and my boat had about 3600 hours when i bought it. Now it has about 3850 hours and still runs great. It burns no oil and makes good power.

The original heat exchanger was a 2" diameter, which was later changed to a 3". Mine has a 3" (serviced last year) and always runs at 180 even when operating at 80% power with 75 degree sea water (about the highest we see on the Long Island sound). I guess that if you boat in an area with cold water the 2" HX would be OK, otherwise the 3" would be better. I don't know how much it would cost to buy a new HX, but at least they are easy to install.

At cruising speed (6kts, 2200rpm, 3 blade prop) I burn about .5 gal / hour.

Regarding engine lifespan, from what I have seen with these simple marine diesel engines, age and lack of maintenance is what kills them, not too many hours. If the engine is not maintained - cleaned, kept painted, rust treated, etc., the salt water marine environment will rot the oil pan, pumps, cases, etc. And then it becomes too expensive to try and keep the engine going. (IMHO) If basic maintenance is done - oil changes, filter changes, coolant changes, replace pumps that wear out, etc. maybe change a fuel injector every now and then, the engine should last at least 5000 hours before any real work is done.

Where in New England are you looking?

Good luck,
Barry

[hellosailor]

"It has original sails and rigging in fair shape but probably in need of replacement."
After 30 years? If your insurer doesn't require new rigging, it should be done anyway. And the odds of sails being in decent condition (not good but simply decent) after 30 years range from slim to none. Rule of thumb, if the plastic calendaring (coating) is worn off, they're already losing shape. And if they feel soft like cheap bed linen, that's all they are suitable for.

"It has the Universal 5424 diesel engine that has been yard maintained." Are you buying this form the original owner? With a stack of yard receipts, maintenance log and bills? If not, add a grain of salt. What you hear from brokers and sellers is not necessarily true. Without documentation, assume it may not be so.

These were solid boats and solid engines, but "30 years" is more important than hours in this case. A diesel can go 5-10,000 hours before overhaul and then do it all again, if it is run and maintained well. But with 30 years, who knows?

Better to be a bit skeptical, have a mechanic look at the engine and a surveyor look over the rest of the boat, unless you are really certain of what you are looking it. It may be in great condition, but some paid expertise can save a lot of regrets later on.

[MarkSF]

My suggestion would be to make the usual checks you would on an engine : Starts easily from cold, runs smoothly, no smoke, etc. Also just look at the engine. Is it clean and free from rust? Does it look cared for?

If these are satisfied, you have a candidate for an engine survey. If not, walk away.

I have an 84 5424 and I can tell you it should not smoke at all, not even on start up. After 20s on the glowplugs it should start up more or less instantly with no extended cranking, then run smoothly.