Fisher 30 (motorsailer)

Built 1971–1981 by Fairways Marine / Northshore Yachts (UK)

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About the Fisher 30 (motorsailer)

Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.

Built: 1971–1981
Builder: Fairways Marine / Northshore Yachts (UK)
Designer: Gordon Wyatt / David Freeman
Length: 29.99 ft
Waterline: 25 ft
Beam: 9.25 ft
Draft: 4.25 ft
Displacement: 14,559 lb
Ballast: 7,280 lb
Hull / keel: full keel
Rig: ketch
Propulsion: inboard
Stern thruster: not fitted

Tank capacities — where the figures come from

Fuel unknown
“fuel tank capacity of 225 liters” — search excerpt (1974), dailyboats.com · “50 gallon fuel tank” — search excerpt (1976), boatexportusa.com

Our earlier figure was 73 gal (from a spec database). Two listings give 225 L (59 US gal) and 50 gal (unit unclear, re-powered boat); neither is a builder figure. The Fisher Owners Association's members-only library would settle it.
Water unknown
“230 liters (60 US gallons, 50 imperial gallons)” — spec database, yachtdatabase.com · “230 liters of fresh water” — search excerpt, listingsport.com

A spec database gives 230 L, which is 50 imperial gallons, so our earlier 50 is probably imperial gallons read as US (230 L = 61 US gal). Not yet confirmed by a Fairways or Northshore (builder) document.
Water heater unknown
Fisher Owners Association forum posts describe owners fitting calorifiers (engine-heated water tanks), one after converting from direct to indirect engine cooling, but they don't say which Fisher model.

Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.

Thrusters and steering — where this comes from

Bow thruster unknown
No source mentions a bow thruster.
Stern thruster not fitted
Nothing was found either way; our earlier figure of none has no source.
Steering unknown
“Wheel steering inside with a tiller in the cockpit.” — search excerpt (1976), boatexportusa.com · “on my F 30 I have a failed old wheel pilot on a cable steering system that has 15degrees of slack either way” — search excerpt, discussion.fisherowners.org

A listing and an owner on the Fisher Owners Association forum describe a wheel in the wheelhouse driving the rudder by cable, with a tiller in the cockpit. No builder spec was found to confirm the type (the inside wheel would likely count as mechanical steering).

Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.

Sources disagree on number built, MD3B hp, fuel tank, water tank — left blank rather than guessed.

Pilothouse ketch motorsailer with long keel, transom-hung rudder and iron ballast. Developed from the sloop-rigged Freeward 30; debuted at the 1971 Southampton Boat Show and was replaced in 1981 by the Fisher 31 (Fisher Owners Association history). Boats without the pilothouse were called the Caribbean 30.

Engines fitted

Volvo Penta MD3B — 35 hp, diesel, single standard
Sailboatdata lists a 35 hp MD3B as original equipment; a buyer's guide gives the MD3B as standard at 34 hp.

Sources: sailboatdata.com · listingsport.com
Perkins diesel (46 hp; 4.108 per one source) — 46 hp, diesel, single factory option
A buyer's guide notes a 46 hp Perkins on some boats; an owner write-up says a 1975 hull would have had a Perkins 4.108 or an early Volvo MD.

Sources: listingsport.com · newsletter.yacht-buoy.com
Volvo Penta MD2040 / D2-40 — 38 hp, diesel, single common repower
A 1975 Fisher 30 has been repowered with a 38 hp MD2040B, and a for-sale post describes a D2-40 installed in 2018.

Sources: newsletter.yacht-buoy.com · facebook.com

Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.

Known problems for this model

No well-sourced problem reports found yet.

Engines & parts

Volvo Penta MD1B / MD2B / MD3B parts: limited

Factory standard engine — you entered “Volvo Penta MD3B”

MD2B production ran 1970–1975 (confirmed by two parts sellers and an owner history page); boats built later sometimes carry leftover MD2Bs. Genuine Volvo Penta parts catalogs still list the MD1B/MD2B/AQD2B/MD3B, and specialists (Parts4Engines, MarineDustrie used parts) supply service and rebuild items, but some parts are discontinued. MD2B is the two-cylinder version (MD1B one, MD3B three).

