I am recently retired and have owned 2 smaller boats and am looking at something to do in retirement. I am thinking that learning what I need to know about seamanship, navigation, and caring for a boat as a fun retirement project. (As well as cruising of course)
I attended the Seattle boats afloat show and fell in love with the whole trawler concept. We will be cruising the San Juan's, & Canada mostly.
Of course I fell in love with the Selene's and Nordhavn's they are really more boat than I think I need. And damn expensive to boot. (Just when I think I have done pretty well, I see people plunking down a million bucks plus for a boat and wondering where they made their money?)
Anyway, being a novice to larger boats (looking at 40-50ft) I really like the new technology especially the kind that takes away my docking anxiety ie (bow/stern thrusters).
So here's my dilemma, considering my budget of under 400k am I better off trying to find a solid older boat and adding the "new" stuff (meaning electronics and thrusters) or am I better off spending more for a newer boat already equipped with what I want.
Realistically I will probably only own the boat for 5-7yrs. So I don't mind spending a little more for something that would not depreciate too much.
Are there newer boats that are WELL MADE without the huge price tag? Or am I better off just buying a 5 year old Nordy or Selene because they will hold their value better?
Thanks for any input
I attended the Seattle boats afloat show and fell in love with the whole trawler concept. We will be cruising the San Juan's, & Canada mostly.
Of course I fell in love with the Selene's and Nordhavn's they are really more boat than I think I need. And damn expensive to boot. (Just when I think I have done pretty well, I see people plunking down a million bucks plus for a boat and wondering where they made their money?)
Anyway, being a novice to larger boats (looking at 40-50ft) I really like the new technology especially the kind that takes away my docking anxiety ie (bow/stern thrusters).
So here's my dilemma, considering my budget of under 400k am I better off trying to find a solid older boat and adding the "new" stuff (meaning electronics and thrusters) or am I better off spending more for a newer boat already equipped with what I want.
Realistically I will probably only own the boat for 5-7yrs. So I don't mind spending a little more for something that would not depreciate too much.
Are there newer boats that are WELL MADE without the huge price tag? Or am I better off just buying a 5 year old Nordy or Selene because they will hold their value better?
Thanks for any input