Marine Trader 34 Double Cabin
Built 1972–2001 by CHB (Chung Hwa Boat Building, Taiwan)
About the Marine Trader 34 Double Cabin
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1972–2001
- Builder
- CHB (Chung Hwa Boat Building, Taiwan)
- Designer
- Ed Monk
- Length
- 33.5 ft
- Waterline
- 30.25 ft
- Beam
- 11.75 ft
- Draft
- 3.5 ft
- Displacement
- 17,000 lb
- Hull
- fiberglass
- Hull / keel
- semi-displacement
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 300 gal
- Water
- 150 gal
- Holding
- 40 gal
- Bow thruster
- often added later
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 300 gal
“300-gallon fuel supply” — review, trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com · “Fuel Tank: 300 Gallons” — broker listing (1990), curtisstokes.net · “Fuel Tank: 300 Gallons (1135.62 Liters)” — search excerpt (1984), yachtr.comA blog review and listings agree, though the blog may copy a powerboat guide; no builder document was found.
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Water 150 gal
“Fresh Water: 150 Gallons” — broker listing (1990), curtisstokes.net · “Fresh Water Tanks: (150 Gallons)” — search excerpt, marinesource.com · “Fresh Water: 75 Gallons (283.91 Liters)” — search excerpt (1984), yachtr.comMost listings say 150; one 1984 boat lists 75.
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Holding 40 gal
“40 gallon holding tankage” — broker listing (1990), curtisstokes.net · “Holding Tank: 40 Gallons (151.42 Liters)” — search excerpt (1984), yachtr.comListings agree.
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Water heater unknown
“Family member purchased a 77 Marine Trader 34. The water heater had been taken out.” — search excerpt (1977), trawlerforum.com · “New marine water heater. 70 gallon stainless water tank.” — search excerpt (1975), trawlerforum.comNo builder or importer equipment list found. Owner posts about two 1970s boats show a water heater was aboard (one since removed, one replaced), but not whether it was factory standard or its size.
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
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Bow thruster often added later
“1981 Marine Trader 34 Double Cabin for sale ... has a bow thruster, generator, 3,000W inverter, A/C, dual helms” — search excerpt (1981), youtube.com · “Marine Trader CHB 34 from 1978 ... dual steering, Ford Lehman 110hp diesel, bow thruster” — search excerpt (1978), youtube.com · “Vetus bow thruster. Hydraulic steering (new hydraulic pump).” — search excerpt (1992), facebook.comThree separate boats for sale (1978, 1981, 1992) carry a bow thruster; no builder or distributor document was found, so it's not known whether any came from the factory. One 1992 boat has a Vetus unit, but one listing isn't enough to name a unit.
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Stern thruster unknown
One 1990 broker listing mentions a hydraulic stern thruster; it's a single boat, and no builder source was found.
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Steering unknown
“Twin helm stations with Hynautic H20 Hydraulic Steering Systems” — broker listing (1990), curtisstokes.net · “Hydraulic steering (new hydraulic pump).” — search excerpt (1992), facebook.comNo builder, distributor or owners' association source was found. Listings show two-helm hydraulic steering on a 1990 boat (Hynautic) and a 1992 boat, and an owners' group post mentions HyDrive hydraulic units on 1980s Marine Traders, but listings alone aren't enough to go on.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Best-selling small imported trawler; built by CHB and also sold as La Paz, Eagle or CHB 34 DC. Importer Marine Trading International started with this Ed Monk design in the mid-1970s. Solid fiberglass construction after 1985; flybridge revised 1991. Single 120/135 hp Lehman cruises 6-8 knots at about 3 gph. Fit and finish is well below Grand Banks.
Engines fitted
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Ford Lehman 135 — 135 hp, diesel, single
standard
Standard on the great majority of boats; later boats rated 135 hp.Sources: hmy.com · trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com · curtisstokes.net
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Ford Lehman 120 — 120 hp, diesel, single
standard
Early boats carried the same six-cylinder Lehman rated 120 hp.Sources: trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com
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Cummins 6BT5.9M (210 hp) — 210 hp, diesel, single
factory option
A review lists an optional 210 hp Cummins; it is also a popular replacement for the Lehman (a 1990 boat listed with an 'upgraded' 6BT). Forum owners also mention John Deere 4045/6068, Yanmar 4JH, Volvo TAMD41A and Isuzu repowers.
