Marinette Boat Forum

I am looking for a weight on the 31'. I really like the legnth to beam ratio of the 9' beam models. I think it should run pretty economically at a semi-displacement speed. I am looking to purchase a single engine one, but I am leary of the resale on a 60's boat if I stick a bunch of money into one. MetalHead had some nice pictures of his.

I plan to use it in the Florida Keys in both the backcountry and out in the Gulf Stream.

Anyone with experiance who could let me know about the 31 would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Resale on any Marinette is poor because they are top heavy, its not fiberglass and all the rivets loosen up over time.

Seriously,if resale is a concern, a boat is the last thing to invest in.
If the hull is in good shape, everything else can be cleaned up, rebuilt etc. The boat will last forever but don't expect to get your money back.

I think the older 60's/70's hull style are flatter bottom compared to 80's design. I'm told its more of a pounding ride but if your looking at a semi-displacement speed, that should not be an issue.

Only 2 things wear out on a Marinette, the engines and the owner.

GB49 wrote:Resale on any Marinette is poor because they are top heavy, its not fiberglass and all the rivets loosen up over time. Seriously,if resale is a concern, a boat is the last thing to invest in. If the hull is in good shape, everything else can be cleaned up, rebuilt etc. The boat will last forever but don't expect to get your money back. I think the older 60's/70's hull style are flatter bottom compared to 80's design. I'm told its more of a pounding ride but if your looking at a semi-displacement speed, that should not be an issue. Only 2 things wear out on a Marinette, the engines and the owner.

Rivets? What rivets? I think that was a joke but your advice was sound. Boats, like diamonds, are a luxury, not an investment. Use, enjoy and get what you can when you are through with the fun (or the glitter).

Amen on the "engines & owner" Sure glad I have two engines ,because I've come back on one many times. If I were in the gulf I would recommend twins. Get out of the way of storms when need to. Love my Marinette. Would not have anything else.
Wayne

2 Engines - 3 times better than 1 .... Maybe 10 times better ... hmmmm !!!

jralbert wrote:

GB49 wrote:Resale on any Marinette is poor because they are top heavy, its not fiberglass and all the rivets loosen up over time. Seriously,if resale is a concern, a boat is the last thing to invest in. If the hull is in good shape, everything else can be cleaned up, rebuilt etc. The boat will last forever but don't expect to get your money back. I think the older 60's/70's hull style are flatter bottom compared to 80's design. I'm told its more of a pounding ride but if your looking at a semi-displacement speed, that should not be an issue. Only 2 things wear out on a Marinette, the engines and the owner.

Rivets? What rivets? I think that was a joke but your advice was sound. Boats, like diamonds, are a luxury, not an investment. Use, enjoy and get what you can when you are through with the fun (or the glitter).

Ya, the rivet thing was a joke..... I wonder if someone makes a rivet tightener?

Loose rivets? You buck them.

No, really, thats what you do. That will tighten them up. Also if you are tired of overpriced drunks calling themselves marine mechanics, call around and see if you can find an aircraft mechanic that will fix your problems. A good aircraft mechanic is better and might be cheaper. After working on planes these boats are easy.---Ed (retired A+P )