Potential great loopers!

[leroadrunner]

Hi, we finally decided to find time and do the great loop. I still have to work, but can take leave.

We also decided to become liveaboard and get rid of all our crap!

So, we're looking generally for either Albin 36 Double Cabin or Marine Trader 34 Double Cabin.

Our requirements are:
- low GPH
- Interior in great condition
- Exterior can have cosmetic work needed, willing to be put effort to get a better deal, as long as the boat is sound

If you know of any leads us know!

Thanks!

Thanks!

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Welcome aboard eh?

[LaBomba]

Hi Steph, welcome. Where would you keep a liveaboard boat in Toronto, Bluffers or do you intend to go south in the winter?? If you come through the Trent doing the loop give us a shout, we are in Beaverton on Lake Simcoe. Cheers!

[leroadrunner]

Originally Posted by LaBomba

Hi Steph, welcome. Where would you keep a liveaboard boat in Toronto, Bluffers or do you intend to go south in the winter?? If you come through the Trent doing the loop give us a shout, we are in Beaverton on Lake Simcoe. Cheers!

Yes, Bluffers park...we will spend one winter here, and then next year (fall 2015) would head down...

And thank for the warm welcome, eh?! ;-)

[eseyoung]

A little smaller but I am listing my Albin 27FC. If it is something you would consider shoot me a PM. She has a trailer so that may be a plus.

[LaBomba]

Steph, one thing to take in to consideration is air height. For the canal systems, Trent and Erie, there are some fixed bridges. Generally the lowest are between 20 and 22 ft. so a boat just less than 20 ft. is ideal or one that has a mast that is easily lowered. I cut my mast 5 ft. for that specific reason. Have a look at this Tolleycraft in Windsor, I thought if I were in the market this looked like a nice vessel at a reasonable price.

43 ft. TOLLYCRAFT COCKPIT MOTOR YACHT | powerboats, motorboats | Windsor Region | Kijiji

[CaptTom]

Welcome! You're fortunate to be able to take the time off for the Loop.

They're harder to find, but consider the Atlantic 37 / Prairie 36 if you're after a comfortable double cabin in the 36' range.

Not sure how old a boat you're willing to look at. In my own search, I found more often than not the inside was in worse condition, because of leaks, than the exterior. The sellers carefully excluded the water stains from the interior pictures they posted, making many look a lot better than they really were. And if you don't know what to look for, it's easy to overlook small issues that can be real time- and money-suckers down the road.

[Ghostrider42]

You will find a more comfortable ride with a semi or full displacement hull. Or rather to sit squat on the water rather than a condo. Less roll, better stability.

You should hire a SAMS or NAMS surveyor to take out much of the guesswork of buying a used vessel.

[leroadrunner]

LaBomba, nice boat but out of my range!

CaptTom, thanks did not know of these models, will look for them as well.

Thanks GuostRider42, I am indeed in contact with a surveyor...poor guy has to put up with all my dumb questions! :-)

[leroadrunner]

Originally Posted by eseyoung

A little smaller but I am listing my Albin 27FC. If it is something you would consider shoot me a PM. She has a trailer so that may be a plus.

Nice boat, but too small...canvas would also not insulate much in the winter!

Thanks!

[eseyoung]

I actually saw you were planning to liveabord in Ontario (in the winter) after i posted that.

The simple solution to that would be to move some place warmer.

best of luck in the search.

[leroadrunner]

Originally Posted by eseyoung

I actually saw you were planning to liveabord in Ontario (in the winter) after i posted that.

The simple solution to that would be to move some place warmer.

best of luck in the search.

Eventually! But I still need to work!!!

[menzies]

http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s...hip-15146.html

[BandB]

Originally Posted by LaBomba

Steph, one thing to take in to consideration is air height. For the canal systems, Trent and Erie, there are some fixed bridges. Generally the lowest are between 20 and 22 ft. so a boat just less than 20 ft. is ideal or one that has a mast that is easily lowered.

Actually the lowest bridge on the loop which can not be bypassed is Chicago and 19' 1" is your limit there.

[leroadrunner]

Still a newbie...we put a lowball offer on a nice Marine Trader 34 DC. And it got accepted!

Going Saturday with the surveyor. She looked well taken care, lets see if this was real, I know there is lots of sweat ahead, but I dont mind...Inside is very liveable, the rest (deck I suspect)...I can just address slowly...The decks actually look pretty good...Ya I know, the may be rotted underneath. The survey shall tell!

I will be here a lot more now!

[leroadrunner]

Originally Posted by leroadrunner

Still a newbie...we put a lowball offer on a nice Marine Trader 34 DC. And it got accepted!

Going Saturday with the surveyor. She looked well taken care, lets see if this was real, I know there is lots of sweat ahead, but I dont mind...Inside is very liveable, the rest (deck I suspect)...I can just address slowly...The decks actually look pretty good...Ya I know, the may be rotted underneath. The survey shall tell!

I will be here a lot more now!

For those keeping track...I withdrew the offer...too many bulkheads delaminating. I need at the minimum a boat that can be insured!

The search is on. Mainship 34s are an option too.

[eyschulman]

A good time back I discussed marine traders with a friend who was in the boat business and had a lot of knowledge re. repair and quality. He warned me off the traders for the very reason you backed out quality of wood in bulkheads and recurrent problems. I don't know if the newer models addressed that problem.

[BandB]

In older boats, one not to overlook is Bayliner. Some of their models make excellent loop boats and they have not experienced hull delamination.

[leroadrunner]

Originally Posted by BandB

In older boats, one not to overlook is Bayliner. Some of their models make excellent loop boats and they have not experienced hull delamination.

I have looked at Bodega from Bayliner, fantastic layout...all powered by Gas, which is a non-starter for me. Cant imagine the cost of doing great loop in gas!

[bobsyiruncle]

You might try the 38 Bayliner. I have one and they are reasonably common. If you are a liveaboard the extra few feet is nice and the Hinos are good.

For freshwater boats in this size I would look at Toledo and Detroit and don't be afraid to import to Canada.