What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

[eb0248]

Hello,

After rehabilitating a '96 Chaparral 1930 and an '81 Chris-Craft 251 Catalina, I've come to a couple conclusions: 1) I don't want another boat to "fix up" and want to spend more time on the water, and 2) I want a bigger boat. I've always liked Egg Harbors, but my wife doesn't like a lot of wood in the salon. I narrowed it down to a late '90s Mainship or Carver, 37-41 ft, but I'm open to suggestions. I just read the glowing review on a Carver from David Pascoe a few years ago. This is gonna cost more than my truck or wife's SUV, so I want to decrease the possibility of buyer's remorse as much as possible. We have two small children (5 and 6), and my wife is in to scuba and likes more "modern" interiors, I just want a decent-sized cockpit and bridge. I have a reputable surveyor lined up, just need something to survey...any input, as usual, will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time,

Ed

 

[eb0248]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

Ok,
Maybe that wasn't the best title to lead with on the thread; but this is huge for me, I've been comparing specs, looking at boats in person, and surfing boat websites as if it was porn for the past year. Anyone have .02?

 

[25thmustang]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

As much as Dave Pascoe's site is filled with a lot of information and a lot of good information, I wouldn't take it as 100% true for every boat. Read up on his late 80s early 90s 34' Luhrs review. I can say from having been in and around one pretty extensively, that what he saw/described is not the same scenario I have seen.

With that said, carver makes great use of space, and mainship does as well. I'm biased some but Silverton fits in this class as well. Luhrs at that stage moved more into fishing boats, but might fit the bill. What models are you looking at? My past dealings have been with older boats (1980s) so I'm not up on the late 90s products.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

It sounds like you are taking a quantum leap in the type and size of boat. A 1990's boat, even in those sizes may tend to have their fair share of maintenance issues. Brand would not have all that much to do with the condition of the boat after 15-18 years.

if you were buying new, then a fair question.

it is probably a matter of what you like and the actual condition of the boat. Your surveyor will have to be your guide. A friend of mine has a Mainship 30.

 

[eb0248]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

Mustang:That is just my position on the Carver/Mainship thing, exactly. I read Pascoe's article directly after showing my wife some Carvers...great timing. BTW, I was eyeing your Silverton's twin some time back, nice pic. Tp: Kinda bigger than I intended, a 34 was originally my target, still open. Frankly, I'm cautiously trying to move forward before actually pulling the trigger on this. Upkeep plays a much more important role with boats this age.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

also research getting insurance and financing on older boats of that size so you know all your costs.

 

[redneck joe]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

ahhhh boat porn. Been there.


All good choices - make the wife happy is #1, then as with all boats you will still need to work on it even if not a resto so engine access and working room would be my next on the list. Then check out how to access the other systems (water tank, head lines, AC units(s), etc.

 

[eb0248]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

Joe,
What a cool old Carver! I had an old Santa Cruz, loved it. I'd probably get something comparable, but rule #1 above prohibits the older boat purchase this time around. This will be the first boat I keep in the water, so a lot of new ground being confronted.

 

[redneck joe]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

Thanks - I love it - my favorite boat I've ever owned. Small enough to trailer/launch comfortably big enough for a weekend with the mrs. Pretty sure its the smallest one they made.


We just sold our 'in water' boat last fall after getting this one ready to go. Wouldn't trade the 5 years we had it but glad to be back to a trailer boat. We had a 34' express cruiser Bayliner that's when I learned a lot about work access. Our was decent but watching some guys work on theirs made me sooo jealous and others made me cringe in sympathy. Case in point - we had to replace a transmission and we had access from the inside and could actually crawl thru that to get in, sit and work. Our friend had to replace one which included a boat haul, engine removal, etc. Heck on his it was really a two man job just to add tranny fluid (33' Carver Santiago)

 

[Slip Away]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

" wife likes more modern interior's" Good luck finding that on a stock 90's boat. If she still likes Mauve, Aqua colors you will find plenty.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

In that size, a Mainship 40 Sedanbridge is a solid choice. They have some really nice features and a lot of interior space. Also a nice fully integrated platform. Colors & fabrics can be changed, but the overall open salon and layout are what make it "modern".

 

[eb0248]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

Thanks, Racer. That was kinda my thought as far as "modern" went (platform, layout, etc.). I've been leaning toward just that boat for awhile; but, as tpenfield put it, it's a "quantum leap" for me as far as size, still trying to wrap my head around it. Now, if Redneck Joe wants to unload his Carver....

 

[redneck joe]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

Spent waaay too much on it - I can't afford to sell it for a few years until I get my ROI in enjoyment hours....

 

[lkbum]

Re: What Brand Boat? Pros/Cons?

Ok,
Maybe that wasn't the best title to lead with on the thread; but this is huge for me, I've been comparing specs, looking at boats in person, and surfing boat websites as if it was porn for the past year. Anyone have .02?

I think this boat was ahead of it's time 1993 searay 330 express bridge. Had stern drives vs IO so that would be an issue if you are on salt water. Great lay out, steps to the bridge for the little guys (fore and aft). Great performance.
http://http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company1729/1C1_27_74DERNQDS733.pdf