New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

[Morgueman]

I'm new to boating (other than putzing around in my portabote a few times at some small lakes), and I'm looking to purchase my first larger boat...I'd like a used cuddy (with V-berth and aft berth), under 27 ft in length, trailerable (ie. beam max of 8' 6"), and a stand-up head with shower. I also want to be sure that I can safely take it from Southern CA to Catalina Island. I can probably spend up to $40K max. I've only done searching on the internet, and haven't seen anything in person yet, but my top contenders are the following:

Chaparral Signature 240
SeaRay 240 Sundancer
Bayliner 245 Cruiser
Monterey 260SY
Crownline 266SC

Does anyone have any thoughts regarding what I'm looking, specific comments about the boats I'm considering, other boat models I should consider? Since I'm truly a newbie at all of this, ANY comments are appreciated.

Thank you,
Morgueman (Eric)

 

[RyanSS]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

Do any of those boats you listed have a STAND UP head WITH shower and both V and aft berths?

Going to be hard to find all of those features in a trailerable boat less than 27 ft long and less than 8.5ft beam. U may have to compromise on something.

 

[Morgueman]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

Do any of those boats you listed have a STAND UP head WITH shower and both V and aft berths?

Going to be hard to find all of those features in a trailerable boat less than 27 ft long and less than 8.5ft beam. U may have to compromise on something.

As best as I can tell from pictures & YouTube videos, the ones I've listed do have stand-up space in the heads (though just barely) where the sink faucet typically pulls out and hangs on some hook up higher to server as a shower faucet...and there is an aft-berth with the v-berth. Again, I've never confirmed this with in-person viewing, and the descriptions on the websites just don't provide adequate descriptions.

 

[RyanSS]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

I guess my definition of "aft berth" is different than yours.

 

[Morgueman]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

I guess my definition of "aft berth" is different than yours.

Please educate me (...and I don't mean that sarcastically). Typically, as you walk down the steps, there is a V-berth directly in front of you. With the aft berth (in how I define it), you typically make a quick left turn after going down the steps, and there is a low-height second bed which I believe is under the cockpit/helm. It is this second bed that I'm calling the aft-berth.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

Yes, you are correct in your terminology. An aft (rear) berth is the space under the helm of a small cabin cruiser.

If a person wants to argue semantics, that space could also be defined as "mid-berth". Also, just so no one calls you out for your choice of words on the style of boat you are looking at...the correct or usual term for these craft are express cruiser, pocket cruiser or cabin cruiser. A "cuddy" will not have standing room or be equipped with food preparation amenities and a compartmentalized head/shower. There are some large deckboats on the market that have cockpit level cooking surfaces/wet bars and a "stand up" head that is partially below deck, but I honestly don't know how these particular boats are classified. Certainly not a cabin boat by my standards, but may be worth a look if you don't need the privacy required for overnight stays, changing of clothes, inclement weather etc.

 

[RyanSS]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

I was thinking more along the lines of an aft cabin I guess

 

[Morgueman]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

Thank you...I didn't realize the difference between a "cuddy" and "cruiser."

Now that we have a common understanding of the terminology, anyone have any thoughts about the pocket cruisers I listed in the original post, or have other thoughts about using them to get to Catalina?

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

Thank you...I didn't realize the difference between a "cuddy" and "cruiser."

Now that we have a common understanding of the terminology, anyone have any thoughts about the pocket cruisers I listed in the original post, or have other thoughts about using them to get to Catalina?

There are a number of things that you have to understand to make a truly informed decision about boat buying. I will touch on just a few of those things because this topic has been discussed at great length on this forum for as many years as it has existed.

Rule #1. When buying a USED boat, condition is everything! How the boat was treated by its previous owner is far more important than how much it cost new or the name on the side. If you buy a $100,000 Cobalt and treat it like your average commercial dumpster...I can guarantee it will look like it should BE in that dumpster in just a few short years of ownership. However, if you buy a $25,000 Bayliner, and treat it like a newborn infant at all times; I can guarantee that it will out live you, and possibly your children.

Rule #2. When buying a USED boat, the name on the side means nothing...UNLESS, either of the above conditions are met. If you find a babied Cobalt and a babied Bayliner, buy the Cobalt if you have the means. Buy the Bayliner if you still need money left over for gas and don't care about impressing the babes on the beach from 300 yards away.

Rule #3. Boating is an endless series of compromises. This is a hard and fast rule. You will NEVER be able to have everything you want in one boat. EVER! That is why there are many here on this forum that are "boat collectors". These disenfranchised souls tried to start out with just one "do-it-all" machine, but quickly realized that they needed two or three more to satisfy all of their recreational yearnings. For further explanation, see "two-foot-itis".

Rule #4. BOAT= Bust Out Another Thousand dollars! This rule is incontrovertible.
Doesn't matter if you can afford a $500 boat, or a million dollar yacht. You will still find things to spend money on. Against your will. If by some miracle your boat never breaks down/needs maintenance...you will still want to buy boat toys/gadgets/doo-dads/spinning propeller for your truck hitch, etc. Just because.

This is a short list...I'm sure others will chime in.

Good luck!

 

[Morgueman]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

I do appreciate your boating wisdom. Thanks for taking the time to write it down.

I'm looking forward to hearing from others as well!

 

[PharmD2B]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

Not sure of your timeline on purchase or timing of said events in your area, but boat, sport & travel shows are AWESOME tools to look at many shapes/sizes/types of boats. They are new & $$$$ but may give you an idea of what to look for used. Just my .02

-Matt

 

[25thmustang]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

The boats in your list should all fit the description if what you are looking for. I'm sure there are tons of others, Stingray, Four Winns, etc... The best advice I can give is to get aboard these boats. Photos and videos are a start, but I've come to realize that they can never truly represent the boat.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New to boating...What do you think of these brands/models?

You should add Regal 2465 and Four Winns 248 Vista to your list. Of the one's you have listed, the Monterey 260 would get my recommendation. Or even an older
used Monterey 242 CR. Great performing boat for a pocket cruiser.