P.Seacraft 37 or Valiant 37

[castoff]

Since my original post in January my wife and I have a short list of two boats, the Pacific Seacraft 37 and the Valiant 37. My wife may have a slight leaning towards the Valiant, I prefer the PS.

We would appreciate any observations relating to the two boats.

Also, does anyone know how much of an issue the aluminium fuel tanks are in the PS 37 and how easily any problems can be rectified.

[castoff]

Thanks JRP

[Rockter]

Never, ever flush the aluminium fuel tanks with caustic soda to clean them.

It will not just clean them.

[camaraderie]

My experience with aluminum diesel tanks is that they all leak sooner or later and it is NOT a big or expensive thing to replace them..unless you have to cut stuff out to get at them. This can be quite expensive!
If tanks are quite old, then you might want to replace them before they leak or at least pressure test them to assure they are currently solid.

[AjariBonten]

I had read somewhere that the tanks in Pacific Seacraft boats are typically very easily accessible. I've not read about access on the Valients. This is strictly "what I read somewhere", but I thought I'd throw it in.....

Fred

[Cruisingdad]

I cannot speak to the changes at PS since the ownership change, but I will say that Valiant is alive and kicking - still making boats in Texas. Is that resource worth leaning toward the V? It would be for me.

I know the guys there if you want to PM me I will give you some resources to contact.

- CD

[JohnRPollard]

To my previous comments (quoted below, made in the "Offshore Cruiser" thread), I would add that the relative success of these two models could be a consideration. I don't know how many Valiant 37s were built, but PSC built something in the neighborhood of 300 Crealock 37s. You can usually find around 20 or so on the used market at any given time. By contrast, there are only a few Valiant 37/39s listed in Yachtworld.com right now. So I think you will have a grater selection, from the standpoint of age/price/condition, with the PSC Crealock 37.

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

My preference would go to the Crealock 37, having now owned two Pacific Seacraft models. The build quality is very high. They are similar boats but there are obvious differences: You will appreciate the security of the raised bulwarks; and the wide, clear side-decks free of shroud penetrations; and the prop protected in an aperture within the skeg; and the at-the-ready anchor system; and the additional engine access through the removable cockpit floor; etc.

The bilge-mounted aluminum fuel tanks can suffer if in frequent contact with bilge water. However, replacing a PSC fuel tank is usually a relatively simple matter. In most instances, they designed and installed the tanks so they can be easily removed and swapped in the event replacement becomes necessary. It is not anything that should cause you concern. If you have to do it, pull the tank and bring it to a welding shop and have them replicate it. If you need suggestions for where to have this done, join Sailnet's PSC e-mail list-serve and there are owners there who can provide guidance.

Good luck to you.

[Andyman]

Would the Valiant 37 be a candidate for a live aboard?

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by Andyman

Would the Valiant 37 be a candidate for a live aboard?

You can live aboard anything, just about. If the boat is simply for a liveabord, I think any Valiant is a poor choice.

[chris_gee]

I thought the blister problems were confined to the 40s in one plant and certain years. I for one have forgotten the original post so what your specific wants were.