Click for Abeking Click for JetForums Click for Northern Lights Click for YF Listing Service Click for Delta

Forbes Cooper 78' Custom -- anyone know her?

Discussion in 'Unique, Custom or New Yachts' started by Cowger, Feb 15, 2020.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Cowger, Feb 15, 2020
    #1
    Cowger

    Cowger Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2019
    Messages:
    47
    Location:
    Sacramento, CA
    We're shopping for a new (used) boat, generally something like a Hatteras 75, and found this one online:

    https://www.**************/boats/1997/forbes-cooper-80-motor-yacht-3487606/

    I've spoken with the agent and one thing that's appealing is the major refit of all electrics and plumbing within the last two years. We like the 4 staterooms + crew, too, each reasonably sized for a 78' boat.

    We intend to go see her, but schedule will keep that a couple weeks out yet and I'd like to know as much as possible before initially stepping on board.

    I know it's a long shot, but does anyone happen to know anything about this boat or the builder?

    Thanks!
    Bryan
  2. RER, Feb 16, 2020
    #2
    RER

    RER Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2009
    Messages:
    1,598
    Location:
    Newport Beach CA
    I sent you a PM
  3. dennismc, Feb 17, 2020
    #3
    dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2009
    Messages:
    1,179
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    I know Forbes Cooper personally and have since the mid 70's, always found him to be honest and concerned about his reputation, also know one of his previous staff who worked for him for quite a while back then and he was impressed with Forbes also., as always , thorough surveys are critical.
  4. Cowger, Feb 18, 2020
    #4
    Cowger

    Cowger Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2019
    Messages:
    47
    Location:
    Sacramento, CA
    Thank you, Dennis, this is great to know. A lot to be said about someone who is working to build both a boat and their reputation.

    And yes, definitely a full set of surveys, assuming we get that far. The major area of concern about this boat is an apparent electrical fire 3 years ago which necessitated the replacement of all wiring, electrical components, electronics, etc. I'll be snooping into the bilges and cabinets a bit more than usual.

    Cheers,
    Bryan
  5. dennismc, Feb 18, 2020
    #5
    dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2009
    Messages:
    1,179
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    Take someone who has a sensitive sniffer...I have been on a boat that had a reasonably small elect fire, the entire interior was re done but the odor lingered and the boat got written off finally, so be careful.
  6. Cowger, Mar 8, 2020
    #6
    Cowger

    Cowger Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2019
    Messages:
    47
    Location:
    Sacramento, CA
    We finally got a chance to step on board this boat.
    • Regarding the electrical fire, there was absolutely no residual smell and no visible remnants.
    • Overall, the boat seemed to be in great shape and checked most of our boxes.
    • Unfortunately, the galley is quite small - not much bigger than maybe 6 x 7' in total, virtually no counter space, etc. Definitely a deal-breaker for a part-time live-aboard.

    Regardless, thank you for the help with this!
    Bryan
  7. Capt J, Mar 9, 2020
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,784
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    That is the typical size of a galley on most 80' MY's I've seen. Even the old Hatteras'. Take a look at a late 2000s 72' Hatteras MY or 2003 or newer 80' hatteras MY, I think you'd be happy with the galley on those and they tend to check your boxes.
  8. Pascal, Mar 9, 2020
    #8
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,806
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    I smell a rat there :”Originally built with 50 hertz power this vessel has been completely rewired to American 60 hertz power with two brand new 29 KW generators, new breakers”

    breakers don’t care about frequency. Generators can be adjusted for 50 or 60hz just by adjusting RPM.

    Rewiring a 70 footer isn’t an easy job. I would want to see pictures of the work in progress and detailed invoices. The plumbing had to be redone as well?
  9. Pascal, Mar 9, 2020
    #9
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,806
    Location:
    Miami, FL

    Galley size depends on your lifestyle. If you re going to have chef then an enclosed galley is fine. If you or your family enjoys cooking and a more casual environment then you want an open galley like a country kitchen. This is why I moved the galley up on my 53.

    the lazzara 84 i run has a country kitchen, separated from the salon but with a big dinette forward. Half the time this is where everybody hangs out (owners as well as charter guests)
  10. Cowger, Mar 9, 2020
    #10
    Cowger

    Cowger Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2019
    Messages:
    47
    Location:
    Sacramento, CA
    Yes, the "rat" was an electrical fire that probably fried / damaged quite a bit of the existing wiring, involving both the engine room and the helm, two decks up. She was sold about 3 years ago for $180k as a "rebuild". My perception is that she was rebuilt well though we didn't get into a huge level of detail on it, given the galley situation...
  11. d_meister, Mar 10, 2020
    #11
    d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2010
    Messages:
    504
    Location:
    La Conner, WA.
    The thing sure has a lot of seating for a family boat. Sleeps 14 and shows no crew's quarters. Odd that it is "north west ruggedly built", that Forbes Cooper is a Vancouver area builder, and that the thing was originally 50hz. If true, it must have been built for Europe or another 50 hz zone. All things considered, if I were to proceed on that boat, I would get Bunker Hill to survey the thing.