Tournament 350 Questions/Advice?

[submarine]

1) I have seen the 350 called a SPORTFISH, CONVERTIBLE, & TOURNAMENT. These all appear to be the same from what I can tell. Is there any difference in the 3 or are they the same boat being called different things?

2) Obviously diesels are better, but I might only be able to afford gas. From what I have read, these boats don't perform that well with gas. Will I be sorry if I buy a gas boat in the 350?

3) I know there are at least two floor plans, one having a set of bunks and the other does not. Is there any drawback to the one having the bunks, as I believe this is the one that will suit my needs best?

4) Is there any reason I would not want a 350?

Thanks for the help, any other info on the 350 would be appreciated!

[Momentai]

Submarine,
As far as I know there are two Luhrs styles, Convertable/Tournament (enclosed salon with door to cockpit) and Open (no enclosed salon just "Open" helm)
Here is link that I used to research any vessel and is a good review of the boat you are describing:

http://www.docksidereports.com/boatreviews/luhrs_tournament_350.htm

Hope this helps
Jack on the MOMENTAI

[Douglas Fairchild]

General rule is a boat over 35 feet or weighs more than 17,000 lbs should have diesels. But another factor is deep V hulls would reduce that rule. I think the Luhrs 35 has a moderate V hull. Also engine use, if you are going to put a lot of hours per year on the engines diesel is better. If boat is going to be used lightly then gas is better. If you do not have deep pockets then gas is the way to go. You can get three gas engines for the price of one diesel. If you fish and want to travel out far from shore diesel is the way to go as they are very fuel efficient compared to gas. Diesels are heavier then gas engines which will improve sea keeping ability. A heavier boat will handle better and will be less likely to bounce like a cork in rough sea. However a heavier boat will also pay a penalty in fuel. Bottom line is a good sea keeping boat will have poorer fuel economy. A boat that is good on fuel economy will have a shallow bottom and poor sea keeping ability. You can't have both. Good advice, before you spend your hard earned cash, get David Pascoes book Mid Size Power Boats. It will tell you all the pro's and con's of gas V. diesel. I also recommend you check out his web site www.yachtsurvey.com Only the 95 year had the two stateroom model. I agree with you, two staterooms is the only way to go. Good Luck

[submarine]

Thanks guys! I have actually already checked out both sites you mentioned, that's how I came to the tournament 350. It appears to be in my price range, suit my needs, and seems to get good reviews.

If anyone else has any more info, I would be very appreciative of any input!

[kcummin]

Sub,
I have a 94-T350 that we have had nothing but excellent experiences with. It was a gas boat, and performed reasonably well...we re-powered with diesels last year, and could not be happier. It has an 18 degree stern deadrise, which gives it a smooth ride in rough seas, and the "Carolina" style bow flare provides a dry ride, but it needs good power to push the hull.

Make sure you get a separate engine survey, as this can save you some trouble down the line, and can produce some excellent bargaining points for the deal.

I think, if you take long trips, as we do, you will be happier with diesels, but if you can find a GREAT deal on a gas model, with potential to repower later on, the base T-350 is a very solid platform to work with.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

[flbluerunner]

It seems that as boats get heavier and if you run further and put hours on your boat that diesels make more sense.
That said the current outboard craze with huge and many being put on large boats is confusing the rule.
I have many friends that bought gas boats and most of them have repowered to diesel.
There are pluses and minuses to both, the cost of the diesels being a big factor.
My own experience says diesel now instead of possibly repowering later.

John :patriot: