Hi All -
Just to open up a big subject, what are some recommended manufacturers? Some to stay away from? I imagine this has been asked before, so in the alternative, just point me to the thread. Cheers!
Mostly interested in:
FG hull, preferably solid
2 Cabins
1 Engine (diesel)
1 or 2 Heads
$150K and under (better still, under $100K)
Interested in avoiding:
Problem makes - leaky this or that, delaminations, Junk Parts
Handling that would embarrass a drunk pig
Narrow Boats
Ones that have caught my eye:
Grand Banks
Mainship
Marine Trader
Camino
Monk
Kadey Krogen
Nordic
Use:
Intercoastal
Lakes
Coastal Cruising
Currently I'm in Floridaze.
General comments:
Personally I like the Nordic Tugs (don't forget the American Tug 34 as well), the Monk 36, and the Camano Troll best of the boats you listed.
However, no matter the boat (brand) you end up with, it will be an older boat in the price range you suggest. Therefore, as others have said, condition of that particular boat will be THE most important factor in determining your ongoing expenses with your boat. Find a boat that has been very, very well maintained (even loved) and your budget will thank you. Even at that, ensure that you have a fairly large annual budget for normal boating expenses such as moorage, insurance, and routine maintenance (oil changes, impeller changes, filter changes, etc.) but also plan on an uneven flow of expenses (meaning differs each year) for repairs, larger maintenance items (like cooling system, shaft seals, cutlass bearings, etc. etc.), replacement of old equipment, and just general updates and improvements. For example, when we bought Pilitak, our Nordic Tug 37 (and it was in very good condition and had been well maintained), we spent an additional $40,000 in the first couple of years (total, not each year) to repair a few items found in the survey, and to improve a few things to our situation. We still had almost 20 year old electronics so could easily have spent much more!
One way to keep these expenses as low as possible (besides the very important first step of getting a boat in great condition) is to learn to do as much of this work yourself as you can. Labour costs add up in a big hurry.
I mention these things because a lot of "newbies" to these types of boats (with many systems) don't think of this when they "fall in love" with the "new boat".
As far as what brand/model, I suggest making lists of your important features in a boat based on how you plan to use the boat and your personal preferences.
Must haves (no room for compromise), nice to have (compromise possible), and do not want (will not buy a boat with these features).
For example,
for me, some do not wants were: screwed down teak decks (leaks, maintenance issues, hundreds of holes in the deck,etc.), exterior woodwork (too much maintenance), twin engines (cramped ER in these size boats, double the maintenance and costs for repairs), etc.
You have already listed some must and nice to haves, but I suggest ensuring you know which are which will help with
your decision.
As Ted mentioned (and I concur) you might want to investigate the engine brand/model before the final decision. For example, the Cummins 6BTA and it's various sub models has a great overall reputation, is one of the most widely used engines out there, parts are readily available (for somewhat reasonable prices), and most any diesel mechanic knows these engines. Using that Cummins as the example to look at the issue from the opposite side as Ted already described.
Anyway, good luck with your hunt!
