I've been looking for the "loop" boat for the past 6 months (posted about it a few months ago), and have learned a LOT, from this forum, looking at boats and talking with people.
Also read and re-read the Boat Shopping 101 on this forum.
Looks like my basic goals of a 32 to 42 ft. boat haven't changed much. Raised the size from a 35 to 45, and really looks like the 35 to 42 is in the spot that will work.
Have modified the Must Haves and Nice to Haves:
Absolute MUST haves:
Low speed economy cruise, and high speed option
Good engines,
Heat and Air that is modern and works excellent
WasherDryer
Full sized fridge, or options for additional fridge
Swim platform
Room for dinghy, kayak and windsurfer and bikes
Dinghy, small engine is fine
State of the art electronics, or priced accordingly
17 ft air clearance (Chicago is 18.5ft), or master that lowers
Good maintenance history.
Desirables:
Stairs, not a ladder
Excellent engine and mechanical access, especially for normal maint, like filters, hoses, seacocks, oil.
Open areas, large aft sitting cockpit area, large bridge area
===
I've looked at a few older boats, and the ones that are well maintained and modernized are really good values.
I've found the maintenance history and logs for most boats to be very poorly put together, it at all. You would think that one who owns a boat that probably cost several hundred grand and has really expensive things that can go wrong would have logs that show everything, and keeps him abreast of future maintenance.
Of the boats the look pretty good, include the Mainship, Meridian, Sabreline, Regal (one model), Grand Banks (but probably too pricy).
One thing I've done is to call some of the manufacturers of the boats, engines, and accessories to see how support is. A lot of boat mfgs are out of business and there's just no support, and a few out of business ones like the Mainship do have some good options. Carver looked pretty poor for help, but haven't ruled them out. Volvo is the worst... you can't even talk to someone there. (I've had Volvos before and sold the boat because if it).
I sure like the style of the dinghy on top of the back of the bridge with the crane to put it in the water, and would like same for my kayak. And one that easily folds down if needed.
And, yes, it's ones preferences that will make a difference, but there's some boats or engines that are great and some that are not, and after some searching I'm learning which is which.
If I'm stepping on someone's toes, please correct me, but some that I'd stay away from include the Marine Trader, Ford Lehman engine, Volvo engines.
Still have a way to go.
Also read and re-read the Boat Shopping 101 on this forum.
Looks like my basic goals of a 32 to 42 ft. boat haven't changed much. Raised the size from a 35 to 45, and really looks like the 35 to 42 is in the spot that will work.
Have modified the Must Haves and Nice to Haves:
Absolute MUST haves:
Low speed economy cruise, and high speed option
Good engines,
Heat and Air that is modern and works excellent
WasherDryer
Full sized fridge, or options for additional fridge
Swim platform
Room for dinghy, kayak and windsurfer and bikes
Dinghy, small engine is fine
State of the art electronics, or priced accordingly
17 ft air clearance (Chicago is 18.5ft), or master that lowers
Good maintenance history.
Desirables:
Stairs, not a ladder
Excellent engine and mechanical access, especially for normal maint, like filters, hoses, seacocks, oil.
Open areas, large aft sitting cockpit area, large bridge area
===
I've looked at a few older boats, and the ones that are well maintained and modernized are really good values.
I've found the maintenance history and logs for most boats to be very poorly put together, it at all. You would think that one who owns a boat that probably cost several hundred grand and has really expensive things that can go wrong would have logs that show everything, and keeps him abreast of future maintenance.
Of the boats the look pretty good, include the Mainship, Meridian, Sabreline, Regal (one model), Grand Banks (but probably too pricy).
One thing I've done is to call some of the manufacturers of the boats, engines, and accessories to see how support is. A lot of boat mfgs are out of business and there's just no support, and a few out of business ones like the Mainship do have some good options. Carver looked pretty poor for help, but haven't ruled them out. Volvo is the worst... you can't even talk to someone there. (I've had Volvos before and sold the boat because if it).
I sure like the style of the dinghy on top of the back of the bridge with the crane to put it in the water, and would like same for my kayak. And one that easily folds down if needed.
And, yes, it's ones preferences that will make a difference, but there's some boats or engines that are great and some that are not, and after some searching I'm learning which is which.
If I'm stepping on someone's toes, please correct me, but some that I'd stay away from include the Marine Trader, Ford Lehman engine, Volvo engines.
Still have a way to go.