Parts sources: Parts4Engines (Volvo Penta MD2B), Power Products Systems (genuine Volvo Penta parts), MarineDustrie (used MD1–MD17 parts)

Common problems (1)

Raw-water cooling corrosion and blocked passages cooling
These engines are raw-water cooled, so internal water passages scale up or corrode; owners descale them and check cylinder jackets for corrosion when overheating appears.
forums.ybw.com · forum.woodenboat.com · forums.sailboatowners.com

Maker’s service schedule (9)

Engine oil & filter change	50 hrs or 1 yr	“Change the lubricating oil after every 50 hours running or at least once each season. During the running-in period the o” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Engine oil filter change	100 hrs	“Change the oil filter after every 100 hours running at the same time as the oil is changed.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Transmission fluid change MS (Mono Shift) reverse gear	50 hrs or 1 yr	“Change the lubricating oil in the reverse gear after every 50 hours running or at least once each season.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Air filter / intake silencer	100 hrs or 1 yr	“The air cleaner should be removed and cleaned after every 100 hours running, or once each season.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Drive belts inspect / replace	50 hrs	“Check the vee-belt tension after every 50 hours running.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Valve clearance check / adjust	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Check the engine valve clearances after every 100 hours running or at least once each season.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Fuel filters & water separator	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Change the fine filter after every 100 hours running, or at least once each season.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Injector test / service	100 hrs	“We recommend an interval of max. 100 hours of operation between these inspections.” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de
Re-torque cylinder head nuts/bolts	1 yr	“should be re-tightened after 20 hours running and when the engine is warm. Check-tightening should also be carried out o” — manufacturer, ohlson38.de

Service part numbers (5)

Oil filter	Volvo Penta 22057107 Replaces 834337	“p.90 "MD1, MD2" block: Oil filter — 22057107” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Volvo Penta genuine oil filter to replace old model 834337 … MD1A/B, MD2A/B … MD3B” — dealer, foxschandlery.com
Fuel filter spin-on filter	Volvo Penta 21492771 Replaces 829913, 3825133	“p.90 "MD1, MD2" block: Fuel filter, spin-on — 21492771” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Brandstoffilter Volvo Penta 21492771 (vervangt 829913) … MD1B, MD2C, MD2B, MD3B” — dealer, bakker-ijlst.nl
Raw-water impeller MD1B / MD2B (slotted-shaft pin drive)	Volvo Penta 3586494 Replaces 875807, 876689 Also: Johnson 09-806B, Jabsco 4528-0001, Sherwood 9979	“p.90 "MD1, MD2" block: Impeller kit, MD1/MD2 2), MD1B/MD2B — 3586494 (2) Slotted shaft pin drive)” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Volvo Penta: 875807-0 803729 3586494 876689 … MD1, MD1A, MD1B / AQD2B MD2, MD2A, MD2B” — dealer, poseidonmarine.eu
Raw-water impeller MD3B	Volvo Penta 22222936	“p.90 "MD3, MD17" block: Impeller kit — 22222936” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “IMPELLER KIT … Denne delen passer til... AQ130C,100S,110S,MD1B,MD2B,MD3B,D2-40” — dealer, volvopentaparts.shop
Thermostat	Volvo Penta 876080	“Thermostat Kit 876080 … Compatible with … MD Series: MD11C MD11D MD17C MD17D MD1B MD2B MD3B” — dealer, marinepartsystem.com · “Thermostat Kit 876097 / 876080 suits Volvo Penta MD1B, MD2B, AQD3B, MD3B, MD11, C,D, MD17, C,D” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au

From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.

