coores14

Sometimes you're presented with a deal on something that you just can't pass up, no matter how much you know that you don't need it.

This boat is exactly that. I love my Whitewater. I never plan on selling it. I don't need a second boat. Especially something like this. But how cool would it be to be able to pull off owning both if at all possible? Well, a deal was dangled in front of me that I would've been stupid to not take. I'll make it work...somehow. I'll find a use for both...somehow.

So here it is -- 1985 Blackfin 32 Flybridge. Widely regarded as one of the greatest boats ever built in its class. She's got twin 3208 355hp CATs with around 1600 hours on them. A 5kw Northern Lights generator that is about 8 years old and has probably 100 hours on her. The boat has been well maintained over the years and is mechanically a pretty much turn key boat. She needs updating and cosmetics. Updated electronics and systems, some elbow grease on the gelcoat, update all of the teak trim, and so on. You'll notice her stern says Miami, FL, but she's been in Key West for the better part of 20-30 years. She was built for Steve Lewis of Lewis Supply and then sold to the person I got it from.

The idea is to use her more for overnight trips to the Tortugas, to be able to sleep comfortably in the cold A/C while there, to take out for a day of trolling or deep dropping way offshore in the middle of summer and not die from heat exhaustion, and to just be an all around "fun" boat. The whitewater will still be perfect for quick runs to the sandbar on the weekends, for hardcore trips out west that aren't sleepover type stuff, that sort of thing.

I'm kind of excited to finally be dipping my toes into the diesel "big boat" game. Especially since it's a Blackfin. I probably wouldn't have taken this on if it were a lesser hull or if it was in worse condition.
So here we are....

305seahunter

Congrats on the new boat. I'll be following. She is beautiful

svu

One of the best hulls I ever owned.low cg, not tippy
even with tower.
at 355 hp those cats should last a long time.6000 hrs before overhaul on 375s

fjmaverick

Im guessing it wasnt free

fishypete

Congrats. They are tanks and very comfortable in the slop.

coores14

the way the boat was set up, she has two 8D batteries that do everything. Starting the engines, starting the generator, and serving house duties. I just cannot fathom having a boat without a house bank of some type. I want my engines to start. Every time. And risking that by running the systems off of one of those starting batteries goes against...well...everything in my head. So I'm starting with the battery system as my first update/upgrade. I haven't exactly decided what I'm going to do in terms of batteries and what not, but what I do know is that the battery charger is ANCIENT and is cooking the shit out of the batts. Apparently the charger has been "modified" over the years to try to keep it from cooking batteries. To me, I'm not really digging the idea of "modifying" a battery charger. It's original to the boat, it's 60 amps, it's huge, and it gets hot as hell.

yesterday, I bought one of these. Three bank, 50 amp, smart everything, good reviews, decent price on Port Supply.
Let's hope it helps...

coores14

Freebie is her original name and was named such because Lewis Marine Supply was the primary parts supplier for Blackfin back in the day and when Steve Lewis approached Blackfin about getting a boat, a "deal" was made. At least that's how I understand it.

bluewaterposer

Master! I have a feeling you know exactly what your in for! Congratulations!
BWP

mmccull5

Nice! Look forward to seeing the progress of it all.

Scubacouple2

njk4o5

I love me a 32 FB with a full tower. Nice boat!

gtrfred

and the Vikings he had after that, had the same name. Good luck with the next adventure.

coores14

took her out yesterday afternoon with the previous owner to get a feel for her, particularly around the dock. I am amazed at how she maneuvers. Spins like a top. Wide spacing on the props, pushes a lot of water, pretty amazing.

Idled her out of the marina and out the channel, probably 20 minutes or so and then brought her slowly up to speed. Some white smoke on acceleration, but it went away pretty quickly. Came up to a 2400rpm cruise, giving me about 22 knots. Not a speed demon, by any means, and a totally different world from having 600hp on the back of my whitewater. The Blackfin is a sit back and relax and enjoy the ride kind of thing, knowing that you can maintain that speed through damn near any conditions.

I've got a few things to investigate. No surprise, really. Oil pressure on the starboard engine seemed low, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's purely electrical since everything is mostly original. Voltmeter on port engine gets to about 12 volts and that's it. Could be an alternator issue? Sounded like there was a tiny bit of belt slip, so I'm going to replace all of those and get em tight.

Otherwise, she ran great. There's just nothing better in this world than the sound, smell, and feel of inboard diesels.

Lprizman

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

svu

• I hardly ever used the steering.used the throttles to maneuver.

peterg45

Congrats and welcome to the blackfin inboard diesel family! couldnt agree with you more about sound, smell, feel of diesels. If you havent already, join Blackfin Forums. great group and great info.

coores14

yep already did.

Locke N Load

So, you live in Key West, have a 28' Whitewater and now have a 32 Blackfin? Please tell me you are short, fat, bald and have no family and friends.

Marlinmate1

fjmaverick

Dont forget he drives a scooter