topaz pros and cons

**gil5077** · #1 11-19-2011, 10:27 AM

anyone know much about the 44' Topaz ? has detroit 6v92's?

**gil5077** · #2 11-19-2011, 11:27 AM

also it has saddle fuel tanks, will this make it roll more?

**High Seas Drifter** · #3 11-19-2011, 12:02 PM

search over at "the hull truth", im sure there is a discussion or two relevant.

my only comment is to balance the boat you want with your objectives. Do you want to fish blue water 100 miles off the texas coast? Floater trips?...That's going to take 7 hours from the point you pull away from the dock in that boat. That's a lot of margaritas.

Everybody points to fuel costs being bad, but in reality you shouldn't worry about that too much. You can probably talk a fair number of your buddies into coming with you and by the time you split it up it will only be a few 100 per man.

Maintenance/dockage are going to be high.

**Swells** · #4 11-19-2011, 12:48 PM

I haven't seen any bad reviews of the Topaz 44 on Hull Truth, and many say it's built like a tank and has a very deep deadrise, large cockpit, max cruising speeds in the 25 to 30 knot range (28-34 MPH). That's not bad for such a heavy boat. Definitely a blue water bote!

**PirateAir** · #5 11-19-2011, 02:53 PM

I do not have any experience on the 44', but I own along with my brother and cousin, own a 37' Topaz. It was re-powered in 2002 with brand new 375hp cat 3208's. Our average cruise is 23-24kts at 1450 rpm's. We burn around 27 gallons an hour, including the generator.

You have to keep in mind, owning a boat like this is so different that a larger CC with 600hp or more hanging off the back. Here, you go a lot slower, but I think a lot more comfortable. You can carry on a conversation, drink a cold beverage and relax on the way out. AC, bed room, full head with shower, etc make a difference to me. I know, I know, a lot of large CC's have a head on board, and you can hose of with the fresh water wash, but its just not the same to me. On a hot night at the floaters, its amazing to go down below in the AC and sleep in a nice bunk for a few hours when not on watch. And not doubt it makes a large difference to the Mrs. Yes, it takes 2:30 + hours or more to get the floaters, but I personally do not enjoy doing 50kts in 3 foot seas. Just my opinion though.

We have only had the boat for a month, and we have been doing some unneeded work on it (new upholstery, spray curtains, water pumps, stove-only one burner was working on original top,-etc) but cousin has been on it several times out of on Venice, and 85 mile runs offshore (including the run down the river) are nothing on this boat, and it eats up 3-4's at 24 kts. I can only imagine that 7 more feet, and the weight that goes along with it, will make the boat even better. Also, we brought it from New Orleans Yacht Club back to Texas in early October, and spent 4 hours trying to clear one lock in New Orleans. Very glad we do not have to deal with that around here (galveston).

Check out the Hull truth. Check the forum that's titled 32' topaz, and there are around 10 pages on Topaz boats in general.

**Ruthless53** · #6 11-19-2011, 07:51 PM

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-...4-topaz.html#b

Sounds like a sweet boat. We have 8v92's and have never had a problem with the motors. They are right. Just watch the temp and don't pin them out too much and they will be great for you. We burn 50gph at 26-28 knts on a 53' ft boat so you should expect better fuel than that!

**capt4fish** · #7 11-20-2011, 08:40 AM

My experience with Topaz boats in the boat yard:

Some have a blister issue. This can be corrected, but watch for it.
Hatch sealing on the Topaz boats that I worked on was insufficient. Again, easily corrected. But if not corrected leads to generator problems, etc. etc.

Not sure what the criuse on a 6/92 boat would be.

If fuel expense is an issue, go slow. We leave in the afternoon or night and "tool" along at about 800 rpms all night. For us, this saves over 250 gallons one way to the spar rigs. We do this on our 60 or 72 hr trips and when traveling. The benefeits, aside from huge fuel savings is everyone gets great rest for the next day, if you do hit something at night, it will likely be minimal or no damage, and the running at night "pucker" factor goes away. You will need 3-4 savey guys on the helm to make it work.

As mentioned, there is a world of difference between inboard big boats capable of staying several days, in comfort and the center consoles. Me personally, if there aint a coffee pot on the boat.......I'm out.

Good luck.

Kenneth

**Bird** · #8 11-21-2011, 09:50 AM

Topaz boats have always seemed to be good boats. Beyond the usual older big in the water boat issues, my question would be the 6-92's. If they are the 550hp versions then you'll get about 1500-1800 hours before major overhaul. If they are the 635hp version, I'd steer clear. Those high hp 6-92's were hand grenades. So, if the motors are the 550hp and have a recent overhaul you're probably getting good engines. If not, use it as a bargaining point since its a very significant expense (haul out, yard time, pull engines/deck if needed, mechanic etc)

Couple other things I'd add that are more general:

Try to put some money every month into a 'boat' account or war chest as we call it. This way you've got some padding if some unexpected big cost comes up you don't have to let the boat sit while you gather up the coin to get it fixed.

The other is never factor in friends coming along and splitting the fuel bill as part of the reason for buying a particular boat. If you have to wait on 4-6 buddies to get schedules coordinated, commit and pitch in for fuel, you'll sit in the slip. A good rule to keep in mind when looking at a new boat, is that if you can't afford to fill up and fish by yourself, you can't afford the boat. Yes its great when you get some clink in the fuel fund from your buddies but don't count on it.

I'm not trying to sound snobbish or sound like a jackhole, just being realistic. I learned the hard way being 'overboated' for my paycheck at the time.