Potential 1977 F32

297Elegante · Post by **297Elegante** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:55 pm

So after having owned my express cruiser for a year now I have decided its time to move up to a larger flybridge boat. With that in mind the F32 and F36 have always been on my immediate list. Sadly I have never been aboard either of these boats. I have an inquiry into a 1977 F32, with twin FWC 360s right now. Is there anything I should know prior to having a look at it. I know the decks can have issues, I have heard rumors of stringer problems, but I am not fully aware of what years and what the issues may be (I had a long email from another boater about this concern). Also FWC 360s, are these decent power?

Thanks for any insight.

Brian

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 6:59 am

Some F32s did have stringer issues and some did not , I don't know what years this affected ,but some of the last ones did have issues .

With that said I would check the stringers closely . But I would do that on any boat not just the F32 . The deck coring issue, this is something any boat with a cored deck can have and most decks on boats are cored .

Look it over well , just remember its a 35 yo boat so it will not be perfect. and get a survey done. by some one that knows older boats and isa SAMS surveyor and make sure they check the stringers

297Elegante · Post by **297Elegante** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 8:18 am

Thanks prowlerfish.

I actually may go and grab the message I received from the person telling me to avoid the F32 due to the stringer issue. He made it sound as though it wasn't your typical stringer rot over the years, but having to do with undersized stringers that was a design flaw. Once again this is the only instance I have heard of this design issue.

The deck coring can and does go south on all kinds of boats. I guess just having seen a guy at my marina do a portion of his forward deck on an older F36, and reading a few threads here about it, it seems to be something to look for.

Does anyone know if the 360s are a good engine choice? I have seen them with 318s, so I would imagine the boat will cruise well, around 18 knots with the 360s?

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 11:59 am

Nothing wrong with the 360 engines , First I heard of undersized stringers .

Yes some F32 stringers had issues with rot but many did not.

I have seen some bad decks on the 32 & 36 and many on other boats , many are due to poorly sealed deck fittings , the should be re-bedded as needed

gettaway · Post by **gettaway** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:55 pm

Hi elegante,

welcome, I bought my 1977 F-32 a little over a year ago and have been pretty impressed by it considering it's age and how well it has rebounded after several years of neglect by the previous owner.

Like Prowlerfish stated, get a good survey, hull and mechanicall, $ 500-600 for the surveys versus buying a bad boat is cheap and should give you confidence in the ulitmate purchase.

my boat does not have any rot issues, stringers, decks or bridge. maybe I am lucky but they are solid and good sized for gas engines.

Remember that these were production boats so some of the fit and finish is lacking, not that it makes it bad, just not custom boat craftsmanship.

this is where I am the most disapointed with the boat. but then again, look at the resale market for F-32's

good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for.

fpawn1 · Post by **fpawn1** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:18 pm

I have a 1981 f32 and have to say I love it--Did have a small stringer issue in the aft and ended up having them "sister" on both sides and up the transom--- did have it surveyed last month for the insurance company and all passed very well--no major issues----but remember these are all older boats and need yearly work--- never tell the wife the cost--by the way thinking of updating galley and head--any thoughts

297Elegante · Post by **297Elegante** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:38 pm

Thanks for the responses guys.

My father had a 1974 Chris Craft Catalina 33 back some years, and my current boat is a mid tier production boat as well. I just got the okay to go have a look at the boat. Sounds to be in good shape, and knowing my way around boats a bit, and having been on this site for a while I will take a look at the boat with an open mind.

I'm hoping the boat feels as roomy as the 33'x13' Egg Harbor I was on a week or so ago. I would imagine it will!

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 8:38 pm

If you like the Egg you should like the F32. I have had my '79 since 1999, loved the design since it first came out, and been a 'Trojan man' since 1977. Yes, I am biased. Shoot me.

I will agree with what others have said re coring and potential stringer issues. I believe the '77 still had teak cockpit decking - that is another thing to look at (teak over plywood, and underlying wood framing, can get mushy if it hasn't been well sealed all those years). Get a good surveyor to take a look so you know exactly what you are dealing with.

For the most part, the F32 is a rock solid. They built the same model for 20 years, and more F32s were built than any other boat in the 30' range. That tells you it ain't a dud. What it really comes down to is how an individual boat has been taken care of and maintained (or abused) by previous owners.

Gettaway's comments re fit and finish? Maybe he got a rough one. Generally speaking, nothing wrong with how the F32s are set up. They (and the F36s) are a 'real boat' - focusing on function where needed, focusing on cosmetic where okay to do so, unlike some other boats out there that look fancy-shmancy but I wouldn't trust my life to them. The F32, I will.

