In my search for the perfect (or near perfect) used boat in the 28 - 33 ft range I have come across a 1986 Phoenix 29 with Cummins 210 Diesels. The motors have +/- 2100 hours and the boat is supposedly in good shape. Does anyone have any experience/critique/observations about the phoenix 29 ? Other than the fact that the company went out of business, they seem to be proud of the prop-pocket hull design and the hull seems to be considered pretty sturdy I do not know a whole lot about the brand. Also am wondering about the engine hours, how long before they typical diesel needs an overhaul, etc. Any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks !
Phoenix 29 ?
- Thread starter cole
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 790
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- 372
6 years ago when I was boat shopping (used), the Phoenix 29 was on my 'short list' due to it's reputation as a strong boat. I looked at a couple but didn't go much farther because we decided the 34 Silverton had more amenities, space and fit our intended use better.
Still, I think the Phoenix 29 with diesels would make a good offshore fishing boat.
I don't know anything about the Cummins 210's though.
Still, I think the Phoenix 29 with diesels would make a good offshore fishing boat.
I don't know anything about the Cummins 210's though.
Sandy, from up on Martha's Vineyard has a Phoenix 27 Fishbuster, which I believe is very similar to the 29. I am sure he will chime in. The Cummins 210's are great motors, you should get a lot of trouble free hours out of them, although I don't know how they work out in that particular hull. I wouldn't think it would be a ball of fire speed-wise, but would bet you would get a cruise speed in the low 20 knot range, which is plenty from my point of view, others may disagree. The tunnels won't be a bad thing, on the whole, since they will give you less draft, a good thing if you are boating in the Chesapeake. They also allow a more efficient angle for your propshafts on a relatively small inboard boat.
I put together a long reply last night but since it's not here I must have hit delete instead of submit. I'm only very familar with the '88 27' express type Weekender /Fishbuster with gas engines ( & a dock neighbor's essentially identical '80 without my marlin tower), so if you are by any chance looking at the SFX convertible I don't think I'd be that much help. It looks to have a pretty nice layout in online ads.
-The 22* transom deadrise hull does a very good job in most conditions as long as you get the bow down, but not as well as a 24* much heavier hull like Blackfin 29 or C.Classic 28.
-The prop pockets are great for me as they allow fishing in areas where I can see rocks under the boat in murky NE waters. Mine has only 22" draft at rest with 17"D props, the widest my pockets will allow with proper clearance.
-However, the pockets may also mean less lift aft , requiring considerable tab deployment to get the hull attitude up to the closer to level running it needs for most fuel efficient and comfortable ride.
Use the tabs.
-On mine (w/ 2003 T/330hp gas 5.7 MPI's) the lower access to the engines with the dual-seat FG boxes removed is very tight for say changing sp. plugs . But if really necesaary the midship sole section surrounded the engines can be unscrewed and removed. I would check engine access for those diesels in case they are really crowded in, but I've heard from dealers the diesels made for a good combination in these boats.
I've put mine through a lot of abuse fishing in all kinds of wx inshore & off in about 2300 hrs on the hull by me since acquiring it in '95, and I still think it's a good boat with great value for what they originally and presently tend to sell for. But keep in mind these were built for the value niche at lower cost than their pricey competitors. Mine originally had gate valves that I immediately had replaced with quality ball/lever seacocks.
As John suggests, survey, survey.
-The 22* transom deadrise hull does a very good job in most conditions as long as you get the bow down, but not as well as a 24* much heavier hull like Blackfin 29 or C.Classic 28.
-The prop pockets are great for me as they allow fishing in areas where I can see rocks under the boat in murky NE waters. Mine has only 22" draft at rest with 17"D props, the widest my pockets will allow with proper clearance.
-However, the pockets may also mean less lift aft , requiring considerable tab deployment to get the hull attitude up to the closer to level running it needs for most fuel efficient and comfortable ride.
Use the tabs.
-On mine (w/ 2003 T/330hp gas 5.7 MPI's) the lower access to the engines with the dual-seat FG boxes removed is very tight for say changing sp. plugs . But if really necesaary the midship sole section surrounded the engines can be unscrewed and removed. I would check engine access for those diesels in case they are really crowded in, but I've heard from dealers the diesels made for a good combination in these boats.
I've put mine through a lot of abuse fishing in all kinds of wx inshore & off in about 2300 hrs on the hull by me since acquiring it in '95, and I still think it's a good boat with great value for what they originally and presently tend to sell for. But keep in mind these were built for the value niche at lower cost than their pricey competitors. Mine originally had gate valves that I immediately had replaced with quality ball/lever seacocks.
As John suggests, survey, survey.
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