Osprey Merlin

[TomKat]

Been going thru the bargain bins and found a cheap Osprey Merlin. The only thing I can find about it is poor comments! Too short with too deep a v making it tippy at rest and hard to trim and prone to ride bows up.

Are they really rubbish or just not as good as others. If it was usable I would take a punt on it!

Cheers for the usual good advice in advance!

TomKat

[Pete7]

Tom, they are not rubbish as in quality, but they will run bow up at speed and wobble side to side when stationary. I had one with a 75hp Mariner which even with 4 people in the bow still ran bow up. Changed the engine to a smaller 60 hp merc and this improved things somewhat. The short length means the tubes don't touch the water at rest which makes them tippy.

If it's in reasonable condition and you are happy after a sea trial, there is no reason not to buy it if its a good price. Most will be 20 years old now though.

Pete

[TomKat]

Cheers Pete

In the end I reckon it was a spoof ad, phone nevr rang and no answer to emails etc. Bought a 4.8m lencraft instead and in the middle of fitting it out hopefully for its first run out this weekend. Cant find much on them but think it should be better than the Merlin!

[Boats&Outboards]

Originally Posted by TomKat

Cheers Pete

In the end I reckon it was a spoof ad, phone nevr rang and no answer to emails etc. Bought a 4.8m lencraft instead and in the middle of fitting it out hopefully for its first run out this weekend. Cant find much on them but think it should be better than the Merlin!

I too had no experience of Lencraft until two weeks ago. They surprised me with the performance of it's intruder model, a 6.8 deep V with 150 Yam. If the 4.8 is as good I'm sure you will be delighted.

Amazing how 3 letters can (Rib in place of Len) could add so much value, granted, albeit a better hull.

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[TomKat]

I will rely one you Peter to educte the buying public so that if I ever change the 'Len' is worth more than the 'rib'!

So far I am impressed but hopefully putting on the water tomorrow afternoon!