Wow-been a long time but I am back and looking for a new boat.

[MajBach]

Hi, everyone! I can't recall the last time I logged in here but I do recall how often I used to and how valuable a site this is. I used to live in S. Ont and have logged many hours on the great lakes with my 17' Sylvan and 90 Honda. I still own that boat, but after living three years close to the arctic circle (where I didn't get quite as much H2O time as I would have liked), I am now in beautiful British Columbia.
I've decided -after several trips - that my Sylvan just isn't adequate for sight seeing in the Pacific Ocean and I want to buy another boat; one small enough to trailer (although I do intend to moor it in a marina), but big enough for rougher seas and comfortable over-nighting. I had narrowed it down to a Maxum 23'SC3 or 24' SCR or a similar Campion but have since expanded my options to a Bayliner Ciera and Sea Ray weekender. Actually, I'm not picky on brand names and my reasons for narrowing it down to a Maxum initially was based on layout and suitability. My ignorance to brands and models is my major limitation.
Basically, I used my old Sylvan as a mobile tent and fishing platform and I loved it for just that. But, I now find my tastes a little more seasoned and my budget a little less restricted. I'm looking for something that lends itself to bigger water, longer trips and greater creature comfort.

My reason for returning here is obviously for advice from others. Despite considering myself quite adept at online research, I am having a very difficult time coming up with answers that address my concerns, such as:
1) Differences between boat mfgs insofar as quality and longevity.
2) Differences between engine mfgs and what to look for in each (Volvo vs Merc?)
3) Legs: how long do they last? Alpha vs Bravo etc.
4) How long should an inboard engine last before major repairs needed and what to look for to determine this
5) How old can you go?

Price is not a significant consideration but my budget is to $40,000 on a used boat as I intend to pay cash. If I find a 15 yr old Bayliner that meets my boating needs for $15,000, I'm happy with that. I really don't know where to start I suppose other than what it is I want, which is basically a roomy cuddy or berth, small galley, roomy deck and a head (permanent or portable so long as private). I am having trouble finding useful buying guides or forums that answer the above questions. Can anyone here help?
Thanks and good to be back!
MajBach

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Wow-been a long time but I am back and looking for a new boat.

Boats like this are well liked on the West Coast.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/2724973295.html

 

[Philster]

Re: Wow-been a long time but I am back and looking for a new boat.

1) Differences between boat mfgs insofar as quality and longevity. Well... this is a volatile subject. Sea Ray is safer than Bayliner as an investment, but not an abused Sea Ray. Campions are sweet, too.

2) Differences between engine mfgs and what to look for in each (Volvo vs Merc?) Depends on local support. I give a slight nod to Merc, but locally, if you have all Volvo guys, go Volvo.

3) Legs: how long do they last? Alpha vs Bravo etc. Bravo is just rated for more power. If the engine requires Alpha, it gets Alpha drive. Although, there are Bravos that have dual props.

4) How long should an inboard engine last before major repairs needed and what to look for to determine this. I guess you mean and I/O, which is a marinized auto engine. See answer below, but could be 300 hrs or 1500 hours.

5) How old can you go? Depends on the previous owner. A bad owner can junk a new barge in two years. A dedicated owner can have a 10-year old that is just sweet.

Set aside 500-600 bucks for a good survey, after you have done some leg work and found a viable option.