New Boat Design

[sailing320]

Currently I am in the process of repairing my holding tank on my IP320. The tank has a small hole near the bottom. When Island Packet built the boat they never thought it would need to be serviced! They built the boat with no access to the tank. After major surgery the job is almost complete and it is going to be much better then before. My wallet is also lighter. What boat manufacturer does a good job in allowing the owners to repair / replace systems / tanks in the future? I am looking for a well built boat between 35 and 40 feet. Pricing cannot exceed $350'000. After going thru this process being able to make repairs on a boat is now high on my list.

[mitiempo]

What is your holding tank made of? I have heard IP used aluminum for holding tanks - the worst material for such corrosive contents. Plastic or fiberglass are really the only long term choices.

I sympathize re the access. I work in the marine trade - electrical - and access can be a huge issue when the builder wasn't thinking - or was just thinking about profit.

I don't have any personal experience with Morris but believe them to be the best built boat in the US or at least in the top 2 or 3 semi-custom builders. Here's one in Florida in your price range.

1992 Morris Yachts Justine Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[sailing320]

My holding tank is aluminum. I am not sure why anyone would build a boat that you do not have access to all the tanks! I am making sure everything is done right but the expense is ridiculous.

[mitiempo]

You're not alone. My boat was well built by a respected builder but the manual bilge pump hose, which was corrugated, was glassed in to the bilge before the liner was installed, making replacement tough. And the fuel tank vent was installed high on the transom before the deck was put on the hull, leaving it inaccessible without an access hatch which I installed.

Good luck.

[sailing320]

Mitiempo, would you buy a Morris 36 over a Shannon 38?

[mitiempo]

Yes. I think it is one of the best built boats with much attention to details. I think that Morris has filled the niche that Hinckley used to be in.

I also love Chuck Paine's designs.

[sailing320]

Do you more of an explanation ?

[mitiempo]

Of design?
I have followed Chuck Paine's designs from Frances through the Morris designs to the Able Apogee 50 and to the aluminum designs built by Kanter. Here's Chuck's blog here starting with a pic of Johanna. All good sailers without vices.The View from the Helm » 2009 » July

As far as Morris quality, every detail is well thought out and not just the visible parts. The wiring, plumbing, mechanical installations are exceptional. Ventilation of lockers is not only good but artistically done.

Peruse these Morris boats at Yachtworld morris (Sail) Boats For Sale

Here are a few pics of an Apogee 50 interior, electrical panel, and fuel filter installation.