OA486AGC
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2023
- Messages
- 29
- Vessel Name
- the Dude
- Vessel Make
- Ocean Alexander 486 Classicco Pilothouse
Ok - so we have narrowed down to three boats. A 1983 49' DeFever PH, a 1985 44' DeFever and a 1988 44' DeFever - the chosen vessel will serve as live aboard for two adults for cruising the PNW.
We will be making a substantial investment into refurbing whichever vessel is chosen and yes - we know putting money into a boat is a losing proposition. However, this boat will serve as our 'home' and we do not plan on trying to sell or flip it anytime soon.
The 1983 49' has (2) 2008 John Deere 201hp engines with 1300 hrs on them. The 1985 44' has (2) 1985 Ford Lehman 135hp engines with 3300 hrs on them, and the 1988 44' has (2) 1988 Ford Lehman 135 hp engines with 4050 hrs on them.
My question is for the DeFever experts out there - other than the obvious difference in LOA, what can folks share between the two models? All are 2 cabin, 2 head layouts.
What do owners of either model like or dislike about their boats - or wish they had considered? As mentioned we will be putting almost as much as each one costs into refit and refurb - the wife wants whichever it chosen to look like its brand new. Go figure - happy wife, happy life I guess.
There are no 'warts' on any of the boats and all passed sea trial which we spent $ on the front end for each as this is a big decision financially and emotionally. Other than some minor items on each, no red flags.
What is seems it is going to come down to is the layout and length I guess - really personal preference it seems. It's a weird place to be as it's difficult to figure out what to consider when all three are very close in so many ways. But if you as a DeFever owner was looking at it from our perspective what would you use in a decision process assuming all are Bristol ready?
We will be making a substantial investment into refurbing whichever vessel is chosen and yes - we know putting money into a boat is a losing proposition. However, this boat will serve as our 'home' and we do not plan on trying to sell or flip it anytime soon.
The 1983 49' has (2) 2008 John Deere 201hp engines with 1300 hrs on them. The 1985 44' has (2) 1985 Ford Lehman 135hp engines with 3300 hrs on them, and the 1988 44' has (2) 1988 Ford Lehman 135 hp engines with 4050 hrs on them.
My question is for the DeFever experts out there - other than the obvious difference in LOA, what can folks share between the two models? All are 2 cabin, 2 head layouts.
What do owners of either model like or dislike about their boats - or wish they had considered? As mentioned we will be putting almost as much as each one costs into refit and refurb - the wife wants whichever it chosen to look like its brand new. Go figure - happy wife, happy life I guess.
There are no 'warts' on any of the boats and all passed sea trial which we spent $ on the front end for each as this is a big decision financially and emotionally. Other than some minor items on each, no red flags.
What is seems it is going to come down to is the layout and length I guess - really personal preference it seems. It's a weird place to be as it's difficult to figure out what to consider when all three are very close in so many ways. But if you as a DeFever owner was looking at it from our perspective what would you use in a decision process assuming all are Bristol ready?
