F30

[Stori Time]

Hello everyone, I am a new member and I am in the process of buying a 78 f30 and I wonder if there are any owners on here that have any thoughts on the boat such as quality, rough water handling and such. Any opinion you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[prowlersfish]

Good boats , But like any 35 y/o boat you need to look at it closely , consider a survey . Rough water handling ?? I guess that would depend on what your idea of what rough water is . Its not a of shore Battle wagon for sure but it will take on some . What model F30 ? ( theres more then one style) . Where and what do you plan on using it for ?


And welcome to the site

[Stripermann2]

Very nice boat. My good friend had an F30 Flybridge, twin small blocks which we brought back from the eastern shore of the Chesapeake a few years back.
Nice handling boat for the size, with engines properly tuned, boat gets up and goes...Nice size bridge too, makes it comfortable for a few guests up top.

I can't think of anything other to offer, than what Paul suggests regarding this model. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Stori Time]

Thanks for answering my questions. I will be using it on Lake Michigan for cruising only and from time to time a squall will catch you in 3-4's with an rare 5. Mostly in the season the lake is 1-3's and I'm looking forward to a more comfortable day than my Boston Whaler is giving. The model is f30 express with flybridge. Again, thanks for your help and looking forward to the summer!

[lawyerdave71]

Hello Stori Time

I have a 78 F30 Flybridge Express and I use it on Lake Michigan.

Its a great boat and handles great.

I trust you will be happy with it.

David

[prowlersfish]

Looks like Dave has that covered

[Stori Time]

Hi David, thanks for your input and everyone else who has offered their thoughts. I have a question that you may be able to answer. Do you know what your bridge height is from the waterline? It's an odd question but I may have a height issue I need to sort out. Thanks for your help. By the way, where do you dock your boat?

[lawyerdave71]

Hello,

I was contemplating getting a trailer so I'm familiar with height.

From water line to front top of bridge rail is approximately 11 feet 5 inches.

Overall hieght is approximately 14 feet more likely 13.5.

If you have a bridge issue to deal with, remember mast light extends well above that 11.5 number.

I have manuals if you need any. I think you have same 228 Mercs as I do.

I keep my boat @ Northpoint in winthrop harbor, IL which is on boarder of WI and I winter store in waukegan, IL

[Stori Time]

Thanks David, that is exactly what I needed to know as I plan on keeping the boat at Diversey harbor in Chicago and there is a bridge to contend with as you enter the harbor. Thanks again.

[lawyerdave71]

Hey we should hook up.

I live at 7700 and the lake in rodgers park. You should have no problem @ diversey. See I go to northpoint to save a couple bucks but since I am a city dweller I should be @ diversey

Wish I was but I reckon its like a 1500 difference in slip price

But honestly since I live in the city, why keep the boat here? That's why I go north, its like a vacation every weekend

[lawyerdave71]

And where did u pick up the F30?

I've been keeping track on sales and haven't seen any lately in illinois

[Stori Time]

Hey neighbor, I live on Eastlake Terrace. I found this boat in Grand Haven. It still hasn't passed the survey and sea trial but I'm hopeful.

[lawyerdave71]

HOLY CRAP

I live on Eastlake Terrace too!!

Yeah I am familiar with that F30 in Grand Haven was for sale for a long time but appears to be in good shape!!!

[Stori Time]

Well, it's a small world and street. Still waiting for the ice to melt...

[MTurvey]

We have a 1980 F30 up here in Alaska. We've had her out in some snarly conditions (some people might remember..hahaha), and she's handled pretty well. I really don't like following seas, but other than that - she rides great.