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
Two independent broker listings carry generators of makes and models that post-date the boats (Next Generation; Mase IS 6.0S, 4.8 kW), so both were later additions. No builder information on a factory generator option was found; the units differ, so none is listed as typical.
Known problems for this model
-
Teak decks screwed through to balsa sub-deck deck
Until 1985 the teak planking was fastened through the fiberglass into a balsa-cored sub-deck, a chronic source of leaks and wet core. Later boats have solid fiberglass decks.hmy.com
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Plywood deckhouse on early boats deck
Boats built before 1975 have a plywood cabin house covered in fiberglass cloth, prone to rot where water gets in.hmy.com
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Leaking teak window frames deck
Teak-framed windows (dropped in 1992) and poorly bedded windows generally are a common leak source on Taiwan trawlers; look for stains and rot below sills.hmy.com · pacificyachting.com
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Welded steel fuel tanks fuel
Older Taiwan trawlers commonly have welded steel tanks that leak at corners and seams as they age; replacement usually means cutting them out in pieces.pacificyachting.com
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Wet stringers hull
Holes drilled through wood-cored stringers for wiring or plumbing let bilge water in; rotted stringers let the hull flex and upset engine alignment. Have the surveyor moisture-test them.pacificyachting.com
Engines & parts
Ford Lehman 135 / SP135 (2725E) parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Ford Lehman 135”
Based on the later Ford 'Dover' 2725E 6.2 L naturally aspirated six (Ford built the Dover series 1982–1994, then Otosan/Dovertech to 2005). Parts are sold by the same Lehman specialists as the 120; American Diesel lists spare-parts sheets and Go2marine stocks cooling parts, heat exchangers and elbows for the 135. Do not assume 120 (2715E) and 135 (2725E) internals interchange.
Parts sources: American Diesel Corp, Go2marine (Ford Lehman parts collection)
Maker’s service schedule (14)
| Engine oil & filter change | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Change Engine Oil & Filter. And Transmission Oil.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 200 hrs or 1 yr | “should be replaced once each season or at least each 200 hours (which ever comes first) under normal conditions” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Replace raw water pump impeller.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test | 1,200 hrs | “Every 1200 hours of operation ..... Flush cooling system. Replace anti-freeze.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Exhaust mixing elbow inspection | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check exhaust components for leaks.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Transmission fluid change Borg Warner gearbox | 200 hrs or 1 yr | “Change oil every 200 hours of operation or at least once each season under normal conditions” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Transmission fluid change PRM/Newage gearbox | 200 hrs | “After 25 hours running: Drain all oil from the gearbox and refill with one of the recommended lubricants.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Transmission fluid change Twin Disc gearbox | 1,000 hrs or 6 mo | “The period between oil changes is 1000 hours of operation or 6 months, whichever occurs first.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Check idling speed | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check idling speed, adjust if required.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Check coolant and oil hoses | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check condition of all coolant and oil hoses.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Check engine mount bolts | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check all engine mount bolts.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Replace thermostats | 3,600 hrs | “Every 3600 hours of operation ..... Replace thermostats.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Replace Borg Warner transmission oil cooler Borg Warner gearbox | 1,200 hrs | “Suggested replacement time is at 1200 hours.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
| Inspect drive damper | 2,500 hrs | “Inspect your drive damper if you have more than 2500 hours on the engine.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
Service part numbers (9)
| Oil filter engines built before the 1987 change (original filter) |
Lehman 2N50 | “11 1 2N50 FILTER (Engine Oil Cooler Assembly D196/D197, SP90 / 135)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Oil filter 1987-on engines (larger capacity, revised fitment) |
Lehman 2N53 | “DURING 1987 A NEW OIL FILTER OF LARGER CAPACITY ... THIS IS PART No. 2N53” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Oil Filter 2N53 LM - P12-R105 P11-88” — dealer, lancingmarine.com |
| Fuel filter | Ford 6149717 × 2 | “2 ALL 2 6149717 FUEL FILTER ELEMENTS” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Raw-water impeller | Jabsco 1210-0001 | “Breakdown of 2C48 Pump ... 9 1 1210-0001 IMPELLER” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Raw-water pump kit | Jabsco SK239 | “Service Kit SK239 - Comprising Key 7/8/9/17” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Drive belt | Lehman 2B209 | “15 1 2B209 VBELT (Alternator Assembly D144, M/N)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Alternator Accessory Drive V-Belt 2B209 2B209 - P11-51” — dealer, lancingmarine.com |
| Air filter | Lehman 1F7 | “12 1 1F7 FOAM ELEMENT (Plenum Chamber / Air Filter Assembly D1125, SP135)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Air strainer to replace 2H75 & 1F7 (PF136) (Whilst stocks last)” — dealer, lancingmarine.com |
| Zinc / anode | Lehman EM21A | “25A 1 EM21A ZINC ANODE (Heat Exchanger Assembly D882/D883, SP135)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Anodes EM21A (Pack of 5) - - P11-18” — dealer, lancingmarine.com |
| Thermostat | Lehman 2C35 | “11 1 2C35 THERMOSTAT ... Modified / 12 1 1541317 GASKET” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.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.