Perkins 4.108 parts: good

Factory optional engine — you entered “Perkins diesel (46 hp; 4.108 per one source)”

Out of production but very well supported. Trans Atlantic Diesels (TAD) sells complete aftermarket rebuild kits (pistons, liners, rings, bearings, gaskets, valves, guides, seals), heads, blocks, crankshafts, genuine Perkins camshafts, rebuilt injection pumps and injectors, Jabsco/Sherwood raw water pumps, heat exchangers, starters, alternators and elbows, plus rebuilt exchange engines. The Westerbeke 4-107/4-108 family and some industrial engines share the base design.

Parts sources: Trans Atlantic Diesels (TAD), Foley Engines

Common problems (1)

Rear main (crankshaft) seal leak engine
The original rope-type rear seal is notorious for leaking and often starts leaking again a few hundred hours after replacement; Foley sells a nylon/Teflon replacement seal meant to cure it, and owners check the crankshaft sealing surface for pitting.
foleyengines.com · boatdesign.net · forums.sailinganarchy.com

Maker’s service schedule (13)

Engine oil & filter change 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“4.107(M) and 4.108(M) Engines ... Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). Drain and renew lubricating oil” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Fuel filters & water separator 4.108(M) marine	400 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 400 hours or 12 months (whichever occurs first). Renew final fuel filter element.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Air filter / intake silencer 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... Clean air intake gauze.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Drive belts inspect / replace 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... * Check drive belt tension.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Valve clearance check / adjust 4.108(M) marine	2,400 hrs	“Every 2,400 hours ... Check and adjust valve tip clearances.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Injector test / service 4.108(M) marine	2,400 hrs	“Every 2,400 hours ... Service atomisers.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Transmission fluid change 4.108(M) marine	400 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 400 hours or 12 months (whichever occurs first). ... Change gearbox oil.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Clean water trap 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... Clean water trap.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Check engine for oil and water leaks 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... Check engine for leakage of oil and water.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Lubricate dynamo rear bush (where fitted) 4.108(M) marine	150 hrs or 3 mo	“Every 150 hours or 3 months (whichever occurs first). ... Lubricate dynamo rear bush (where fitted).” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Check hoses and clips 4.108(M) marine	400 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 400 hours or 12 months (whichever occurs first). ... Check hoses and clips.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Drain and clean fuel tank 4.108(M) marine	400 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 400 hours or 12 months (whichever occurs first). ... Drain and clean fuel tank” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net
Examine and service starter motor, generator etc. 4.108(M) marine	2,400 hrs	“Every 2,400 hours Arrange for examination and service of proprietary equipment, i.e. starter motor, generator, etc.” — manufacturer (1973), fujiyachts.net

Service part numbers (7)

Oil filter later engines with spin-on filter	Perkins 2654403	“A genuine Perkins 4.108 oil filter - OE Part No. 2654403 ... Fits 4.108 and 4.108M.” — dealer, parts4engines.com · “Filter, Oil late type long 2654403, Length 130mm - 2654403” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Oil filter early engines with element-in-canister filter	Perkins 26540154	“A genuine Perkins 4.108 Oil Filter - OE Part No. 26540154” — dealer, parts4engines.com · “Filter, Oil early type 26540154, Length 122mm - 26540154” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Fuel filter cartridge-type filter housing (most engines)	Perkins 4326658 Replaces 26561117 Also: Delphi (CAV) 296	“A genuine Perkins 4.108 fuel filter - OE Part No. 4326658 ... supersedes ... 26561117.” — dealer, parts4engines.com · “Fuel Filter (296) Was 26561117 Now 4326658” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Fuel filter early engines with bowl-type filter housing	Perkins 30242	“A genuine Perkins 4.108 fuel filter element - OE Part Number 30242 ... fitted to early Perkins 4.108” — dealer, parts4engines.com · “Filter element, Fuel old type 30242, Length 74mm small element - 30242” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Raw-water impeller Jabsco raw-water pump (3270, 3370-200 or 9970-200)	Jabsco 1210-0001	“4.107M / 4.108M / LL 9970-200 040 3/4" BSP Flange SK229 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com
Raw-water pump kit Jabsco 9970-200 pump	Jabsco SK229	“4.107M / 4.108M / LL 9970-200 040 3/4" BSP Flange SK229 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com
Raw-water pump kit Jabsco 3370-200 pump (obsolete)	Jabsco SK33	“4.107M / 4.108M / LL 3370-200 ... 9970-200 SK33 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com

From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.

