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Message board > Navigation & sea worthiness > Hardy Fishing 20 advice needed

Message 4 of 4
Posted by member Andy Mcmullan on Tuesday 26 August 2008

Hi Martin Be careful with your insurance with a motor that is in excess of the manufacturers recommended. I think 75hp single or (2 x 40) was the max for the fishing 20. Hardy Marine would be able to advise you on this. I think it is always best to get the largest engine with these boats as the price difference isn't all that great between a 60 and a 75 say. The % increase in power could make all the difference to getting on the plane, especailly if you have 3 or 4 crew and plenty of gear. You will also get a more relaxed cruise at 16 knots or so. The weight penalty between these engines could be negliable also. You may sell the boat on easier with the bigger motor. With any engine, the correct prop is essential also to enable max revs to be achieved. Ideally right at the top of the manufacturers suggested maximum. Trim tabs are also very worthwhile. Cheers Andy

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Message 3 of 4
Posted by member Martin Hanley on Sunday 24 August 2008

Hi Sergey I have just taken delivery of a Hardy Fisher 20 in sound condition but needing quite a few hours of hard work to get her looking good. One major issue with her is that she has....Wait for it!..A 135hp two stroke engine, good for 30Knots+! (vastly overpowed). I am looking at replacing it with a new 60 to 90 Hp 4 stroke, I think 70Hp being optimum to get her on the plane. I will be inspecting the transom area for any cracks etc very closely when the old engine comes off. The blue topsides have bloomed (faded) badly and will need repainting, This can be done by hand roller or spray, good prep is essential. Joton paints have been very helpful for advice. The trailer is in excellent condition, the last owner greesed every thing, it looks a little grubby but when you wipe away the greese it all looks new. I have not had a survey as the cost of the boat did not justify it, check with your insurance broker as they might insist on an inspection which might cost £200, but, will give you peace of mind. Do check for osmosis, tell tail signs are blistering of the gell coat. Osmosis Correction can be time consuming and costly, but Hardys are very well built and I have not known of any issues with Hardys. Regards Martin

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Message 2 of 4
Posted by member Andy Mcmullan on Thursday 21 August 2008

Hi Force 4 would be your limit probably and the Fishing 20 is really a coastal boat so you would need to be careful with the weather. 40hp is also a marginal engine for the sea with this boat as it will not plane and you will be restricted to semi-displacement speeds. Maybe 10 knots or so. Less with a couple of people on board. A 2-stroke engine will be relatively noisey. 4-stroke would be better noise wise and more econonmical. If it is 2 -stroke it may be harder to sell down the line unless it is priced accordingly. 4-stroke is a much nicer option. A new 75hp 4-stroke will be about 6k if you get a good deal. If you buy a boat with a relatively recent engine this could be cost effective as the previous owner would have taken the cost hit. Power trim and tilt is a worthwhile feature on the engine. If it is a blue hull, it may look shiney but will fade considerably and will need regular buffing to look good. Hardy's are good quality boats but with age there could be damage to the hull, or even osomosis, especially if the boat has been kept in fresh water. A pre purchase survey would be a good idea and a decent up to date inventory would be ideal. Costs soon mount up when you take into account things that need added. Have a good look at the canopy as a new one could be £600 or more. Ask to see it fitted and inspect the condition. Another important aspect is the trailer. If it has been used in salt water and not regulary serviced it could be in dire condition and potentially dangerous. When I bought my Pilot, the trailer was in good condition as the boat had ben craned into the water. I checked the wheel bearings and they looked good. The brakes however were binding on one hub and I had an interesting tow of 200 miles. With a boat of this weight you need a trailer with brakes. A 4-wheel trailer gives a better tow but has more maintenance ane slightly less maneourvability. I hope this helps. If you have a link to a boat on the web, post it here and you could maybe get some opinions on it. Cheers Andy

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Message 1 of 4
Posted by member Sergey on Wednesday 20 August 2008

Hi, I am thinking to buy Hardy Fishing 20 with 40hp outboard. How safe is it? What is the maximum wind speed for her to go to the sea safely? Any advice on the things I need to look at during viewing would be appreciated. Do Hardys have any weak points in general? Many thanks in advance. Regards, Sergey

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