researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

[Dustin07]

What types of things would make a 'bad' decision on a cruiser choice? I looked at a 2004 SR 260 yesterday, a 2007 regal (can't remember model but it was basically the same boat) and a few others. I have really fallen in love with the Sea Ray 260. although I've read it is a bit top heavy.

I am wondering as i read reviews and forum posts if some of the complaints are too small to worry about. Ideally, I am thinking I'd like my first cruiser to be moored april-oct, then at home the rest of the year, although I may tow it out once or twice during the winter for some crabbing or something.

I have a small family of 3, but want the boat to be safe on the puget sound.

Can you guys poke some advice to a first time cabin cruiser buyer? "if I had known then" type advice? I found a 2000 SR 260 sundancer for $29,800. that price makes moorage affordable for me. I would spend considerably more if the boat was easy to tow, but I just don't see this being an enjoyable boat to tow often so I'd like to buy something I can afford to keep at the marina.

I know this has to be a repetitive forum question... but after reading a ton of posts and websites and all over craigslist I thought I'd ask anyways.

I'm not stuck on SR, or any brand... but its just what I've come across so far. I'd hate to overspend, but I'd also hate to underspend and buy a boat that ends up costing more in repair...

 

[tpenfield]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

Cruisers that are under 28 feet tend to be a bit bulky for their length . . . if you can go a bit bigger . . ?

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

Well, if you don't know a lot about boats, or even if you do, a survey and a professional mechanical inspection is a good idea on that size/age/style of boat. SeaRay had some deckrot problems on their cruisers, but I don't know if 2000 was one of those years.

My other advice is to sea trial any boat you are considering, with your anticipated load on board. That's the ONLY way you'll know if the boat has enough power for what you want to do.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

Cruisers that are under 28 feet tend to be a bit bulky for their length . . . if you can go a bit bigger . . ?

I agree, they all seem top heavy at that length and have "narrow" beams. But the problem is when you get over that length (or right at that length), beams start getting over and sometime WAY over 8.5'. That makes trailering a legal hassle and necessistates a REAL truck to pull it. Not to mention pricey trailer.

 

[Dustin07]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

thanks guys!

a. mechanical inspection
b. test drive
c. consider the 'rolly polly' of shorter cruisers.


the only thing I'm concerned about is my inability to escape item C. a longer boat will become too difficult for me to tow I think, and the longer it gets, the more my slip will go up in price.... There are some much less expensive boats in that longer 28-30ft+ range such as this 310/330 sundancer... 1990, Sea Ray 310/330 Sundancer but its older so I'm a bit concerned about potential maintenance, and that boat slip will cost me as much $100 more per month...

but I'm definitely open to advice!

 

[OllieC]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

The 260 has a good beam for towing 8'6". Have you looked at the Sea Ray Amberjack at all? Good universal boat for cruising and fishing/crabbing.

My buddy had an 07 Sea Ray 240 (I should have bought it) and upgraded to an 08 280, however now he doesn't tow because of the beam.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

Well, what exactly are you wanting to do with the boat? I mean, aside from an occasional crabbing-venture a couple of times a year. Are you going to do any watersports for the kid and his/her friends? Are you going to be overnighting on the boat? I only ask because a "cruiser" is a broad term for a boat, and we don't know what you intend to do, and what you consider a necessity. Porta-potti or pump-out head? Do you need a stove/galley? Being up at Puget Sound, I can't imagine you need much in the way of air conditioning, but will you require a generator on board to run small appliances? Lots of questions to answer before we can give you a decent opinion.

 

[Dustin07]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

excellent questions:

a. safe travel on the Puget Sound
b. towing unknown, we dont do it often now, but some would be nice. Not to the extreme of a wakeboard tower, but a tow hook for inner tubes may be nice.
c. camping, travel to the local islands, local events (4th of july, etc), fishing, crabbing, etc
d. not sure on the head. the marinas I've looked at have pump out service though
e. 'need' is a hard question to answer... but a full galley with stove is an ideal amenity i think. although I can't really see myself cooking fish in the cabin... the option to boil water, etc is nice.
f. generator good idea, would like to at the very least be able to run a coffee pot when camping.


