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Thread: Haines Signature 542's - Any Issues ?

  1. #1

    Haines Signature 542's - Any Issues ?

    Hi All,

    Am thinking of upgrading to one of the above mentioned boats. Model year would probably be between 2003 - 2008 & price seems to be anything between 28 & 39.
    They also appear to come with a variety of motors that are either standard or re-powered.
    So far I have seen anything from 115hp to 140hp fitted and I am thinking that the 115 might be a little underpowered for an 18 footer ?
    Also I have seen quite a few with older two strokes, newer two strokes and four strokes. My preference would be for a four stroke.
    Although having said that, I have looked up the weight of a couple of 130hp four stroke motors and there appears to be a huge difference between the heaviest and the lightest eg: 225kg and 185kg, but to be fair I am not sure how old the lighter motor was.
    I have seen one or two boats with deep keel scratches or chips etc and, while these are obviously cheaper, I am thinking that I should give these a wide berth. Unless of course a repair is inexpensive to fix ?
    Please note, it is not my intention to start a motor brand debate with this post, although I must admit that I am conscious of the price difference a brand of motor can have on re-sale, as I have found this out first hand.

    As I said, I am just looking for the best balance or combination at the end of the day.

    Thanks in advance guys.
    Cheers
    Rob

  2. #2

    Re: Haines Signature 542's - Any Issues ?

    IF you can save a few grand opting for the hull with a few gel coat scratches on the keel then I would go for it. $50 gelcoat repair kit and an hour or 2 of your time. It is only cosmetic. Ensure they are chips and gouges but - not cracks. Cracks in the hull= bad stay away.


  3. #3

    Re: Haines Signature 542's - Any Issues ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Camhawk88 View Post
    IF you can save a few grand opting for the hull with a few gel coat scratches on the keel then I would go for it. $50 gelcoat repair kit and an hour or 2 of your time. It is only cosmetic. Ensure they are chips and gouges but - not cracks. Cracks in the hull= bad stay away.
    Thanks mate.
    From now on I will make more of an effort to have an even closer look.
    The more information I gather, the better the decision I will make hopefully.

    Cheers
    Rob

  4. #4

    Re: Haines Signature 542's - Any Issues ?

    Glass repairs are cheap - don't stress.

    We just sold a 542 centre console. It had a 135 optimax on it. The balance was right as was the pace. I've no doubt they will go ok with a 115 as it is a pretty efficient hull. Ours would do 40 knots with a knocked around vengeance prop and never wanted for grunt. If driving big distance is your thing, the optis are hard to beat for fuel economy at pace - 2+ Kms per litre from ours over a large rev range. It cruised comfortably off shore at 40 Kph using 17.5 lph.
    nil carborundum illegitimi

  5. #5

    Re: Haines Signature 542's - Any Issues ?

    Thanks GBC

    Would mainly be used for shorter trips and overnighters to Moreton Island - bay islands etc.

    Cheers
    Rob

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