Looking at a Penn Yan

[Wecanoe]

I've been around boats most of my life, but have been limited to OB runabouts and fishing boats. Wife's aunt and uncle have a 23' or 24' Penn Yan tunnel drive for sale at what seems like a very good price (< 3000). I don't know which model, but know it's a hard top, wide beam (I think 9 1/2'), rebuilt Chrysler 318, and an EZ Loader trailer with brakes. I'm guessing it's a mid-70s model. They've owned it since the mid-80s and have always kept it garaged when not in the water. We're only 85 miles from Lake Superior and I would love to be able to cruise the Apostle Islands, the North Shore, and even make trips to Isle Royal.

I'm wondering what folks think of Penn Yans in general and tunnel drives in particular. What do I need to be watching for when inspecting the boat? It seems to be in fairly good shape, but has been well used. I know it has twin 30 gal fuel tanks -- how much fuel would something like this use? How much range whould you have on, say 50 gallons of fuel?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Looking at a Penn Yan

PM one of our members (screen name 'Sasto'). His girl has a Penn Yan and can probably give you a bit more insight on it than anyone else here.

 

[sasto]

Re: Looking at a Penn Yan

Hi wecanoe, Yes we have a 1974 Penn Yan Avenger with a flybridge. We simply love this boat. I have expierence in boats from a 10' jon boat (one of my favorites) to a 140' Westship. Our Penn Yan has been alot of fun and with little worries. She is no speed demon and does burn some fuel. I'm guessing I burn about 2 gallons every 3 miles running at 3500 RPM's....which is about 16kts. The 318 so far runs flawless and has been easy to maintain.

We put alot of hours on her as she goes out appx 4 days a week. I pulled the interior sole and found the stringers to be rock solid. As far as I can tell the stringers have never been wet.

Any other questions on the boat, I will be glad to answer.

Good Luck!

 

[Wecanoe]

Re: Looking at a Penn Yan

Sasto, I assume your Avenger is a tunnel drive? At 3500 rpm's and 16 knots, is your boat up on plane? I envision being able to cruise just up on plane without going through an extreem amount of fuel. I read through this thread a while back which made me somewhat concerned about the tunnel drive. Otherwise it looks like a well made boat. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=255120&page=1

 

[superbenk]

Re: Looking at a Penn Yan

I used to live near Penn Yan where they were built. I actually worked with the grandson of the owner at one point & got to tour their factory. Pretty cool seeing big hulls being laid up. Even up in the Finger Lakes you don't see many Penn Yans, but I think they are nice looking (classic) boats. I've never been in one, though.

 

[sasto]

Re: Looking at a Penn Yan

Sasto, I assume your Avenger is a tunnel drive? At 3500 rpm's and 16 knots, is your boat up on plane? I envision being able to cruise just up on plane without going through an extreem amount of fuel. I read through this thread a while back which made me somewhat concerned about the tunnel drive. Otherwise it looks like a well made boat. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=255120&page=1

Yes, Wecanoe, she is a tunnel hull. On plane? That's debateable. She does come out of the water at 3500. Sometimes I can run her at 3200 and still be on top, depends on conditions.

I read thru that post awhile back. I don't get those same results. My top speed with a GPS @4500 is 24kts. At 24kts she comes out of the water, the steering becomes loose, but not out of control.

Here is a thread I started awhile back. Enjoy your boat!
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=434329&highlight=sasto

 

[Wecanoe]

Re: Looking at a Penn Yan

Thanks for the link to your thread. Guess I need to start searching the restoration pages. And the Penn Yan forum.

 

[sasto]

Re: Looking at a Penn Yan

We love the Penn Yan..........but.........3 big 'uns? $$

Mine was given to me, by someone that wanted to keep the soul of her alive. I also have the resources (sp) around to make her affordable. and she is not a trailerable boat....not for the first time buyer....And above all, not something you want to put alot of money into.

To me? Our Baccala is priceless!