Mine has the 360's as well (raw water cooled). Good power for the hull, probably more fuel efficient than 318s since they aren't working as hard. I have about 1700hrs on my engines so they are starting to get a bit tired, but I typically cruise 2800-3200 rpm (sweet spot) at about 16-22 knots depending on wave and wind conditions. The most I have ever goosed it to is 3900 RPM (maxes out around 4200-4400) to see what it would do, or make a bridge lift -- 27 knots (31.5mph). In my avatar I think I am running around 25knots (3500 rpm).

On average, fuel economy works out to about 1.1mpg overall if you stick to about a 2800-3200 rpm cruise.

My annual work (keeping in mind I am in fresh water and only in the water half the year) : a coat of polish and wax, and touch up bottom paint. Every 3-4 years I touch up woodwork. Again, depends more on the history of the boat (and possibly impacts of southern sun / salt water vs my environmentals), but these boats are simply not high maintenance.

297Elegante · Post by **297Elegante** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:00 am

Thanks a lot guys. I was able to take a look at the boat last night.

This particualr boat appears to have been on land for some time, and if not, the fall and winter dumped a lot of debris in the back. The aft deck (glass) appeared to have core rot as it was very soft. The flybridge deck was also very soft and spongy. The ladder going up moved around a lot and had some extra bars welded in. The running gear appeared to be in fair shape, and the cabin had new carpet and looked to be in good overall shape. Not terrible for the asking price, but would need a good bit of work to get her where I want (I'm looking for a project I can enjoy while fixing up).

Now, as far as my opinion on the F32. The boat is large from the ground (on land). It just feels big walking up to it. A bit stocky, due to the beam/length ratio, but it's a good looking boat.

The cockpit is a bit short (to be expected), but the width makes up for it, and it actually feels bigger than it looks, if that makes sense. The short freeboard might take a bit of getting used to, but the rails make it feel safe.

Stepping inside the boat is roomy. The salon at first glance seemed like it might be small, but when you actually walk around inside, its big. Felt bigger than our old 33' Chris Craft. The hatches to the engine room were very nice. Open them up and the amount of space down there is excellent. Coming from a 29'er with inboards and Vdrives (and an aft cabin) the amount of room you guys have to work on your boats is something I envy! The glass wrapping more or less 360 degrees makes for a very bright and open feel. I never thought of it, but the boat truly has 360 degree views. I actually could and would imagine docking the boat, or even driving from the lower station, something I never would have thought of.

Heading down below is where the boat actually felt roomier. Having 13' of beam, just makes for a ton of room. The galley was a good size, but the dinette and hall area felt very nice. The dinette would be a great place for 4 people, a bit more room than my current boat, and seemingly more comfy.

The head, as expected was a bit tight, but no worse than our old 33' Chris Craft. The head layout was alright as well, different than my current boat, and I'm actually up in the air if it's better or not.

The forward stateroom was nice. Compact, but nice. Obviously a bit roomier than my current boat with decent storage.

Up on the bridge, the boat was nice. Here is where I really noticed the wide and short stature. I like the sportfish style helm, with the seat in front, putting the captain a bit further aft. Even being aft, that cockpit is very short. I think docking her would be reletively easy, with wide motor mounting, and a great view from above.

I hope noone takes my post as anything negetive. I think the F32 stays on my short list for possible upgrade. After taking a look at this one, I really want to get on an F36. Knowing how well the 32 is, I would think the 36 has a lot going for it as well.

Brian

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:10 pm

You'll like the F36 too , in late 77 the head and shower where separated a nice touch , the have a lower dinette( or or a bunk set up ( more common on early ones ) larger rear deck w/ higer sides . the F32 may also have different floor plans in different years .

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 10:46 pm

Realistically, what you will find comparing an F32 and an 36 is a bit more cockpit space in the 36, and different interior layout. When my wife and I were looking, we just found the layout of the 32 worked better for us (she preferred the galley down instead of up). Mechanically, sea keeping wise, and handling wise, they are reasonably close. Comes down to what feels best to you in terms of accommodations.

Good luck with your search!

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Fri Jul 01, 2011 6:27 am

The F36 seems to be better in a following sea . It weghts 1/3 more (12000 vs 16000 lbs) so you can expect it burn more fuel . apox 1/3 more .

They are both good boats , when I was looking I had they F32 , the egg 33 And the F36 on my short list .

297Elegante · Post by **297Elegante** » Fri Jul 01, 2011 8:45 am

I will have to make it a point to get on one and see if it's worth the price inscreas that seems to come with them. The guy at my boat club owned one for a very long time, and just sold it to another guy at the club who seems to like the boat a lot.