Narrowed down my search - what would you pick

[Bligh]

this is for both seapower and jawz Tjim the original ? was a 41 hatteras not a 45 hatteras that was and still is a historic tank that made hatteras famous. The 41 from 1969 era was well made but wasnt a good looker, very high cockpit freeboard for releasing my favorite white marlin. the 1998 41 hatteras convertible was not a well made hatteras like they usually put out??I had a little to a lot of experience in some rough seas with that boat and it didnt hold up like the rest of its namesake! the 45 hatteras will take any sea you throw at her.so jimmy wins if were talking 45 hatteras. and sea power you are right about viking not being a hatteras in 1988! But that was their goal then? Now they are on top!concerning their large fiberglass tank setting under the cockpit in permanent putty over the backing and fasteners that hold the struts on the bottom! yes that is a viking deficit as far as both of us are concerned! I give you that over most hatteras boats. remember that 30 ft hatteras they came out with in 1985 or so? That thing had some big defects!had a former employer that had one that hatteras had to buy back! I think hatteras lost something somewhere or viking wouldnt be on top! As was originally offered the 1.45ft viking 2.42ft bertram 3 41 ft hatteras

[dirtygirl sportfishing]

just a thought, with the selection you have picked have you thought about a Post 42 or 46 lines are sleek workmanship second t none of those and if you are looking at bay cruising probably the best hull for that. Post has lines that never fade into antiquity and there wood work is excellant and they dont seem to lose their value if you stay in the 1980 era. The downfall is there hull design for offshore the plus side is that hull design is flat in the back so the efficiency goes way up and speeds are closer to 22-23 knots instead fo twenty or less on the others....just a thought

[TunaTeaser1]

I fish a 45' viking 1990 model. It's been a good boat to us and gotten us home in some rough stuff. It is not a dry boat but will get you there and back. This boat is for sale- new electronics, release helm chairs, bose bridge stereo, redone interior, etc. Not sure about the hours since overhaul but my guess would be 150.

I also like the 42' bert.

[Deep C]

Vike is gonna give you most bang for the buck... The hat runs a close second...

[clt_capt]

The Viking and Bertram will give you much larger cockpits than the Hatteras. The cockpit of the 41 was a concern the last time I looked at new boats...

[Anthony of the ARK]

the viking because of the companies reputation. their customer service is second to none. you can call viking for any part for any model from any year and they get it to you in a timely manor, ive experienced and heard this from many viking owners and crews. and for cruising in the bay the ride wont be a big issue since your mostly going to encounter small to medium size chop that you could just plow through with the weight of a viking

[misokat]

My money, go for the Dawson -450c cummins, and wont have to deal with those noisy,leaky, d/diesels,plus its nice to have somthing that everyone one else doesnt own.Henriques 38-el bravo would be my choice, but your not looking for a fish boat.

[go boater]

just a thought, with the selection you have picked have you thought about a Post 42 or 46 lines are sleek workmanship second t none of those and if you are looking at bay cruising probably the best hull for that. Post has lines that never fade into antiquity and there wood work is excellant and they dont seem to lose their value if you stay in the 1980 era. The downfall is there hull design for offshore the plus side is that hull design is flat in the back so the efficiency goes way up and speeds are closer to 22-23 knots instead fo twenty or less on the others....just a thought

Post is absolutely a decent boat. My concern is that the lines haven't changed much and while an old one does look like a new one... The ride in a following sea just knocks it out of consideration for me. I'd also prefer a boat that I can pour the coals to her in virtually any bay weather that we'll encounter. I also want to do coastal cruising including the islands and maybe the great loop at some point in the next 10 years. The safety of my young family is really important to me and I'll admit that I like knowing that I can travel confidently in almost any weather.

Everyone is providing great feedback. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

[TROPHY SPORTFISHING]

absolute best bang for the buck would be a 45 viking the 42 bert being next. The 42 bert will buck you in a head sea and roll you in the trough but is a solid ride and a big 42. As said before the 45 viking is wet and not the best head sea ride but a solid ride non the less. The 41 hatt rides bow high and are small for 41 and the 37 bert is small and has insufficient headroom. Good luck, i think a few 45 vikings had 600 mans from the factory.