bshillam
Guru
- Joined
- May 18, 2013
- Messages
- 801
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Our Heaven
- Vessel Make
- 1997 4800 Navigator
Ok so I have done some looking here and there and I have started working on a laundry list of our long term boat. I figured I would get some opinion on what boat fits the list from some current owners. Yes we have something now - and will probably work for the next few years but as most of you know. When you start looking it can take years to find the right boat before you put your hard earned funds down to begin enjoying her. So here's a list,
Full displacement - economy is a must as well as long range. (We're West Coasters and want to be able to go through Panama and use her as a winter home in FL or the likes) 6 knots is plenty fast for us. We can always equip her with a fast tender.
Two staterooms - perferably one with bunks or twins as our son is liable to want to bring a friend as he ages.
Single with thruster(s) or twin, I am leaning more towards single w/ a get home
Pilothouse style for night operations
A respectable engine room, I don't want to age out of boating or have to hire a mechanic just to change the oil. Easy access to systems is going to be most important. I don't mind hiring a pro for the heavy lifting but enjoy doing all the regular routine maintenance myself. Everything from starters and alternators to oil but no engine rebuilds in my future.
Easy access to systems outside of the engine room such as shower sumps, batteries, propane, you name it. I don't want to have to cut into a panel because someone behind a desk didn't think anyone would ever have to access a hose...
Flybridge - I have noticed that some of the pilothouse style don't have flybridges. Bottom line, I want a bridge to enjoy the sunny days.
A cockpit for four in chairs
Since we are going to be out for weeks at a time a laundry machine
Oh - what makes/models come with a dry stack? It appears this might be a better approach to handling spent exhaust? What are the drawbacks?
Budget - under $175k
Thoughts?
Full displacement - economy is a must as well as long range. (We're West Coasters and want to be able to go through Panama and use her as a winter home in FL or the likes) 6 knots is plenty fast for us. We can always equip her with a fast tender.
Two staterooms - perferably one with bunks or twins as our son is liable to want to bring a friend as he ages.
Single with thruster(s) or twin, I am leaning more towards single w/ a get home
Pilothouse style for night operations
A respectable engine room, I don't want to age out of boating or have to hire a mechanic just to change the oil. Easy access to systems is going to be most important. I don't mind hiring a pro for the heavy lifting but enjoy doing all the regular routine maintenance myself. Everything from starters and alternators to oil but no engine rebuilds in my future.
Easy access to systems outside of the engine room such as shower sumps, batteries, propane, you name it. I don't want to have to cut into a panel because someone behind a desk didn't think anyone would ever have to access a hose...
Flybridge - I have noticed that some of the pilothouse style don't have flybridges. Bottom line, I want a bridge to enjoy the sunny days.
A cockpit for four in chairs
Since we are going to be out for weeks at a time a laundry machine
Oh - what makes/models come with a dry stack? It appears this might be a better approach to handling spent exhaust? What are the drawbacks?
Budget - under $175k
Thoughts?