Ford Lehman 120 (6D380 / 2715E) parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Ford Lehman 120”
Marinized by Lehman from the Ford of England 'Dorset' 2715E six-cylinder (380 cu in) industrial/truck diesel; Ford built the Dorset base engines 1964–1984. Base-engine internals interchange with the Ford 2715E, and marine-specific parts (raw water pumps, heat exchangers, injection elbows, gaskets, lift pumps, air filters) are widely stocked. American Diesel Corp (founded by former Lehman people) still sells parts, publishes spare-parts lists and gives technical advice. Rebuilt and used 120s are also sold by salvage yards.
Parts sources: American Diesel Corp, Go2marine (Ford Lehman parts collection), Fred Warner Marine & Outdoors
Common problems (2)
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Chronic oil leaks engine
Most 120s weep oil somewhere; owners often trace it to the rear of the engine near the heat exchanger (head/head gasket area) or to the drive seals of the gear-driven injection pump. Moderate oil use is treated as normal on these engines.trawlerforum.com · marineengine.com
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Fuel leaks at injection pump, lift pump and return lines fuel
Slow diesel drips usually come from loose bleed screws or banjo washers, perished rubber injector return hoses, a failing lift-pump diaphragm, or worn internal seals in the Simms or CAV injection pump, which needs a pump shop to overhaul.yescenters.com
Maker’s service schedule (16)
| Engine oil & filter change | 200 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 1. Change Engine Oil ... Every 200 hours running ..... 17. Change engine and transmiss” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours running ..... 18. Change all engine and fuel oil filters.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Change oil in fuel injection pump | 50 hrs | “Every 50 hours running ...... 13. Check cleanliness of intake air filter. 14. Check (exchanger) zinc pencil. 15. Change” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Transmission fluid change | 200 hrs or 1 yr | “Change oil every 200 hours of operation or at least once each season under normal conditions” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 400 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 3. Adjust valve clearances. ... Every 400 hours running ..... 22. Adjust valve clearan” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Injector test / service | 400 hrs | “Every 400 hours running ..... 21. Remove and service injectors.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Engine pencil zincs | 50 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 4. Check (exchanger) zinc pencil. ... Every 50 hours running ...... 14. Check (exchang” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Drive belts inspect / replace | 200 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 5. Adjust belt tension. ... Every 200 hours running ..... 16. Adjust belt tension.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 50 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 8. Check cleanliness of intake air filter. ... Every 50 hours running ...... 13. Check” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Clean fuel lift pump | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours running ..... 19. Clean fuel lift pump.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Clean injection pump cover filter | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours running ..... 20. Clean injection pump cover filter.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Remove raw water pump and check drive coupling | 400 hrs | “Every 400 hours running ..... 23. Remove raw water pump and check drive coupling. Place dab of grease on coupling halves” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Adjust idling speed (if required) | 400 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 10. Adjust idling speed (if required). ... Every 400 hours running ..... 24. Adjust id” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Check engine/propeller shaft alignment | 6 mo | “After first 15 hours running .... 9. Check engine/propeller shaft alignment. (twice annually, minimum).” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Replace Borg Warner transmission oil cooler | 1,200 hrs | “Suggested replacement is at 1200 hours.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
| Inspect drive damper | 2,500 hrs | “Inspect your drive damper if you have more than 2500 hours on the engine.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
Service part numbers (3)
| Raw-water impeller | Jabsco 1210-0001 | “6D380 5850-0001 040 3/4" NPT Flange SK33 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com · “Breakdown of 2C48 Pump ... 9 1 1210-0001 IMPELLER” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Raw-water pump kit original 2C45 pump (Jabsco 5850-0001) |
Jabsco SK33 | “6D380 5850-0001 040 3/4" NPT Flange SK33 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com |
| Raw-water pump kit Lehman 2C48 replacement pump (Jabsco 10950-2401 type) |
Jabsco SK239 | “Service Kit SK239 - Comprising Key 7/8/9/17” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.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.
