Changing boat needs

[shelgemo]

I posted this on another site, but want to see what the people who frequent this site have to say, So here goes...
I had a boating "epiphany" this weekend. After spending three years and thousands of dollars, I am finally getting my dream boat worked out. I went from a 27 Grady Sailfish to a 37 Riviera to a 47 Riviera in the space of four years in an effort to get a comfortable, seaworthy, and capable cruising/fishing boat that my wife and family could enjoy for extended trips to the Keys, etc. The only problem is that it didn't turn out the way. The boat is amazing: 25-27 knot cruise, comfortable in any sea I would want to venture out in, 3 staterooms, sat TV, fish-rigged, etc. My wife and our one year old just aren't taking to it like I am. I should have seen it sooner- before the Navnet 3D, EZ2CY new enclosure, etc., but I didn't. It's too big an expense to carry given these circumstances. So, the boat is going up for sale and I am moving on. That's where I need help.
I am not giving up on boating, but need to re-configure my boating. I live in SW FL and love being out on the water. My preferred local fishing is offshore- with a 20 mile ride to the Gulf and then 20-40 miles beyond that. Charlotte Harbor is known for backwater fishing, but I haven't bit the bug on that yet. I spend about 2 weeks or so in the Keys in the summer, and would like to get back to the Bahamas in the future. I see my solution as a 2 boat solution- a 30-40 fishing boat witha 20ish foot bay boat. The larger boat should be able to ride comfortably in 2-4 foot seas, but be able to handle more as the situation dictates. I am undecided about express vs. flybridge, but want reasonable interior room, 250 mile plus range, near or above 30 knot cruise, accommodations for four, and build/interior quality to the level of the Riviera (or better). I will always have someone with me on the larger boat, and if the urge ot get out by myself arises, will take the bay boat.
I have started to look at Cabo, GW, Carolina Classic, Albemarle, Intrepid, etc. My budget is 300-500K.
Any advice, esp in regards to express vs. flybridge? Anyone been in this situation before.
Thanks ahead of time...

[norter79]

if you go the express route check this one out.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2003.../United-States

It was not used for charters.

[marlineer]

38' Out Island

She is awesome!

[shelgemo]

Like both of them. How about resale in Florida? No specs on Jersey Cape.

[marlineer]

will have a great re-sale in Fla. however, with about 400 hrs. on the OI You will do much better. Add to that...the Out Island has been maintained as NEW and it shows. I am very familiar with both of these builders.

[iguana1]

I recently purchased a Albemarle 360xf. I thought it was a good compromise because it provides a closed off forward berth which is rare for this size class but does not get me into the 40' price range and operating expense. There are few lightly used and new leftovers on the market now.

For your requirements it would seem to me an express is the way to go.

[Nomad]

I went through a similar evolution. I upgraded from a trailer boat with a porta potti to a 36' boat with a real head and shower and 110v power so my wife (then girlfriend) would be happier on board. The only real affect was that she was less unhappy to be aboard -- she didn't really enjoy it. Then a few kids latter and we needed more room, so we got a 55' sportfisher with three cabins and all the comforts of home, including an "up" galley. They still didn't really enjoy it. What finally worked was getting involved with a yacht club. Now my three girls are all active sabot / FJ sailors, and the whole family enjoys club cruises, etc. That really made all the difference, and about two years ago they enthusiastically encouraged me to order a larger boat that is more suited to longer range cruising -- we take delivery in a couple months and everyone is excited.

[shelgemo]

Wow! Can I extract some DNA from your family to graft onto mine! If my wife had her druthers, she would have me give up boating (and any other male-dominated activity). She now is worried that if I go through with this move, I will use that boat more... Isn't that the point!!!

[fishfighter]

Wow! Can I extract some DNA from your family to graft onto mine! If my wife had her druthers, she would have me give up boating (and any other male-dominated activity). She now is worried that if I go through with this move, I will use that boat more... Isn't that the point!!!

Maybe its time to trade in your wife and keep what you have and buy a nice bayboat to boot.LOL

[norter79]

Shelgemo,

Email me or jersey cape yacht sales if you'd like the specs.

Either one will have a great re-sale in Fla. however, with about 400 hrs. on the OI You will do much better. Add to that...the Out Island has been maintained as NEW and it shows. I am very familiar with both of these builders.

To imply that we didn't maintain our boat is just rediculous.

Cat performed the 2000 hour service recently and there is no service(aside from oil and filters) required for another 1000 hours. The motors are rated to 6000 hours before rebuild and we've lost nothing off the top end or at cruise.

Further, the asking price of the out island is 40% higher than our asking price of 319.