38' Luhrs Convertible info

[almighty5]

Hi, I'm looking at a a 1991 38 and had a few questions.
What sort of fuel economy can I expect from the twin 425hp 671 engines
Is there a tank upgrade bigger than the 400gal ?
Are there any know issues with these boats that I should look for ?

Thanks in Advance
Dave

[Douglas Fairchild]

I am looking for a 38 Convertible myself around years 99-01. I am sure you are aware the cockpit sole would have to be cut out to install another fuel tank. I do not think there is room for a larger tank. The boat I am looking for would have a Cummins 450C Diamond so I do not know about fuel consumption. The Detrtoit 671 came from the factory at 300 HP. After market tweekers raised HP to 425. Engine is very reliable up to 400 HP after that overhauls will increase substantially. Engine is very heavy and being a two stroke fuel consumption is higher than a four stroke. It's a good engine but old tech.

[davebanks]

hi dave
I have a 92 38 convertible we call a fly bridge.Ive just put back in the water last october
When we bought it the survey showed some osmosis and dry areas in hull lay up I decided to do a complete planing job on the hull and re skin with three layers of vynlyester and glass this solved the problem and now shes as good as new regarding the exterior under water.The topsides show signs of the same senario in places but are relativley easy to repair.The surveyor commented that it was one of the strongest built glass boats he'd seen. So have a good survey done and make your choice
I have JT 425 671's they're new to me and have done 1200 hrs so I was very keen to see how they'd go, deisel was $1.80 /litre here when i purchased her
Weve just completed a two week cruise and overall averaged 28 litres/ hr
Worst case was about 120 litres/ hr at 2100 rpm best we did was about 15 litres/ hr at 1000 rpm trolling. This was measured by dipping the tank and calculating the fuel used against the hr meter All this is reinforced by detrioits feul figures the they publish so im pretty happy with that, and deisels now under $1.00/litre From my experience so far any extra fuel would be best stored forward as she's pretty low in the aft when shes full
there is a 4 inch gap between the floor and the tank for expansion but i think a word with the Luhrs would be prudent.Overall im happy with the boats handling just waiting for the stripies to arrive offshore
cheers dave

[T380fisher]

Dave,
I have a 1990 Tournament 380 Flybridge (Hull #23). A true fish raiser. She run 4'-6'+ with any boat her size.

Can't help with the consumption as mine is under powered with gas engines. My fuel tank is 455 gallons under the cockpit (from the tank manufacture plate on the tank). I have always wanted to convert, but I go fishing with the guy next to me instead. His boat is a 38 Blackfin..same deadrise...same hull weight with 671's and it burns 40 gph at 22 knots.

As for problem areas on the early T380's.......You want to take CLOSE notice to the storage areas in the cockpit under the bridge ladder and the tackle center. These areas have a tendancy to store moisture which can delaminate the rear salon bulkhead. A simple fix if it is caught early. I did mine myself about 7 years ago. I redid the tackle center drawers in Starboard as well.

[almighty5]

Thnaks For the Info guys.
I'm looking hard at a few boats now and thinking of a 2001 36 Convertible with twin yanmars. I will be getting a marine surveyer to inspect for any for seeable problems.