1987 Luhrs 29 Sportsfish Owners Manual

The 1987 Luhrs 29 Sportsfish is a classic sportfishing boat featuring a deep-V hull design, twin gasoline inboard engines, spacious cockpit for fishing, comfortable cabin accommodations, and reliable marine systems. This comprehensive manual covers safety procedures, vessel specifications, operating instructions, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting for optimal performance and longevity.

1. Vessel Specifications 2. Safety Equipment & Procedures 3. Pre-Departure Checklist 4. Engine Systems 5. Electrical Systems 6. Fuel System 7. Steering & Controls 8. Bilge & Pump Systems 9. Cabin Features 10. Maintenance Schedule 11. Troubleshooting

Vessel Specifications

Key dimensions and construction details of the 1987 Luhrs 29 Sportsfish.

Specification	Details
Length Overall	29 feet 2 inches
Beam	10 feet 6 inches
Draft	2 feet 8 inches
Weight	Approximately 8,500 lbs (dry)
Hull Material	Fiberglass with deep-V design
Fuel Capacity	200 gallons
Water Capacity	30 gallons
Standard Power	Twin gasoline inboard engines
Sleeping Capacity	4 persons
Headroom	6 feet 2 inches in cabin

Safety Equipment & Procedures

Essential safety gear and emergency procedures for safe operation.

Personal Flotation Devices: Ensure one approved PFD per person onboard.
Fire Extinguishers: Minimum two USCG-approved Type B-I extinguishers.
Visual Distress Signals: Approved flares and day signals required.
Sound-Producing Device: Horn or whistle for signaling.
Navigation Lights: Verify all lights operational before night operation.
Emergency Procedures: Man overboard, fire, flooding response protocols.

WARNING! Always check weather conditions before departure. File float plan with responsible party.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Systematic inspection before each voyage.

Check fuel levels and inspect for leaks in fuel system.
Verify engine oil levels and coolant levels.
Test bilge pumps and automatic float switches.
Check battery charge and electrical systems.
Inspect steering system for proper operation.
Verify navigation lights and electronics functional.
Ensure safety equipment onboard and accessible.

CAUTION! Never operate vessel with fuel leaks or bilge pump malfunctions.

Engine Systems

Engine Type: Twin gasoline inboard engines (typical 260-350 HP each).
Ignition System: Standard marine distributor with points.
Cooling System: Raw water cooling with heat exchanger.
Transmission: Marine gear with 1.5:1 or 2:1 reduction.
Propellers: Bronze 3-blade propellers (size varies by engine).
Engine Controls: Mechanical or hydraulic steering system.
Exhaust System: Wet exhaust through transom.

Electrical Systems

12-volt DC and optional 110-volt AC systems overview.

DC System: Two marine batteries with selector switch, battery charger, distribution panel with circuit breakers.

Navigation: Compass, depth sounder, VHF radio. Lighting: Cabin lights, navigation lights, cockpit lights. Instruments: Engine gauges (tachometer, temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter).

Fuel System

200-gallon aluminum fuel tank with fuel/water separator and anti-siphon valves.

Always use fresh marine-grade gasoline.
Regularly inspect fuel lines for cracks or deterioration.
Check fuel/water separator before each trip.
Monitor fuel consumption to avoid running tanks dry.

Tip: Keep fuel tanks full to minimize condensation and water contamination.

Steering & Controls

Hydraulic or mechanical steering system with single-lever engine controls.

Steering Wheel: Verify smooth operation without binding.
Control Levers: Single-lever for throttle and shift functions.
Trim Tabs: Bennett or similar hydraulic trim tab system.
Autopilot: Optional hydraulic autopilot system.
Anchor Windlass: Manual or electric windlass for ground tackle.

WARNING! Test steering system at dock before departure. Ensure emergency steering accessible.

Bilge & Pump Systems

Automatic and manual bilge pumping systems for vessel safety.

Primary Bilge Pump: Automatic float switch with manual override. Secondary Pump: Manual backup pump. Shower Sump: Separate pump for shower drainage. Livewell: Optional recirculating pump for bait wells.

Cabin Features

Comfortable accommodations for overnight cruising.

Galley: Alcohol or electric stove, icebox, sink with pressure water. Berths: V-berth forward and convertible dinette. Head: Marine toilet with holding tank or direct discharge. Storage: Lockers and drawers throughout cabin.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance tasks for optimal performance and reliability.

Interval	Maintenance Tasks
Every 50 hours	Check engine oil, inspect belts, check fluid levels
Every 100 hours	Change engine oil and filters, inspect zincs
Annually	Bottom paint, hull inspection, steering service
Every 2 years	Replace fuel filters, inspect fuel lines
Every 5 years	Replace hydraulic steering fluid, inspect through-hulls

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue, ignition problem	Check battery voltage, verify fuel flow, inspect spark plugs
Overheating	Clogged water intake, impeller failure	Check raw water strainer, inspect impeller, verify thermostat
Electrical failure	Battery switch, corroded connections	Check battery selector, clean terminals, test circuit breakers
Steering stiffness	Low hydraulic fluid, air in system	Check fluid level, bleed system, inspect linkage
Bilge pump not working	Float switch failure, clogged pump	Test float switch manually, clear debris from pump

Emergency Contacts: US Coast Guard: Channel 16 VHF, Local marine towing services.

Manufacturer Support: Luhrs Corporation customer service for technical assistance.