Advice on a trawler

LanceD · 06-27-2019, 05:46 PM

Hello everyone I am new to the group and I am looking to buy my very first boat to live on and I live in Florida and I was wondering what is a good boat to go to the Bahamas and my price range is 150,000 to 200,000 and something like a 40ft to 48ft boat twin engines.

DavidM · 06-27-2019, 06:13 PM

Go to yachtworld and then click on Advanced. A data input screen will come up. Input the min and max length, fuel type as diesel if you don't want a gasser, year range if you don't want a 70s oldie or whatever, price range, twin engine, trawler boat type and however far you are willing to look- either Florida only or Southeast or Southeast and Middle Atlantic, or ....

Then hit search. You will find dozens. Several Grand Banks 46s will show up which would be my comparison boat, ie see if you can find something better or cheaper than a GB 46. Maybe a Defever, Ocean Alexander or even a Mainship 430.

David

Comodave · 06-27-2019, 07:17 PM

Welcome aboard. Yachtworld is indeed a great resource. My wife calls it boat porn. And I am addicted to it...

ranger58sb · 06-28-2019, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LanceD

Hello everyone I am new to the group and I am looking to buy my very first boat to live on and I live in Florida and I was wondering what is a good boat to go to the Bahamas and my price range is 150,000 to 200,000 and something like a 40ft to 48ft boat twin engines.

In addition to YachtWorld...

You'll find bazillions of boats between 40-48', in several various styles that could work for the basic mission of a) living aboard, and b) transiting from Florida to the Bahamas. Motor yacht? LRC? Trawler? (Pilothouse? Sundeck? Trunk cabin? and so forth?) Sportfish/convertible? Down East? Et cetera. After looking, you might get more focused advise (or opinion, at least) if you give folks a clue about what boats and/or what styles appeal to you.

And then there are bazillions of boat "features" that you'll want to customize for yourself. Flying bridge? Or not? If so, stairs, or ladder? Galley up? Or down? Or does it matter? One stateroom? Or more? One head? Or more? Electric galley? Or propane, or other? Et cetera. Clues about your must have/want to have/nice to have features would help folks give you better feedback.

-Chris

JohnS · 06-28-2019, 10:08 AM

What Ranger42c said about your personalization choices.
Also, think about any limits you may have, tall, short, knees, balance, technical ability, etc.
At this stage I looked mostly by search terms without boat type except power boat, length, price, and diesel fuel, to bring in as many boats as possible. Some people use odd terms to describe their boats.
I used other sites as well as Yachtworld, which generally has the nicer, more expensive boats. I used Boat trader, boats.com, and even Craigslist in boating areas across the South and East coasts. I also found looking at detailed drawings or user websites like the Defever or Grand Banks clubs helped me find details like headroom, layout, and user reviews.
Good luck in your search. JohnS

High Wire · 06-28-2019, 12:35 PM

Welcome aboard.
At the top of the General Discussion forum is Boat Search 101.
Read through all that and you may have more knowledge about what you want.

fgarriso · 07-08-2019, 11:24 PM

Lance,

Here is a good place to start looking he has a lot of boats in your price range.
Curtis Stokes and Associates Yachts for Sale | Charter

Lee

Comodave · 07-09-2019, 01:26 AM

Curtis Stokes has 3 or 4 Defevers that would be in your price range with a bit of negotiation. I really like Defevers. Good layouts and good handling.

LanceD · 07-09-2019, 05:18 AM

Thank you everyone for the advice

Mrwesson · 07-09-2019, 06:32 AM

Just about any trawler in that price range will do the Bahamas with ease.

All different types of boats from a refit navy steel hull to a more modern fiberglass with newer power can be had with that budget..

Check out Airbnb for a mini vacation where you can stay on boats. Unique experience, you probably wont stay on the exact boat you want but it'll tell you what size you really need.

LanceD · 07-10-2019, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrwesson

Just about any trawler in that price range will do the Bahamas with ease.

All different types of boats from a refit navy steel hull to a more modern fiberglass with newer power can be had with that budget..

Check out Airbnb for a mini vacation where you can stay on boats. Unique experience, you probably wont stay on the exact boat you want but it'll tell you what size you really need.

Thank you and I will try the Airbnb