so i think what I'd like if possible, is a boat that I can invite a buddy or two onto during some of our peak salmon and crabbing seasons, as well as the ability to take my wife, son, or another couple (I know sleeping is limited to 4 comfortably on the boats i'm looking at) out for a weekend trip. marina hopping, island hopping, etc. safety in the sound being my biggest concern, reliability and maintenance probably my second concern, budget in terms of towing vs marina my third.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

The SR 260 is decent, but if you want more of a "cabin" below deck, the something like the 270 is probably a better layout. The difference in the beam isn't too much though, as I believe the 260 is 6" narrower than the 270. Have you thought about just dry-docking the boat instead of trailering it? It may be more convenient for you, and allow for a bigger boat (if you so desire) when you don't have to rely on your tow vehicle.

I doubt you'll need a generator to run a coffee pot unless it's one hell of a coffee maker! Usually the house batteries will run small appliances like that without issue. It's when you are running air conditioners, refrigerators, stereos, etc constantly that it starts necessitating a generator.

 

[coreybv]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

I would just throw in that you're right in that size range where you'll have a choice of one engine or two. Think VERY carefully before opting for a single engine.

There are a lot of bigger boats out there with one engine that are right on the very edge of being able to get away with a single. As soon as anything isn't 100% perfect (a little age on the motor, algae buildup on the hull, etc...) these boats that were pushing their luck to begin with start to display some absolutely pathetic performance.

 

[Dustin07]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

good points!
the concern with beam is that I believe 8'6" is the max for trailering out here (at least without license). I hadn't really considered dry dock but that's a good idea, I will check with the local marina, i believe they have one.

here's a question.... is this the logical jump, from my experience with the Lund to the cruisers i'm shopping now? or do you think I'm biting off too much and should maybe start with a lesser boat? the 260 (and 270 for that matter) are significantly larger than the 20ft x 8.5ft fishing boat, but i'm not sure how much smaller i should go really. (and you're already suggesting slightly larger lol)

 

[Dustin07]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

I would just throw in that you're right in that size range where you'll have a choice of one engine or two. Think VERY carefully before opting for a single engine.

There are a lot of bigger boats out there with one engine that are right on the very edge of being able to get away with a single. As soon as anything isn't 100% perfect (a little age on the motor, algae buildup on the hull, etc...) these boats that were pushing their luck to begin with start to display some absolutely pathetic performance.

thats been on my mind for not just the reason of power, but lack of backup. the fishing boat had powerful enough kicker that we could limp home if something bad happened (although it never did).

 

[tpenfield]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

Yea, I ended up going a bit bigger so that I would have twin engines . . . While I was looking at boats, a salesman commented about some folks that were looking at a 26 foot cruiser and how difficult it was to hold on a level plane, because of the single engine. . . the boat had a tendency to 'flop' to one side.

Take a look at the Formula 27PC . . .

Sometimes you can find a smaller Sea Ray that was outfitted with twin engines, where most have single engines . . .

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

In my opinion, most boats 27' and under can make due with a single screw (this is a general rule, not end-all). The 28' class is where I draw the line for needing a twin-engine, even if it's 4.3L's, or SBC's. That being said, if you were comfortable with a 20' boat, moving up to a 26-27' boat isn't anything astronomical in terms of the learning curve. It will take a few outings to learn the intricacies of the new boat, but it's no different than any other singe-engine. When you move up to twins, and get to lengths were you almost need a second person to help moor it, then some can bite off a bit too much. Besides, putting twins on just about anything with a beam inside 9.5' is just shoehorning those engines in. Maintenance becomes an even bigger nightmare with the lack of space between the engines.

You'll be fine.

 

[Dustin07]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

thanks guys, am thinking then at this point what I need to do is just spend more time at the yard checking out my options and then making a decision. all great feedback.

pulled up a few of those formula 27's as well, looks like a pretty comparable boat to what i've been seeing, with the addition of the twins. Twin fullsize do have me a little concerned with potential for maintenance, but I enjoy tinkering and motor care so hopefully it won't be too big an issue.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: researching my first cruiser - things to consider?

Well, just find out if dry-docking would be a better option for you. That way, you don't have to worry about trailering it, and you might be able to get away with a larger boat (mainly in beam) than you might have originally considered. I'd take a foot wider in beam over a foot (sometimes even 2') longer in length. It's amazing how much more space you get by going wider.