On Becoming a Trawler Traveler

[RossWilson]

Hi Everyone:

It's been many years since I boated, back in the late 1980's, and my boat was a twin-engine 30' Sea Ray Weekender. Now that I've semi-retired (I'll never completely quit), and have more time to 'waste', I'm getting back into the marine world. My wife and I hope to do some serious traveling around the Great Lakes, and maybe in a year or so, head south and do the "Loop".

The boat I'm considering is a 1986 Monk 42 Overseas with twin 150 hp Cummins 4-cyl diesels with about 3000 hours on each of them. It's had some refitting, including a custom hard-top over the flybridge and some cabin work. And apparently, the mechanicals have been properly maintained.

I understand that prior to the early 1990's, when Monks began to be built in Nova Scotia, they were built in Taiwan. Does anyone see this as a issue? Have either the off-shore or Canadian models met with any problems? I realize they were designed by Ed Monk Jr, so I'm inclined to believe they're good boats. Nevertheless, I've heard some unpleasant tales about Taiwanese quality.

We're obviously looking for a reasonable quality craft that is dependable, reasonably seaworthy and economical to operate. And we're not going to be in a hurry. Any advice or guidance you could offer would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.