Moving on up....

[maestro7879]

Moving from a 1994 23' Wellcraft 232fl. This is my second boat and as boating goes we want to go bigger.

I'm looking for a setup similiar to the Bayliner 2855 inside ( Table one side, V berth bedding, aft bedding ). Looking for something that has A/C and that we can stay the weekend in ( husband , wife and kid ).

As far as usage we are a cruise once in a while type of boater. Mostly we anchor out and swim and just relax. Boat will be docked at a marina on the delaware river in Pa.
Looking for 90's on up.

Budget = $18k
Am I dreaming ? Any boats out there that are considered the best bang for the buck in this scenario ?

 

[arks]

Re: Moving on up....

Am I dreaming ? Any boats out there that are considered the best bang for the buck in this scenario ?

Sure- there's plenty of nice used cabin boats that'll fit your parameters. The market is so soft that a serious buyer can pretty much name their price- especially with private sellers.

I suggest checking boat classifieds (iboats has a good one) to get some brands and models you're interested in, then looking at them in person. Another way would be to go to a few "used boat shows" and look at whatever they have. Looks like you might be close to the top of the Chesapeake Bay, and Anchor Boats (Northeast Md.) has one coming up in early May. http://www.anchorboat.com/about.html

Don't rush into a boat- look at what's out there and pick the one or two that you like best. Be aware it can be a happy and/or a very frustrating ordeal! Verbal negotiations should be followed up with all the details IN PRINT and signed by both parties. This next one is important: MAKE ANY OFFER CONDITIONAL UPON A SATISFACTORY MARINE SURVEY. Any deficiencies discovered by the survey will open the door for additional negotiation, or you can elect to walk away (with your deposit).

Good luck. It's a great time to be in the market for a boat.

 

[maestro7879]

Re: Moving on up....

Are there any manufactures that really stand out as being better when it comes to used boats like this ? I only ask because we have the Wellcraft and have been on many other boats and still feel that the Wellcraft was just built so well and has held up amazingly for it's age. I realize that the condition also depends on how well it was taken care of but this thing is built like a tank. My wife wants another Wellcraft so the Martinique line has been looked at but I really don't know anything about them.

Any manufactures to stay away from ? Is Bayliner quality better at this size because they haven't been used by first time boat owners generally ?

 

[superpop]

Re: Moving on up....

I would take a little older Wellcraft or Sea-Ray over a Bayliner any day. Build quality is just so much better and you will not spend as much on the nickel and dime stuff with a better quality boat. I have a Wellcraft and I know what you mean about them being built like a tank. Mine is a 96 and it is still rock solid. It is a great market to be in right now, when you are looking for a new boat. Selling your old boat takes a bit longer now though too.

 

[arks]

Re: Moving on up....

Are there any manufactures that really stand out as being better when it comes to used boats like this ? I only ask because we have the Wellcraft.......

You'll get dozens of opinions on this. Wellcraft is good but they had some quality problems in the late 80' and early '90's. I had a 1985 23 Nova XL for 18 years and dearly loved that boat.
A few things to remember:
- Try to find a boat that was built with a minimum of wood. A lot of newer brands advertise no wood at all. Wood equals eventual rot.
- Stay with a popular propulsion package. In I/O's, Mercruiser and Volvo are at the top. Twin prop outdrives are like 4 wheel drive on the water. If you're thinking true inboard, the best brand is Crusader. Just My Opinion....Oh, and be aware that inboard V-drives can be difficult (and expensive) to service.
-If you find a boat with low hours, be very careful. I'd rather own a boat that was regularly used than one that sits most of the time. The single most important thing is maintenance- a complete maintenance log is a HUGE plus.
- I said it before- after finding the "right" boat, GET IT SURVEYED!. I've been around boats my whole life and discovered how much I DIDN'T know when shopping for my first cruiser. Believe me, a pre-purchase survey is worth the money- and besides, you'll most likely need to submit one to your insurance company before they'll carry it.

My wife wants another Wellcraft.....

That's important information. You've GOTTA keep the Admiral happy. I would expose her to a variety (not just Wellcraft), but let HER pick the boat to make an offer.

Any manufactures to stay away from ? Is Bayliner quality better at this size because they haven't been used by first time boat owners generally ?

IMO, Bayliner is a middle-of-the-road builder. I feel the same about my Silverton. Their marketing clout comes from the large quantity of boats they sell, which enables them to offer some very nice features at a good price. Keep in mind if you buy new, you're going to take a BIG hit in depreciation. I think you're better off finding a nice, high quality gently used boat.
If you want ultra high quality in an express cruiser, look at Formula, Cobalt or Tiara. They're expensive, but their build quality is impeccable. I consider them the "Mercedes" (or maybe even Rolls) of express boats. They do hold their value- even in this market. For 18 grand, you'll probably have to go with a Cobalt or Formula from the early 90's.

Again, good luck- and let us know what you find!

