F32 vs F36 on the Great Loop

[bmeeks]

After hundreds of hours studying thousands of boats, I have decided to buy either another F32 (had one in the past and loved it) or an F36. Then, in about three years, I plan to do the Great Loop., possibly by myself.

It’s time for me to ask the experts about the differences in the F32 and the F36. The full shower is obvious, but handling with the extra weight of the 36, differences in layout, stringer integrity, etc are not.

I should note that I am 6’4” tall, so the spacious berth of the F32 was a major factor in my decision. The F36 loses a locker and some room to the separate shower. I’m curious if the F36 berth feels smaller as a result.

I’m also planning modifications for the F32 or F36. I plan to raise the settee into a permanent berth, making room below for a slide out hanging locker, a row of drawers, and a ventless washer/dryer combo (I know they don’t dry completely).

One particular question that I have for any F32 or F36 owner with flow meters – how many GPH do you burn at low wake speed (much of the ICW is a No Wake or low wake zone). Better yet – for anyone that did the Loop, how much did you spend on fuel?

I know about potential delam and gas tank problems that are common to Trojan, but any other observations about these two beauties would be appreciated.

BTW – I would probably not repower with diesel, but I would buy diesel if one was available.

Thx in advanced

[JuiceClark]

I'm sure we could all go on for 100 pages. This is a great, helpful gang.

The #s will change a little for diesel...but you'll get the idea.
I have a Floscan on the two 454s in my F36. At a 19mph (gps) cruise I'm burning 20-22 gph. However, at an ICW slow cruise I set them at 1300 RPM to go 9 mph and burn only 6-7 gph. If you're planning a lot of slow cruising, I would suggest getting 4 blade props instead of 3...more efficient at slower speeds.

My wife and I were considering getting one of those washer/dryers in one. I found there's enough room both under the lower helm facing fore or aft as well as behind the head facing the throughway...by the steps down. Those are convenient places for hooking it up as well.

I like sleeping in the settee berth better than up in the V-berth...you could make it longer for your height too. It's not easy to climb out of the V in the middle of the night to hit the head. It would be easy to disassemble the V-berth area and make it all stowage and a little office or something.

I think you are making the right choice for SO many reasons.

Tony in Ft Myers, FL
1982 F-36


http://dolphinyachtsales.com/core/listi ... dolphininc&

[bmeeks]

Tony:

Great info. I had not thought of those 2 locations for the washer/dryer. Chalk one up for the F36 (I don't think the F32 has enough room in the same locations)

Since this will be a liveaboard, I had also thought about making the settee on the F32 into a bath/shower and converting the existing head into a hanging closet. Those are just thoughts though. Coverting the settee into an office is intriging. I'll have to spend some time thinking about that.

The Floscan info helps a great deal. From what I read, slow going is the norm in much of the ICW. But, having the extra juice to outrun a barge or a storm is great as well.

[bmeeks]

One other request for someone with an F36. If you have a tape measure handy, I need the measurements of the berth (is the sleeping length at least 6'3"?). Also, can you fit a standard 3 cushion sofa on the starboard side of the salon (realizing that getting to the helm would be next to impossible).

Those that know me well, know that I wake up on Saturday and Sunday only to plan my nap. Doing the loop without a good sleeper is not an option.

[JuiceClark]

We had a post about this not too long ago. I think that space on the F-36 is about 73 inches. The best sofa someone had, I think, was this:

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s ... =S59813822

It has removable slip covers and they sell replacement covers on Ebay reasonably. I have a pleather loveseat I bought for $20 at a thrift store...not letting my fishin' buddies get fish guts on anything nice.

[duchess]

The starboard side berth is at least 6 6 the port side is shorter as they stole length to get the shower in . the only convertible couch that really seems to fot and look good is made by jennifer convertibles as am apt or student couch fits perfectly with 4 inches to spare so your rear drapes dont get squished

[rossjo]

I get around 1.25MGP on twin diesels on plane. At "hull speed" of about 8knots on a 32 w/ 29' waterline length, I probably get about 4MPG, but I DON'T have FloScans on my Trojan.

My 25 Chapparal gets about 3MPG on plane ... and suggest you verufiy FloScan GPH #'s, as mine changed when I put in a new engine ... I now need to calibrate it.

[Buckknekkid]

Im 6-2 wifes 5 -9 lots of room on our F36 , two seater love seat in the salon, the 32 would get a little tight on a Loop.. or extend all your canvas and make some more roooooom.