Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

[shunter]

My husband and I have finally decided to change from a sail boat to power.
I have been searching the web for a used boat, that meets our wish list. I am not sure if there is a boat made that includes everything, so far, I have found nothing. We live on Cape Cod, and north east Florida. We would like a boat for leisure, extended cruising. The closest boat I have found is the Mainship 39, but have read mixed reviews on quality of this boat. We are looking in the 34 to 39 foot range. Here is my wish list: diesel; stern entry (we have a large dog so this is imperative when mooring to him in and out of dinghy); flybridge; two berths (main berth with bed easy to access vs v-berth you have to climb into); under 150,000 ideally a trade with our 1997 Hunter 375 sailboat. If there is a perfect boat it would also include: 2 engines; full size fridge; A/C; generator; two heads; easy access to engines; easy walk aroound. We are very interested in a trawler, but would consider anything with classic lines. So......does this boat exist, or is it really only in my dreams ?!!!! I thank everyone in advance for your thoughts and guidance.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

This is the biggest fridge I could find:

I belongs to this 1991 Sea Ray 390 Express:

Read all about it here:


http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine_classifieds/view_photos.cgi?ad_id=198628&img=

Lots of boats for sale in the iboats used boats section. Check it out!

 

[tommays]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

well you the first thing is how fast you need to go and how far

You can get a singel engine trawler that will sip fuel and run 6 to 8 knots

OR

A big twin engine planeing hull that will drink 30 gallons and hour and cruise at 25 knots more or less

There is also a masive difference in the quality of a boat like a Krogen and a lower cost boat which matters if your going out in the ocean for a LONG trip



Tommays

 

[shunter]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

My husband prefers two engines with a longer cruising range and ability to move quickly if it looks lile weather is on its way, but we like the economy factor of the single engine. At a minimum, we will be driving the boat back and forth from Cape Cod to Florida yearly, with excursions over to the Bahamas, local cruising, and plans for the great loop next year. So far, trawlers have had the greatest appeal to us, but tough to find with stern entries. I really like the Krogens but have not seen one with the stern entry access.

 

[tommays]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

Ok you want to go in the ocean

The first thing you have to come to grips with is that MOST boats do NOT have and ocean rateing from the ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) that set build qualitys

In its most simple from this is things like how strong the windows are when that o-shoot wave hits the boat and the window caves in

I have owned sail and powerboats, things that a good sailboat will go through with ease will really beat up many power boats


Tommays

 

[KCook]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

For those making the hop to Bermuda, there are robust powerboats made by sailboat builders. See Alden and Sabre. Here is a thread on another site that may help -

http://my.boatus.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48413

Kelly Cook

 

[shunter]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

Thanks for the great link to the single/twin and gas/diesel discussion. We are use to maneuvering our 38 foot sailboat into slips, docks, and small spaces with a single engine, no bow thruster, so a single, diesel, with bow thruster would be a treat to us. I love both the Alden and Sabres, but slim to nothing chance of obtaining one on our budget. I think the longest real open water time would be Florida to Bahamas, and we have the luxury of watching the weather and picking our days to venture out on. Continued thanks to all for the input, still looking for my dream boat maker !

 

[Solittle]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

Go to a web site called passagemaker and read your brains out.

 

[KCook]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

If you just want a laundry list of builders, try Albin, American Tug, Camano, Meridian, Nordic Tug, and Silverton. Many of the better known yacht builders do not have anything under 40'.

Kelly

 

[shunter]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

Thank you for the info. - checked out passages.com - have been reading, reading and more reading. I also have looked at the "laundry list", and continue to do mulitple searches. Will be heading to the Jacksonville boat show on Fri., may be get some leads there..... Lots of choices over 40, but the under 40 certainly narrows what is out there !

 

[KCook]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

Sadly true about the slim pickins under 40. In Europe you would have a whole lot more choices. But over here in the US most buyers for boats in the 30 - 40 range want to kick up their heels, and end up with an express cruiser.

Kelly

 

[gotboostedvr6]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

Albemarle 410 Convertible with Twin C-12 twin turbo Caterpillar engines

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

I'm pretty certain you can find a 40' sportfish with a 2 berth/2 head layout. Twin diesels, easy entry from stern thru a tuna door, and capable of the trips you want to take. And the vast cockpit is a great place to chill and take in the sun.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

That is a simple one.
It is called a "Grand Banks" and they have been around for a long time.
They have everything you want and more.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

This is my dream boat.
35' Cabo Flybridge
A very capable and quick ocean yacht.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Is my "dream boat" an actual boat?

Just imagine if that seat pole broke loose... I hope that guy is wearing a lanyard...