jimL
Senior Member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2015
- Messages
- 359
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Lemon Drops
- Vessel Make
- 2001 Grand Banks Europa 52
My wife and I are long time power boaters, currently located in Albany NY. We now want to experience coastal cruising starting in the North East and eventually moving South.
We have determined two-boat models suit our needs, and with most other considerations in boating there are compromises. We have recently rented several boat styles and have come to the conclusion that we are really interested in a trunk (aft cabin) fast trawler or a sedan fast trawler.
By ‘fast’ I mean two engines and with a cruise in the upper teens with a top end above 20 knots. I don’t want to get into a discussion of single vs twins. We made that decision. Same with the length – has to be more than 40’ and less than 50’.
The other must haves include a fly bridge, 42’-48’ in length, a galley capable of supporting cruising (storage and refrigeration), generator and in good condition – we’re thinking 2003-2009 model year. Budget range is $225k to $270k depending on condition and attributes. We’d like to think we’d keep this next boat for at least 10 yrs.
We prefer to have two toilets, two staterooms and a bow thruster. Helm down below is not a requirement.
We have been on and have read about several Albins (40 NSC and 45 Command Bridge) and have not been impressed with their quality (example – multiple hatch and window leaks causing greater issues).
We have been on several Beneteau 44’ Swift trawlers and there is not enough galley space or storage – just didn’t like the boat.
We seriously looked at a Mikelson 43’ (two heads) which was heavily used (window and wall leaks) and decided not to go in that direction.
We have been on several Mainship 40’ and 43’ sedans and found them well used, but not as durable (broken hardware and excessive cracks at stanchion bases) as we had hoped, but ok – would only consider the 43’. We have been on two Mainship 43’ trunks and they seemed ok, except I don’t know about their cruising speed with the standard 370 HP Yanmars and fully loaded. These also had what we though were excessive cracks at the stanchion bases.
We’re not interested in a Carver or Silverton, no need for that kind of speed and want more of a traditional feel and look. We saw the 2007 Mariner 37 Seville Pilothouse on another forum, like the layout but would have to compromise speed. Any other suggestions along this type, but with a bit more speed?
I’m looking for suggestions and comments on either of the vessels named or recommendations of other manufacturers I should look at. We are ready to buy once we find the right boat. We have spent a small fortune looking for the right boat since last July and would rather spend the money in diesel fuel cruising.
I appreciate any assistance and advice, and I do know some of you have strong opinions. We’re willing to look just about anywhere on the East Coast or Great Lakes.
JimL
We have determined two-boat models suit our needs, and with most other considerations in boating there are compromises. We have recently rented several boat styles and have come to the conclusion that we are really interested in a trunk (aft cabin) fast trawler or a sedan fast trawler.
By ‘fast’ I mean two engines and with a cruise in the upper teens with a top end above 20 knots. I don’t want to get into a discussion of single vs twins. We made that decision. Same with the length – has to be more than 40’ and less than 50’.
The other must haves include a fly bridge, 42’-48’ in length, a galley capable of supporting cruising (storage and refrigeration), generator and in good condition – we’re thinking 2003-2009 model year. Budget range is $225k to $270k depending on condition and attributes. We’d like to think we’d keep this next boat for at least 10 yrs.
We prefer to have two toilets, two staterooms and a bow thruster. Helm down below is not a requirement.
We have been on and have read about several Albins (40 NSC and 45 Command Bridge) and have not been impressed with their quality (example – multiple hatch and window leaks causing greater issues).
We have been on several Beneteau 44’ Swift trawlers and there is not enough galley space or storage – just didn’t like the boat.
We seriously looked at a Mikelson 43’ (two heads) which was heavily used (window and wall leaks) and decided not to go in that direction.
We have been on several Mainship 40’ and 43’ sedans and found them well used, but not as durable (broken hardware and excessive cracks at stanchion bases) as we had hoped, but ok – would only consider the 43’. We have been on two Mainship 43’ trunks and they seemed ok, except I don’t know about their cruising speed with the standard 370 HP Yanmars and fully loaded. These also had what we though were excessive cracks at the stanchion bases.
We’re not interested in a Carver or Silverton, no need for that kind of speed and want more of a traditional feel and look. We saw the 2007 Mariner 37 Seville Pilothouse on another forum, like the layout but would have to compromise speed. Any other suggestions along this type, but with a bit more speed?
I’m looking for suggestions and comments on either of the vessels named or recommendations of other manufacturers I should look at. We are ready to buy once we find the right boat. We have spent a small fortune looking for the right boat since last July and would rather spend the money in diesel fuel cruising.
I appreciate any assistance and advice, and I do know some of you have strong opinions. We’re willing to look just about anywhere on the East Coast or Great Lakes.
JimL