For Sale: Ocean Alexander 38

The admiral and I have fallen in love with the idea of a PDQ 34, so Waterthrush is for sale. Check her out on Yachtworld here: 1985 Ocean Alexander 38 Double Cabin Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

I am happy to answer any questions, but note she is listed with a broker.

David

Only 200 gallons of fuel? What is her range at 8 knots?

Hi Cliff. At 7 kts she burns about 2.5 gph, so at that speed her range is 560 nm with no reserve. So at 8 kts her range would be a bit less than that.

Just wondering, what made you fall in love with the PDQ? Was it the speed or something else?

While the extra speed is nice when needed, we would still cruise at 7 or 8 knots. I would say the biggest factors for us are

1. Less roll underway in a beam sea, especially on the flying bridge
2. More apparent "living space" in the salon
3. Ultra shallow draft and protected running gear
4. Lower operating costs - less fuel burn and 4 feet shorter (marina fees etc.)
5. A somewhat roomier head and shower - I am a big guy.
6. More "lounging space" on deck.

Of course all boats are compromises, and we would miss the OA's spacious aft cabin with full walk around Queen. And her salty look.

Don't get me wrong - for a classical trawler configuration under 40' I think the OA 38 is as good as it gets, with the exception of the Great Harbour N-37, but those are out of reach for us financially.

David, I owned a PDQ for 6 years and they are great boats however, you mentioned being a "big guy". Just a couple thoughts. Every place on the boat requires multiple steps to get to the many levels.... How are your knees? These boats will seriously roll in a beam sea and some may say more so than a mono hull. It's called a "Snap Roll" by some and can be real uncomfortable if taken wrong. Engine compartments will require you to contort into some awful places to reach everything. Lastly, the Admiral despised making the beds due to the lack of any walk around space. With the understanding of these PDQ facts, it's a great boat for some. Good luck with your boat sale.

Slowpoke said:

David, I owned a PDQ for 6 years and they are great boats however, you mentioned being a "big guy". Just a couple thoughts. Every place on the boat requires multiple steps to get to the many levels.... How are your knees? These boats will seriously roll in a beam sea and some may say more so than a mono hull. It's called a "Snap Roll" by some and can be real uncomfortable if taken wrong. Engine compartments will require you to contort into some awful places to reach everything. Lastly, the Admiral despised making the beds due to the lack of any walk around space. With the understanding of these PDQ facts, it's a great boat for some. Good luck with your boat sale.

Click to expand...

Hi Slowpoke - thanks for the comments. The knees are good actually (I do martial arts) and while I am 6'5" my circumference is normal. I have looked into the PDQ engine compartments and I think I can manage. On the subject of the snap roll, I have driven a PDQ in moderate beam seas and I did notice the difference but did not find it bothersome. It just seems that the maximum travel from side to side on a rolling cat is more limited than it is on my OA. As for making the bed .... simple solution .... don't make the bed! Cheers.

Rolling cat.

My 1983 OA 43' doesn't roll at all. She's been a lovely slip queen for 18 months I've had her.

For That price you can buy bigger and newer twin engine boats well equipped.