Volvo Penta MD2010 / MD2020 / MD2030 / MD2040 parts: good

Factory common repower engine — you entered “Volvo Penta MD2040 / D2-40”

Shibaura-based small diesels (MD2030 is a 3-cylinder, 29 hp, built 1994–2006 per a Swedish rebuild shop). Parts are still sold through the Volvo Penta network and some cross-reference to related Shibaura engines; aftermarket stainless exhaust elbows (replacing Volvo 861906) are widely sold. Often paired with Volvo 120S/130S saildrives, whose rubber diaphragm seal Volvo says to replace at least every seven years.

Parts sources: AB Marine Service (exhaust elbow 861906), FYB Marine (saildrive diaphragm seal kit), Parts4Engines

Common problems (3)

Exhaust elbow corrosion and clogging exhaust
The cast exhaust elbow and pipe corrode or clog with seawater scale and carbon; stainless aftermarket elbows are a common fix.
meksta.com · ab-marineservice.com
Saildrive diaphragm seal replacement running gear
Volvo's 7-year saildrive diaphragm replacement (sometimes an insurance requirement) is a frequent question; DIY is possible in a day with a haul-out, while yard quotes vary widely.
forums.ybw.com · bavariayacht.org · fybmarine.shop
Blocked heat exchanger, broken impellers, glow plug faults cooling
Other frequent faults are internally blocked heat exchangers, disintegrating raw-water impellers, failed preheat/glow plugs and carboned injectors.
meksta.com

Maker’s service schedule (20)

Engine oil & filter change Early engines (1993 instruction book 7735333-2: MS2 reverse gear / 120S drive)	100 hrs or 6 mo	“Service every 100 hours of operation, or at least once every 6 months” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Engine oil & filter change Later engines (2002 operator's manual 7741986: MS10/MS15 reverse gear / MS25S drive)	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 100 operating hours or at least once a year” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Fuel filters & water separator	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Service every 200 hours of operation, or at least once a year” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Raw-water pump impeller	200 hrs or 1 yr	“every 200 hours, or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Transmission fluid change	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Service every 200 hours of operation, or at least once a year” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Check / adjust idling speed	200 hrs or 1 yr	“every 200 hours, or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Take apart and clean the vacuum (siphon-break) valve	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Take apart and clean the vacuum valve, if fitted.” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Lubricate the rubber propeller-shaft seal (shaft installations)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Lubricate the rubber propeller shaft seal (inboard engine).” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Check S-drive / reverse-gear corrosion protection (zinc ring / anodes)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Check the S-drive’s zinc anode (zinc ring).” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Coolant replacement & freeze-point test Glycol antifreeze mixture (the normal fill)	400 hrs or 2 yrs	“every 400 hours, or at least once every other year:” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Coolant replacement & freeze-point test Anti-corrosion-agent mixture without glycol (later manual)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“If the freshwater system is filled with an anti-corrosion agent mixture it must be changed every year.” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Air filter / intake silencer	400 hrs or 2 yrs	“Service every 400 hours of operation, or at least once every other year” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Heat exchanger & oil cooler cleaning	400 hrs or 2 yrs	“Check that the heat exchanger is not blocked.” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Injector test / service	400 hrs or 2 yrs	“every 400 hours, or at least once every other year:” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Valve clearance check / adjust	400 hrs or 2 yrs	“every 400 hours, or at least once every other year:” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Re-tighten cylinder head bolts (workshop) Early engines (1993 instruction book 7735333-2: MS2 reverse gear / 120S drive)	400 hrs or 2 yrs	“every 400 hours, or at least once every other year:” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Check the seawater filter Early engines (1993 instruction book 7735333-2: MS2 reverse gear / 120S drive)	50 hrs	“Service every 50 hours of operation” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Check the S-drive rubber seal (hull/drive) Later engines (2002 operator's manual 7741986: MS10/MS15 reverse gear / MS25S drive)	1 yr	“S-drive. Check rubber seal (hull/drive)” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Replace propeller-shaft seal (reverse-gear installations, workshop)	500 hrs or 5 yrs	“Every 500 operating hours or at least every fifth year” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com
Replace S-drive rubber seal between drive and hull (workshop)	7 yrs	“Every seventh year” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com

