Decisions, decisions

dirtdoc1 said:

The Prestige is not a long range cruiser. It doesn't sound like you are looking for a long range cruiser but more of a boat for entertaining which, is totally fine if that's what you want it for. If you want to do both you can't go wrong with a Flemming. Why did you sell the big Hampton? I thought the big Hamptons are pretty capable boats aren't they? If you want to go blue water cruising then you need a full displacement boat like a Nordhavn or Kadey Krogen, Selene or maybe even an Outer Reef.

I'm still learning and with what I've learned so far, if I was to start over, I'd get a Nordhavn 46. With the money that I saved I'd deck it out with new electronics, solor panels, more refrigeration, freezers a huge genset, water maker, separate washer and drier, etc.. I'd put a hydraulic lift off the transom to keep my tender close to the water so I don't have to go through the hassle of using a crane. I'd stay away from new and pretty. That's what I've learned from my newbe experience from cruising in the PNW.

Good Luck!

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sdupleich said:

One comment from someone who has a boat with a hydraulic platform - it's not the best solution in heavy seas. Depending on how low the transom sits when underway it can even be a liability. We are in the final stages of purchasing a Beneteau Swift Trawler after owning a Sundance for the past 3 years. We've had multiple issues when we were taking waves on the beam which loosened the straps holding the dinghy which then created a dangerous situation when the dinghy started filling with water (even with the drain plug removed).

For coastal cruising, I think it's much better to have your dinghy away from the transom.

This will be our first boat with a crane so it will be interesting to see how we like it!

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sdupleich said:

One comment from someone who has a boat with a hydraulic platform - it's not the best solution in heavy seas. Depending on how low the transom sits when underway it can even be a liability. We are in the final stages of purchasing a Beneteau Swift Trawler after owning a Sundance for the past 3 years. We've had multiple issues when we were taking waves on the beam which loosened the straps holding the dinghy which then created a dangerous situation when the dinghy started filling with water (even with the drain plug removed).

For coastal cruising, I think it's much better to have your dinghy away from the transom.

This will be our first boat with a crane so it will be interesting to see how we like it!

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stubones99 said:

If you look at a tender lift system off the stern, some of the systems don't keep the hydraulic cylinders out of the water, or even keeping them retracted for the majority of the time. Hydraulic cylinders are chromed and subject to corrosion. If you keep it retracted, the majority of the chrome piston rod is protected from rust and corrosion.
Once they rust or corrode, the seals are the first things to go, and that lets hydraulic oil out and water into the system. That can destroy the valves and pumps...

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