Suggestions for 28 to 40 foot Cabin Cruiser

[SDSeville]

Well, my 2 daughter's just finished their junior year of college yesterday. That means that I only have one more year until I am no longer flat broke and can get my next boat. The wife and I would like to get something about 28 to 40 feet and keep it in a slip at the local harbor (Oceanside). We are thinking that about 80%+ of our time on the boat will be spent in the harbor using it as our poor man's condo on the water. The rest of the time will include a little fishing and an occasional trip to Catalina. We will probably a couple weekends a month on the boat. We plan to keep our current Sea Ray for water sports and local kelp bed fishing.

We want something with a good size deck and galley area for entertaining (including watching the Padres and Chargers lose on TV with a few friends) and a decent sized sleeping area (sleeps maybe 4 to 6). I will be looking to spend somewhere between $30k and $70k, so I am guessing that means I am looking at something 15+ years old. I have been around smaller boats since I was a teenager, but I have zero experience with larger boats, so I am not really sure where to start.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SDSeville]

Sorry guys, I accidentally posted this to the wrong section. Would someone please move this to "Boat Topics and Questions"? Thanks

 

[zool]

Hey SD,

I can offer some of my thoughts, since me and the admiral are soon to be doing just what you plan.

First point, I would up the lower size range, a 28-30 wont be roomy enough to be comfortable just hanging at the dock...I would look in the 32-42 range, preferably a flybridge sedan or convertible.

Second point, is I would get the best quality you can afford, even if it means going 20-25+ years young. Price boats have very poor resale, if you can sell them at all, so what you buy with them is what you will have to keep and maintain....Im keeping my 28 for fishing, for just that reason.

Also keep in mind, that larger vessels have high maintenance costs, including, docking, insurance, upkeep, fuel, ect. The usual estimate is around 400-800 per foot.

Unless your set on a motoryacht, my short list would be.

Hatteras-there is no substitute
Viking-All around good vessel for fishing and cruising
Tiara- exceptional fit and finish
Post-Roomy, comfortable, and timeless--a little sloppy for heave offshore use tho
Ocean Yacht-Always the admirals choice, kinda a high end budget boat
Bertram-great boats with great resale, just the older ones have ugly fit inside.

Just my 2c

 

[bigdirty]

I agree with zool on several points. A 30ft or so boat is great for a 2-3 day trip, or a hang out once in a while with a few friends.. but might get tight after a few weeks.. for the kind of time you are thinking of 'staying' on it, a 34 ft would be where I'd start, but if you can go bigger do it. Hatteras are great boats, seam to hold their value.. Id suggest looking at chris craft as well, even the older ones well maintained are still a good boat and have plenty of room for living/entertaining. There are several older 'big' boats at my marina that are used just as you are thinking, they are functional, but seldom leave the dock. So I would guess their fuel/operating costs are not as big as even my little 25ft, as I go out almost every weekend.. :lol:

 

[zool]

You're right BD!...I prolly should have included the 80's CC 422, one of my favs!

 

[SDSeville]

You're right BD!...I prolly should have included the 80's CC 422, one of my favs!

Thanks for the replies. Wow, that one is beautiful! That looks like exactly what I was thinking. There is a 1983 for sale around here for $55k. I will certainly be looking at Zool's list plus CC.

Do you have to worry about rot as much in these larger boats as you do in the smaller ones?

 

[JoLin]

I'll offer up another alternative, guys, based on my perception of the OP's wants and needs. All those listed are fine boats and great for 'big water' use in nearly all conditions. If we're talking about lounging, weekending, a little fishing, and an occasional ocean trip in good weather... I'd look at Carver. Nobody does a better job of building living arrangement than they do. The boats are decently built and always well appointed. I've been extremely impressed at how they manage space and amenities in any given size of boat. It's the reason we bought ours. It's no Bertram, but it's taken some snotty weather without any drama whatsoever. I also agree that the OP will want something in the 35+ foot range to comfortable accommodate a crowd.

Just some additional food for thought.

My .02

 

[25thmustang]

I agree, mid 30s and up. Convertible/sport fish would probably be your best option.

A few items to look into.

Seperate shower in the head.
Island berth instead of the vberth.
Any 2 stateroom boat will have over/under bunks in the second stateroom. Not sure of this matters.
Probably stay with gas motors, it doesn't sound like you want or need diesel.
Plenty of options out there.

I agree with others in a more robust boat (hatteras, Bertram, etc) may get you better resale, however will most likely cost more up front, and some are more "fishy".

I've been a big fan of 42 Posts, and 38/40' late 90s/early 2000s Oceans, however they are diesel.

 

[zool]

Do you have to worry about rot as much in these larger boats as you do in the smaller ones?

Like with anything else, if it was properly maintained, it should be ok, if it was ridden hard, and put away wet, then that needs to be addressed. You will want a survey, at least of the substructure and systems...and also consider engine surveys, especially if diesel.

These larger boats are generally marina maintained, and properly blocked and winterized, so u don't see as many basket cases, as you do with trailer boats kept nose down and uncovered in back yards. Delamination is more common, but that can be fixed, and negotiated after the survey.

 

[25thmustang]

You will most likely see more rotted decks, cabin soles, etc. still need to worry about stringers, but most often transoms are not like on an I/O or outboard.

 

[zool]

If you end up looking at the CC 422, it has a solid hull and composite stringers....so one les thing to worry about.

 

[SDSeville]

It's pretty scary that you can spend that much money on rotten boat. I will definitely be getting substructure and engine surveys on whatever I get. Composite stringers sound great. I will keep an eye out for CC 422s.

 

[25thmustang]

Any boat could have issues. Mine had some rot in the gunwales and the deck hatches in the cockpit. Things drilled in, bedding deteriorates and then water gets in and wreaks havoc. The fix isn't necesarily hard, just can be time consuming and expensive.

I sold a Luhrs with a 20' x 10' flybridge with the floor completely rotted. Repair estimates were in the $15,000+ range due to the rails and built in seating that needed to be dealt with. This was something anyone would have caught on a walk through of the boat, however the cost to fix it would have scared most people away.

 

[SDSeville]

While researching, I stumbled upon what looks to be a nice boat at the lower end of my price range -- Bayliner 3218, 3270, and 3288 (1982 thru early 90s). They are nice looking boats with lots of room inside. I have seen some clean ones from $25k to $35k with low hours on the engines. It sure would be nice to get into a decent boat this size for so cheap. Any thoughts on these boats? ...is it just plain old "you get what you pay for"?

 

[zool]

The 32 and 38BL motor yachts are decent boats, and very roomy inside, plus u get a lower station....Not really a rough water boat, and at the marina, you tend to be the sheep herder, at the cattlemans bar ...theyre cheap because the have poor resale, but maintenance and upgrades cost the same as any other...you just don't get it back in equity.

 

[25thmustang]

The 32s have the unique aft cabin setup below the dinette, which can be a nice get away for kids. Even though it is a "Bayliner" and there is a stigma around them (I see it more as an Internet thing than the real world), I have heard good things about the 32 you noted above. They are usually paired with small gas motors or even small diesels.

 

[SDSeville]

Thanks guys. I have seen a few of the BL 28 and 32 footers around the harbor. I will take a closer look when I get the chance.

Nice work on the Silverton 25thmustang

 

[cptrick3]

I've been where you are and have had both a 28 flybridge and a 10meter (33') Trojan. Loved the Trojan it has a 13 'beam and had lots of room for the weekend party.A 28 may be a little small for what you want to do. Also had a friend with a 34 Bayliner, nice all around boat for the price. I really think a boat in the 33/34 is the way to go.