tswone wrote:I have been looking at a couple Frontiers for the same purpose, family cruiser. What should I be aware of when inspecting a Frontier? I would be using the boat mostly in bays in Maine, sometimes offshore. Also, how do they trailer and launch? My experince is with an older Mako 20, I am curious as how they compare and what I may be getting myself into. Any info is appreciated. Thx.
Most of these boats are going to have some work that will need done. Mainly the deck lids. There are 3 on this one I have. The forward one covers the forward part of the fuel tank and has the access for the vent hose connection to the tank. That one was not too bad to remove. The main lid was pretty easy to remove but is heavy. The aft deck lid has a small opening for access to the bilge.
One thing to know is the cabin is fairly small compared to the size of the boat. I will attach a picture of what it looks like with most of the rigging being pulled out.
- Fig. 3. Cabin Derigging.
- Cabin-Derigging_.jpg (10.7 KiB) Viewed 5875 times
There are three lids in the front bow for storage and the way the current seats mount are on swinging hinges. The console was mounted to the side about mid-way. I plan on either re-purposing the original console more forward, or making a complete new dash so the original seating can be moved more forward. Behind the passenger seat on the port side I plan on making "L" shaped seating.
Each storage compartment up front has a through-hull so be aware of any water intrusion there. There are three through-hulls in the stern areas as well. There is also a drain hole in the splash well where there could be access to bolts for a single engine mounting. The transom height is 25" in the center if a single engine is used. It is 20" if twin engines are used and they are spaced 29" apart.
Be aware of deck soft spots and a lot of these boats had modifications to fit the user's needs. Mine has a swim ladder that can be attached to the starboard side where the dive door comes off. Deck lids are not too difficult to fix and I will post the updates on this thread.
One disappointing find I didn't see is that extra holes were cut to allow drainage from port and starboard bilges into the main center bilge. Foam was not sealed from those cuts and I know water intrusion is there but I cant tell how much since it's been in the negatives for the last few weeks and everything is frozen.
Ask if the fuel tank was ever replaced. The way these are set in traps water on the top and doesn't drain well.
- Fig. 4. Fuel tank seen with deck removed.
- Fuel Tank without Lid.JPG (36.7 KiB) Viewed 6133 times
The cavity in which the tank sits is below the lip which can trap water. The foam on the side will hold that water against the tank causing corrosion. I plan on replacing the tank anyway so it's something I expected.
So far these are the things I can think of to be aware of. I haven't operated the Frontier on water yet but am sure it'll be tough enough for up here.