Service part numbers (7)

Oil filter MD2010 / MD2020	Volvo Penta 861473	“p.90 "MD2010, MD2020, MD2030, MD2040" block: Oil filter (MD2010/2020) — 861473” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “# Volvo Penta MD2020B … [OIL FILTER] Part Number: 861473” — dealer, marinepartsexpress.com
Oil filter MD2030 / MD2040	Volvo Penta 3840525	“p.90 "MD2010, MD2020, MD2030, MD2040" block: Oil filter (MD2030/2040) — 3840525” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “# Volvo Penta MD2030B … [OIL FILTER] Part Number: 3840525” — dealer, marinepartsexpress.com
Raw-water impeller MD2010 up to SN 5101203008; MD2020 up to SN 5101309052 (VP footnote 3)	Volvo Penta 3586494 Also: Johnson 09-806B, Jabsco 4528-0001, Sherwood 9979	“p.90 "MD2010…MD2040" block: Impeller kit 3) — 3586494; 3) MD2010 SN -5101203008, MD2020 SN -5101309052” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “MD2010A, MD2010B, MD2010C, MD2010D / MD2020A, MD2020B … Volvo Penta: 875807-0 803729 3586494 876689” — dealer, poseidonmarine.eu
Raw-water impeller MD2030 / MD2040; MD2010 from SN 5101203009; MD2020 from SN 5101309053 (VP footnote 4)	Volvo Penta 22222936	“p.90 "MD2010…MD2040" block: Impeller kit (MD2030/2040) 4) — 22222936; 4) MD2010 SN 5101203009-, MD2020 SN 5101309053-” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “IMPELLER KIT … MD2010,MD2010B,MD2010-C,MD2010-D,MD2020,…,MD2030,…,MD2040-D” — dealer, volvopentaparts.shop
Thermostat MD2010 / MD2020	Volvo Penta 861911	“Volvo Penta thermostat for various MD2010 and MD2020 engines … 861911” — dealer, ab-marineservice.com · “Fits engine versions MD2020-A, MD2020-B, MD2020-C, MD2020-D / Volvo thermostat part number 861911” — dealer, parts4engines.com
Thermostat MD2030 / MD2040	Volvo Penta 3580365	“Thermostat designed to replace Volvo part numbers 3580365 … MD2030A … MD2040D” — dealer, piecesbateaux.com · “# Volvo Penta MD2030B … [THERMOSTAT] Part Number: 3580365” — dealer, marinepartsexpress.com
Drive belt MD2010 / MD2020 (alternator, cogged V-belt)	Volvo Penta 973534 Replaces 966898	“Current part number: 973534 Previous part number: 966898 … MD2010A … MD2020-D” — dealer, marinepartsystem.com · “# Volvo Penta MD2020B … [V-BELT] Part Number: 973534” — dealer, marinepartsexpress.com

From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.

Model sources (6)

sailboatdata.com · fisherowners.org · listingsport.com · newsletter.yacht-buoy.com · facebook.com · yachtdatabase.com

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Other Fisher models

Fisher 34 (motorsailer) 1977–?

Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.