When I retire I want......

[woodee148]

So, My wife and I just spent a few days traveling in our boat. It's not a cuddy but we made it work. It was great!
anyway we hope to someday retire and spend most of our time boating in the warmer climates. (inter coastal waterways mostly).
ps I didn't just decide this this weekend, its something we have always looked forward to doing)
I don't plan on being rich when I retire but I hope I can afford a little place in florida or at least afford a nice little slip in Florida!

My question is what boat would you choose?

I mean realistically? not the 150' yachts..something affordable, roomy, fuel efficient, (as efficient as a boat can be..)
something to park in Fl, and spend winters on.

I am thinking something alongs the lines of a trawler (not really) or something like this older searay (115,000 for sale)

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: When I retire I want......

Our Victoria 2750 Baylliner is the right size for my wife and I. We spend every weekend and our week long vacations on it as well. For just 2 people, it has plenty of room, but when you add a few more, then it gets a bit tight.

Not sure if this is the boat we wish to retire on as a bit more room would be nice. What I want for a future retirement home on the water is something with a full size fridge and stove, room for two people to pass each other, large fresh water/holding tanks, and as much storage as possible. Dual helms are great since it will allow you to still drive during bad weather. Twin engines with at least a 10' beam minimal. We are pretty much interested in a houseboat vs a cruiser type boat. We don't plan on being anywhere quickly, so a displacement hull would do us just fine.

My suggestion is get out and look at as many different styles before making a decision. There are many out there to choose from. Of course there are ones designed for open water and inland waterways. Make sure you choose the right one for your application.....Good Luck..........SS

 

[tommays]

Re: When I retire I want......

A low speed diesel trawler at 6 to 8 knots is the only think going that has and afforable fuel bill

 

[woodee148]

Re: When I retire I want......

HA!

lol, I am about 20 years from making that decision!!
I was just curious what everyone else thought about a realistic cruiser to retire on.

Who knows, maybe by then they will have electric powered cruisers run by water!

 

[Frack77]

Re: When I retire I want......

Its a very soggy dream but i think http://www.searay.com/2008_sea_ray_sport_yachts_44_sundancer.asp this would suffice for a retirement boat!! Docked in front of a hooters.... Ok, i need to wake up!

 

[gstanton]

Re: When I retire I want......

I share your dream. We have "camped" and traveled in a travel trailer for many years now - the switch to a marine environment is/will be a jump, but not a huge one. We currently have a 230 Sea Ray with a cuddy and find it OK for an overnight or even a weekend. Not big enough for longer term.

Point is, try a travel trailer to help get your learning curve in motion. There are many, many similarities.

 

[smclear]

Re: When I retire I want......

Check out Tiara's. They're built in Holland Michigan. Some of the highest quality boats you can find. And they don't try to cram as much as possible below deck.

Also, if you've got that many years to go, anything said here will most likely be irrelevant by then. If you get the chance, check out the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show. Takes place every October. Largest in-water show in the world (I think). Definitely the largest in the US.

I used to live in Ft. Lauderdale and would go every year. Always a good time and a great way to keep up with all the Manufacturers.

+1 on the Trawlers and their fuel efficiency. They can't be beat - except by sail.

 

[woodee148]

Re: When I retire I want......

I do like the trawlers but could they keep up with a flotila to bahamas?

I also love the new sea rays, and I figure that if I can narrow down the boat and manufacturerer that I like over the next 10 years than another 10 years after that I will be able to afford that boat!!

Anyone keep a large boat at a slip now in Fl? what type of annual costs do you face?

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: When I retire I want......

It's hard to beat the space and fuel efficiency of a power catamaran. I imagine used boats like the popular PDQ34 will be reasonably priced in a few years. Besides the looks (most power cats are UGLY), the only downside to living aboard an affordable one is the typically small master stateroom, but living space in general is huge. They are shockingly good and fuel and cruise at a decent speed compared to monohulls.

There are some live aboard power cats offered with outboard power. A pair of 100 HP outboards will move a 35 foot power cat smartly and the outboards allow for a lot more space inside. Outboards are much cheaper to buy than diesel inboards and vastly easier and cheaper to service. They eliminate many through hull fittings and points of failure and can be tilted up, out of the water, when not in use. The fuel economy of inboard diesels could prove to be a false economy in this application, depending on how long one really intends to keep a boat, and how much time one will really spend on the move. I am leaning toward outboards, myself.

 

[g-50cab]

Re: When I retire I want......

Look at one of the bertrams - even the 31 has plenty of room - the total cost of ownership is small as the boats tend to retain their value. So you buy one - you use it - then you sell it for what you bought it for...

 

[JCF350]

Re: When I retire I want......

Find yourself a Chris Craft Commander of about 45'. perfect for a live aboard.
Or a hull like it. You'll get more room and a "house feel" to it plus you'll be able to keep up when caravaning.

 

[d_saum]

Re: When I retire I want......

I want something like what JCF350 recommended. Either that or a houseboat that I can take in the open waters (I know not many can, but a few have high bows like cruise-a-homes).

Also, to SMCLEAR.... why would anything said now not apply in 20 years? PLenty of people own boats that are 20, 30, even 40 years old. I have had a lust for the same style boats since I was 12 years old and am now 35. So there!

Edit: I also LOVE the trawler style but 2 things keep me from seriously considering them. First is price.... they don't appear to be as cheap as other styles of boats. Second is speed (as previously mentioned). I want something that will cruise at a decent speed if needed or wanted.