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There are some great boats in the mid-size, not-to-old range available. I see Codger2 has an Ocean Alexander - AWESOME boat. Aside of names, pilot house boats generally are more livable. You may want to rent/charter a few boats before finalizing your decision - or go out with friends. If you...

NO This is a tactic that sets a tone for an agressive sales approach, forcing you to make decisions fast, most likely making inspection difficult, intimidation and bullying. It's fishy on every level. I would pass on the listing, that broker, and that boat if listed elsewhere. I can assure you...

You have 2 things to consider - one is a spread sheet, the other is your heart. Now when you are young, there is time to make up for less than ideal decisions. As we age and have limited ways to recover in retirement, more conservative decisions should be the over-riding choice. Try to separate...

As someone that has designed many AV systems, command centers and theaters - considering sight lines, go with plan B. New flatscreens have very thin edges and you will most likely cover or impend the view of the screen. If you use A, you'll regret it in the long run.

Good question ... Space can be tight - but you might consider that in the same way you would other redundant systems. You have a "get home" with a single engine and other back-ups. Having a second toilet can be a blessing. This becomes more logical depending on your cruising goals.

Yes and no. The Length at the Waterline is the same unless you changed the hull. That affects your hull speed as a trawler. The extension does affect your Length Over All. When you rent a boat slip they will use the overall length when calculating your fee.

Some common thoughts Lot's of great info. 1) The manufacturers' reputation counts. Obviously, if Hatteras is cored it's less of a concern than Bills discount hulls. 2) There's a difference between balsa and foam core. Surveyors have opinions on both, it seems. A problem with either is a pain...

I'm appreciating the feedback, thanks. To some of the comments - yes I referred to their marketing video - which is terrible. I've been in marketing all my career. Absolute seems to get high marks on their products. If you can read through the reviewers who say everything is great - it appears...

So my brain is about to explode. Technology has changed and we grow to accept certain things. That includes hull technology. Infusion is pretty normal. Coring is pretty much accepted above the waterline. Then it got weird for me. Even some very high-end boats like Hatteras are now cored below...

Blisters really (suck). Pacemaker was notorious for them. In that day they were still experimenting with formulations. I was looking at a 47'. I've always believed in a good survey. We hauled the boat out and they quoted me $1000 a foot to take care of the blister issue with NO guarantee that...

This is a complicated issue. There are a lot of variables. There are steel, aluminum, solid fiberglass, combination below-the-waterline solid with upper cored and fully cored. Oy - what a dilemna. Let's consider the first thing - the reputation of the builder. A good builder puts a lot of money...

Very similar to an RV - Inverters are fine for lighting and small motors. You can never expect them to run a generator. Possibly a microwave on a limited basis, but you need a big battery bank. If you are going to power anything electronic - you need a sine wave unit for stable power. Here's an...

Great topic. My first experience with GB was their 50' trawler with a wood hull. Now THAT was a yacht - sexy in every way. To me, that's Grand Banks. I also very much liked the Aleution (sp) 53. As for the new Grand Banks, I don't think they are the old brand, and I'm not sure what they are...

AGM is a great battery and the cost has become reasonable. They are also safe and more compatible with old charging systems. Lithium are of course amazing BUT ka-ching. And whatever you choose, make sure they are compatible with your charging system

Very nice - Looks really well done and light weight !!! Photos | Hard To Top

Having owned both boats and RVs, I can say that a lot of production processes are a joke. Flimsy plastic doors covering AC plugs etc that will crack with UV over time. And that's on million plus boats. That said, here's a link that sheds some light. https://themarinelab.com/best-marine-stereo/

Having worked in the electronics industry your story sounds normal. Electronics, including $1000 cell phones, are disposable - easier to trash than fix. They are usually replaced under warranty instead of fixed as it's cheaper. Bottom line is that the marine environment is really harsh. A car...

Simple answer. No. Hardtops are heavy. They change the CG (center of gravity) affecting handling and safety. Even with lightweight materials, on a small boat the effect can be substantial. The simplest solution I've seen that is nice is a nice permanent stainless framework with stretched...

When I looked at my first boat - I reviewed their "supplied survey". THEN I paid for a surveyor of my own who also had a diver go under the boat. Best money I ever spent in my life. I highly suggest you do that. You'll have peace of mind.

The first piece of advice is to PREP PREP PREP. If you don't you will end up doing it again. And if you seal an issue underneath - you won't see the continuing damage and you may end up replacing or repairing the window frames. Regardless of the application, when you are done prepping it you...

OK - well - who knew? I know that variable ballast is used on larger vessels, but have not seen it in smaller vessels. There are few things you should look at. First, if they are sealed and still full that's good. If there had been a leak and they are no longer full the can affect the stability...

Awesome post. I apologize for laughing at all - but you just about covered everything and some of it is actually amusing - at anothers expense of course hehe

Well - Norcold are widely used in RVs. They do not operate the way a normal refrigerator does. They don't refrigerate the compartment - they remove heat. They don't do well the door being open and closed all the time. Secondly, the system relies on coils that if not kept mostly level when still...

I think Charles brings up a good item - PREP WORK... I bet he would echo that prep is everything. Do you have any pictures of your process? Would be great to see ... AND - yes - SUPPORT OUR TROOPS !!! They are American heros!

Rubber Deck etc. RVs use EPDM or TPO deck roofing. It is good with all sorts of weather, UV and is flexible given the "questionable" flexibly of an RVs framing. Some homes, especially mid century modern with flat roofs use rubber roofs too. That doesn't even account for commercial...