 

[capt sam]

Re: Moving on up....

going from a Wellcraft to a Bayliner ain't a step up. You see a lot of older Wellcrafts here but never any Bayliners, south Fla is tough on boats.

 

[arks]

Re: Moving on up....

going from a Wellcraft to a Bayliner ain't a step up.

I agree if we're talking 15-20 year old boats, but the newer Bayliners have come a loooonnnng way in the quality department. One of my dock neighbors has a '06 24' Bayliner and I was surprised how nice it is.

 

[arks]

Re: Moving on up....

Here' ya go maestro7879- I just stumbled onto this ad.
Montereys are VERY nice boats:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/1034905241.html

 

[zach103]

Re: Moving on up....

where are you from.. ill help look

 

[maestro7879]

Re: Moving on up....

where are you from.. ill help look

Pennsylvania - We have a slip in Tullytown, Pa.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...n=39.916234,92.021484&ie=UTF8&z=14&iwloc=addr

 

[maestro7879]

Re: Moving on up....

Pennsylvania - We have a slip in Tullytown, Pa.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...n=39.916234,92.021484&ie=UTF8&z=14&iwloc=addr

...

 

[zach103]

Re: Moving on up....

http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/1034638393.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/1032531008.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/1032098428.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/1023104203.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/1028441403.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/1028207589.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/1023245433.html

 

[maestro7879]

Re: Moving on up....

http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/1034638393.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/1032531008.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/1032098428.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/1023104203.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/1028441403.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/1028207589.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/1023245433.html

Thanks for the list. We are officially shopping now.
It's going to be much easier this time because we know exactly what we want.

I'm surprised to see boats from the late 80's on your list. Are they still a viable choice being that old ? I was thinking I shouldn't go too much older then my current boat (1994). I've also see that many of the late 80's boats have rebuilt engines and outdrives so I guess my question is what is the life expectancy of the hulls and accessories ? Again I know this comes down to maintenance and care the boat was given throughout its life. Maybe I answered my own question on this one.

And what is the consensus on surveys ? I know most people recommend them but i've always wondered how many actually get them done. I feel that after having two boats and having to replace a floor and stringers in one I have a good idea of what to look for now. I say now after having my first boat that was a disaster. My second boat I knew where to look for issues and we ended up with a really nice and extremely reliable boat. Do most people not do the survey because they're comfortable enough with looking the boat over themselves ? From what i've seen there are two schools of boaters. 1. Let the marina fix everything type. This boater just wants to get in and drive and not think about anything else. 2. Boat owner fixes whatever they can themselves. Usually the guy that knows his boat the best and in an emergency type situation will be better prepared.

The guy I bought my current boat from was kinda of #1. He thought it was normal to start the boat using two batteries. It worked that way so he never took it in to get fixed. I replaced the bad starter and now only use one battery when starting.

 

[arks]

Re: Moving on up....

I'm surprised to see boats from the late 80's on your list. Are they still a viable choice being that old ?

Sure. My '84 is nicer than a lot of similar boats that are a decade newer.

And what is the consensus on surveys ? ..... Do most people not do the survey because they're comfortable enough with looking the boat over themselves ?

Possibly, but what many people fail to understand is that purchasing a larger cabin boat requires a working knowledge of things not found on many smaller boats, like pressure water systems, grey and black water systems, marine A/C systems, marine sump systems, AC/DC electrical systems, etc.... Believe me, I thought I was plenty experienced when shopping for my first cruiser (life-long boater, career Construction Manager) but I was completely shocked when my surveyor found numerous issues with a vessel that I thought looked really good. Read my post here for the details: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=293071&page=2

The bottom line: yes- a professional survey is costly, but a SAMS surveyor has been thoroughly trained to know and understand each and every system on a boat. You're paying for that knowledge. If you feel confident that you can do it yourself, that's your call.
And remember- before they will cover your new boat, your insurance company will require you to have a survey performed to assess it's value. You might as well get it done BEFORE you sign on the dotted line. Just my 2 cents. Either way, good luck.
Here's a link to SAMS. Might be worth a look. I can give you a referral from their roster if you want one. http://www.marinesurvey.org/index2.html

 

[maestro7879]

Re: Moving on up....

Looks like we might be going with the Chevy er' I mean Bayliner. For us and this market it makes sense. We're getting a boat for way below normal market value so resale value isn't a big deal to me.

We did look at a Monterey and a few Sea Rays but they were all too small for us. At our price point ( ~$26k ) we can't get a Sea Ray or Monterey in the size we want. We really like the dinette's in the larger boats.

So looks like a 2000 Bayliner 2855 is the winner dependent on a survey.
We spend our time taking very short cruises ( 30mins ) anchoring and then hanging out for the day and then back to the marina to sleep at night. Hopefully the Bayliner is up to this task.

I drive a Chevy Avalanche btw. The only vehicle I have ever owned that I like and i've had alot. Saturn, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Porsche So if Bayliner's are the Chevy of boats then I think we'll be happy.