Re: Quality ratings of Manufactures
JD Power is fine...but it is so limited in scope. In fact it looks like in the "express cruiser" catagory they only tested 4 brands. So what about the other umpteen boat brands?
Here is my take on the list you provided. These are listed from best to "worst":
Regal
Sea Ray
Four Winns
Wellcraft (last year of cruisers was 02)
Chaparral
Crown Line
Larson
Maxum
Rinker
Bayliner
That is my take. This is based on my entire life being around boats and looking at boats at boat shows. I have never owned a boat larger than 18' myself.
All that being said a few brands you left off the list that are worth looking at.
Chris Craft: In the late 90s they were making a more mainstream product than what they are now. They had some very nice cruisers back then.
Glastron: These are budget minded and on par with Larson, Maxum and Rinker.
Cobalt: If you have deep pockets they are probably the best. They are very nice.
Monterey: A little lesser known brand that is relatively young compared to most on the list above. However, they make a very nice boat. On par with the top ones on the list.
All that being said all of the boats built in the last 10 years or so are pretty good. Maintenance is the key. If a boat is well maintained it should provide many, many years of trouble free service. A top of the line boat that is neglected won't.
The engine/drive package on any of the major brands is going to a big deciding factor. Volvo Penta and Mercruiser are both very good sterndrives. In the size range you are looking at you may also run into boats with straight or v-drive inboards. That is your call as to which you prefer.
