The H.I.N. indicates the hull was layed in November of 1972

You will find the single will handle very well even in a cross wind.
Your trans will be 1:1.

You can expect approx 6.5 gph fuel consumption.

An autopilot... there a lots out there not sure how much use you would get on the intercoastal however.

Salt and brackish water I would look at fresh water cooling if not already installed.

West Marine has advisory on anchors and use. A plow or danforth would work great.



dave

Thank you both. I have more questions:

What is the largest diameter propeller used on a 28, without creating vibrations? I've been reading the threads here about diesels, and am not seriously considering a swap, but enquiring minds want to know....

What speeds are recommended for best economy cruise, and high cruise? (please assume a slightly over-weight boat, like everything else I touch.)

The exhaust pipes are below the top of the bottom paint (the boat is on a lift) is this good?

What bottom paint is best for an aluminum boat on the Chesapeake Bay?

I may have misunderstood the owner, but I believe he said he just used any bottom paint, and that makes me nervous. Is it OK to soda-blast the old paint off?

Has anyone installed a stern thruster on a smaller Marinette? I know that the stern is the last place I would want to add weight.

I owned a 28' for years and liked it very much. Mine was a single engine converted to diesel (yeah, I'm that diesel nut) but it now has a chrysler in it and the lady who bought it likes it very much.

staying warm: You have no insulation, just reflective foil on the hull side of the interior. I used reflectix, from Lowes, taped or glued to the back side of the interior panels. This is the easiest fix I know. If you put foam between the frames, then you will have cold spots where the frame is. Welcome to aluminum. I use an oil-filled electric radiator at the dock, and it suffices down into the 40s. On the hook you will need something that burns fuel. Under weigh you can get heat off the engine. Check out Hamilton Marine for suitable stuff - they are in Maine and they know cold. I don't know how late you want to be in, but I am in Alexandria, VA this winter and it is pretty cold.

docking in a crosswind: I wouldn't buy the thruster until you have tried handling the boat.

autopilot: Hydraulic is best. Don't spend the money until you have tried running the boat. I don't think it needs one, even if you are alone on board. You must maintain a watch under weigh, so while you are watching you might as well steer.

anchor for muddy bottoms: I use a Guardian (cheap Fortress, like a Danforth but aluminum), a Bruce (claw), and a Herreshoff (yachtsman) at different times. The Guardian is far and away the best in mud. The claw works well on a mixed or hard sand bottom, and the yachtsman can be trusted on rock or hard marl. In the Chesapeake I would go for the Guardian. Don't pay extra for the fortress, it isn't any better. I have not actually cruised the Chesapeake since around 1950, so get opinions from some of the local guys.

propeller: you can probably go up an inch in diameter, that's about it. you can go to four blades, I think FastJeff has done this.

speeds: a fuel flow meter is worth the money.

exhaust pipes: it is common to run the bottom paint up past the actual waterline. The exhaust pipes should be above the actual waterline.

bottom paint: there is a ton of information on this forum about bottom paints. I use trilux 33 with biolux (in Florida) and it works well. I pay a diver to scrub the hull to expose new paint about every 6 or 8 weeks. find out what the local guys use.

The exhausts on my twin engine 28 are half covered with bottom paint, but are above the water line.

There are lots of good buys out there, so if you really want a single that's fine, but you should also be able to get one with twins for a good price in this market.

I agree with Doug. Try the boat out before you decide what it needs.

Good luck and safe boating.

Sandy
Keeping warm underway is easy & not very expensive. West Marine page527 is Heater Craft "hydronic heater kits" . All 4 Marinettes here in WV have them. We all use our boats down into the low 30's and very comfortable. It works off the cooling system of your engine, we usually switch t-stats from stock 140 degree to 160 degree for the winter for a little extra heat.
I had a single 28 for a while & I still have a single 78 Trojan F-25. Singles take a little practice to back up but you will find that they are very predictable & will always react the same. Practice, practice, practice & you will be OK!
Single 28 was not the fastest boat I ever owned but cruised nicely with reason fuel consumption.
`You will enjoy it.
Dave

Sandy
Not originally, In early 70's hydraulic was not available for this type boat. It could have been added over the years. If it is hydraulic you would have a cylinder mounted @ the tiller arm on the rudder shaft. If not a push pull cable would be attached to tiller arm.