Once again I am going to call upon the list for assistance in helping me determine some issues I have regarding the repair costs involved with the boat I am trying to buy. Perhaps some of you, particularly Hatteras owners can help me out here. What I am looking for is good estimates of repairs and some clarifications regarding the survey I just had conducted on the Hatteras 48 LRC. The boat has a large c02 fire suppression system in the engine room that needs to be re-certified, anyone familiar with the cost to do this? (was last certified in March of 2000) The two engines, Detroit 4-53's have serial numbers of: Port: 4DO171736 and Stbd: 4DO170778 numbers are pretty far apart is it possible that they are maybe a left and right hand turning engines and this might be indicated in the numbers? Westerbeke has a serial number of 86850-B101 Model MDJF 3CR2268AA, can anyone decipher the age of the unit from these numbers? One of the Naiad fins (Stbd.) will not center and appears to be causing cavitation and vibration, anyone had a similar situation? The Transmissions, Velvet drive 72C's. Appear to be slipping and may need rebuilt. Are parts available for these transmissions and what would be the cost of overhaul with R&R? Detroits have new motor mounts and have sagged. Both diesels need re-aligned and cutlass bearings will probably need replaced. Cost? Cost to replace exhaust manifold gasket on one of the Detroits? I understand that there is a "detent" kit available for the Morse transmission controls, any idea the cost for these kits? I shall of course be making several phone calls in an attempt to get estimates for this work, but thought I might do as well from the experience of the list members. Any help appreciated. Jim Alexander, Realtor Boatless again (but not for long) Port Charlotte, FL

> One of the Naiad fins (Stbd.) will not center and appears to be causing > cavitation and vibration, anyone had a similar situation? Jim, as I said in an earlier post: VIBRATION: My 58 is the most vibration free vessel I have ever owned. However, if your stabilizers are not adjusted correctly, they can chatter. Given that the fins are currently out of alignment, I would guess someone screwed with them recently, without following proper procedure. You need to lock the fins in place BEFORE you drain fluid, otherwise they do not necessarily go back to center when you refill the system. There is a very simple adjustment for the chatter, requiring a wrench and a screwdriver. So...you may not have big problems here...unless I am wrong again <g>. The vibration is easy to see by watching the fin assembly inside the hull while under way. It will pump itself back and forth rapidly for a few seconds, then recover. Good luck! Bob __________________ R C Smith Jr M/V MARY KATHRYN 1977 Hatteras 58 LRC Marathon in the Florida Keys