Input on choosing cruiser

[RisqueBznss]

Have been looking at cruisers and need some input. Looking for a day cruiser w/ a decent cabin for weekend stayovers. Want to accommodate 6-8 people during day and a comfy cabin for me and girlfriend for staying over. I am 6', 210lbs. Upper midwest lake mostly putting around to party spots, restaurants, occasional cruising for 20-30 min, not great distances like perhaps a river.

04 maxum 2700se asking high $40's single duo prop, no gen no ac no windlass, 150 hrs, clean, full canvas, no bottom paint, not in water currently, vacflush, 5.7 300hp duo

01 maxum 2900 scr , asking mid $40's, 150hrs single 7.4 310hp duo, no gen no ac no windlass, full canvas, no bottom paint, vacflush,in water currently

98 doral 300sc twin 5.0 vdrive, 450 hrs, asking high $40s, bottom paint, gen, ac/heat, windlass, vacflush,not in water currently

02 2600 wellcraft martinique, 150 hrs, asking $39k, ac/heat, windlass, full canvas, vacflush bottom paint, 5.7volvo duo 280hp, not in water currently

none have a trailer

trying to figure out which one to focus on for best deal and application for what I am looking for.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Input on choosing cruiser

Out of your list, I would choose the Wellcraft. The 5.7 VP Duo is a sweet set-up. Personally, I would find a Sea Ray 260/280 Sundancer. The SR pocket cruisers keep their value so you would pay a little more. Are you planning to slip this boat long term?

 

[RisqueBznss]

Re: Input on choosing cruiser

Yep, would be slipped in a MN lake. Sea Rays seem to be 10-20k more which pushes me out of my $$ range for now.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Input on choosing cruiser

Of course this is just my opinion, but I would choose an older SR vs. your list. Many of the size you are looking at are slipped for most of their life and that is where the SRs really shine. They are all beautiful boats, but in a few years you would see things going wrong that would not normally happen on a SR. They are not perfect, but for your price range, dang close. Do not let AC, heat, generator, maserators, etc weigh too heavily on your decision. Choose a quality boat and add the other down the road. I am sure you will be very happy with whatever you choose. I have had many boats over the years and am just very partial to Sea Ray. $0.02

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Input on choosing cruiser

look at the new Bayliners. reviews at the top of this forum.

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: Input on choosing cruiser

Doral, great engine layout plus twins. It's also a well made boat, and bigger. Gen set and AC/Heat is a plus also. The Wellcraft will be a slug with the single 5.7 and 6-8 people on board.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Input on choosing cruiser

Doral.

 

[benben]

Re: Input on choosing cruiser

Many Sea Rays do not have a walk-thru windshield....not good for handling lines forward.....which boat allows best access and footing forward and at the spring cleat..??..who's going to be handling those lines..??..Are they going to be comfortable out there..??.. A/C and vacu-flush or electric head will make the admiral more likely to come back, unless she's hiked the Appalachian Trail...

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: Input on choosing cruiser

Many Sea Rays do not have a walk-thru windshield....not good for handling lines forward.....which boat allows best access and footing forward and at the spring cleat..??..who's going to be handling those lines..??..Are they going to be comfortable out there..??.. A/C and vacu-flush or electric head will make the admiral more likely to come back, unless she's hiked the Appalachian Trail...

Have you looked at Sea Ray's lately? From the 350 on down all have walk-thru windshields, which is the complete Sport Cruiser line.

 

[benben]

Re: Input on choosing cruiser

Have you looked at Sea Ray's lately? From the 350 on down all have walk-thru windshields, which is the complete Sport Cruiser line.

Key word is "lately"...... poster seems not to be looking at newer boats......sorry to be so trivial.....