Cummins 6BT / 6BTA 5.9 parts: good
Factory optional engine — you entered “Cummins 6BT5.9M (210 hp)”
Mechanically injected 5.9 L inline six from the Cummins B-series truck/industrial family, so base-engine parts are everywhere. Cummins still sells factory ReCon (remanufactured) marine 6BT/6BTA engines (152–210 hp ratings) with a 2-year/2000-hour warranty. Seaboard Marine is the best-known marine specialist, selling aftercooler/heat-exchanger service kits, upgraded raw water pumps and technical guidance; TAD also sells Cummins packages.
Parts sources: Seaboard Marine, Cummins (ReCon 6BT/6BTA), Diesel Pro Power
Common problems (2)
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Aftercooler corrosion letting seawater into the intake cooling
On the turbo-aftercooled 6BTA the seawater-cooled aftercooler core has vertical tubes and an aluminum housing that corrodes from condensate; a leak can put salt water into the cylinders and wreck the engine. Owners pull, clean, grease and pressure-test the core every few years and fit new O-rings.trawlerforum.com · sbmar.com
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Heat exchanger and aftercooler service cooling
Routine seawater-side service (O-rings, gaskets, zincs) is a recurring owner job; kits are sold for it and refilling coolant without trapping air is a common question.sbmar.com · sbmar.com
Service part numbers (5)
| Oil filter | Cummins 3937743 | “| Oil Filter | 3937743 |” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Cummins Oil Filter 3937743 Spin-on type, 3.66" outside diameter, 6.95" height” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Fuel filter 6BT 5.9 210 hp (CPL 742) |
Fleetguard FF5052 Replaces FF42000, FS1251 |
“on-engine fuel filter with drain for all 6BT 210 B’s (CPL 742). Replaces the FF42000, FS1251.” — dealer, sbmar.com · “Cummins 6BT Fuel Filter 3931063 FF5052” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au |
| Fuel filter late 6BTA (also late 4BTA and 6CTA) |
Fleetguard FF5285 | “Fleetguard FF5285 Fuel Filter – late 4BTA 6BTA and 6CTA’s” — dealer, sbmar.com · “Cummins 6BTA Fuel Filter 3890017 FF5285 ... suits late model Cummins 6BTA's, 6CTA8.3-M” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au |
| Raw-water impeller seawater pump with 1-1/4 in hose ports (Sherwood M70/M71 type, early 4BT/6BT) |
Sherwood 10615K | “Seawater Pump Impeller | **1-1/4" PORTS** 3908220 10615K” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Cummins Marine Water Pump Impeller 10615K 2 9/16" diameter, 1 5/8" length” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Raw-water impeller keyway-shaft pump, 2 in inlet / 1-3/4 in outlet, 11° offset flange (e.g. P1716/P1730 on 6BTA) |
Sherwood 17000K | “**2" inlet & 1-3/4" outlet ports with 11° OFFSET flange** 17000K” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Cummins Impeller for Key Shaft 17000K” — dealer, dieselpro.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)
hmy.com · pacificyachting.com · trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com · curtisstokes.net · trawlerforum.com · curtisstokes.net
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Other Marine Trader models
- Marine Trader 34 Sedan 1973–2001
- Marine Trader 36 Double Cabin 1975–1993
- Marine Trader 38 Double Cabin 1980–2000
- Marine Trader 40 Sundeck 1983–2000
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.