What would you buy?

[Sterling]

There are a couple boats I think you should take a look at. The Cabo 31 and the Tiara 3100 specifically. The Tiara measures almost 34' and both have a combination of great fishing platform and top quality finish. The Tiara won my vote. With Cummins 330's she's got plenty of range and will cruise around 26; WOT 31kts. The 12' beam gives her a lot of stability and plenty of room in the cockpit. You'll need to be looking 3 - 4 years old on both of these models to stay within 200k.

[jawz12]

i would point you in the direction of a proven deep v hull,forget those modified v hulls-that boat will beat you to death-hence the hull change on the 35 cabo's those 31 cabo's are "slappers" avoid them ! take a look at the 32 blackfins-they're out there for sale,well built,solid hull.the 35 bertrams are a little more comfortable on an overniter-the bertam 35 is another proven deep v hull,well built and solid-stick with the proven high quality boats avoid the cheaper,flashy brands,that way when you buy your boat noone asks the question "why did you buy that" ???
by sticking with quality,eventhough you're buying an older used boat,it will hold it's value-when it's time to trade up to something a little larger...
another word of advice is to have a qualified surveyor,check out your potential purchase...pick that surveyor carefully !! there are quite a few out there that really shouldn't be in the buisness-ask for refferenses...and whatever you do !!! don't use the surveyor reccomended by the yacht broker !!!

[irishangler]

Good stuff...
I always felt the Tiara's have some serious cockpit space. Awesome for tuna two step. Im just not sure on the salon/family/keepthewifehappy space. I do like the older Bertrams. It is interesting to hear about the modified hull debate.
Allow me to ask about these models: Why/Why not?
Luhrs
Post (older)
Ocean Yacht
Brandy new Wellcraft Coastal 33 w/twin diesels?
Thanks again

oh yeah, secondtonone...what kind of heart attack would the sticker price give me on that Buddy Harris?
Anthonys Ark, pilot house? I need something more phalic.....chicks dig it

[Sterling]

Good point on the Salon, how you plan to use the boat is probably where this should have started.

For me, I often fish with a small crew, sometimes alone, and I don't live on the boat for more than the occassional weekend. This makes an express boat ideal for me. In that style, my wife and I both liked the layout and finish of the cabins on the Cabo and Tiara better than other models in that size range.

If you typically have 4 + people, and you are going to be spending a lot of living time aboard then a salon is probably what you should be looking for. This does seperate the helm from the cockpit and living area so the captain participates in a different way then they might on an express, but the creature comforts for the passengers are nice. The Bertram, Blackfin is a solid way to go that's somewhere inbetween an express and convertible but you may have a hard time selling the family on it. In the full convertible, Ocean certainly has some nice options.

I have opinions on the boats below but not a lot of facts so I'll hold them to myself. Staying positive, Post and Ocean are proven and have a loyal following.

Kick around the docks and visit some owners. Most will be happy to give you a tour.

[Squidnation]

irishangler - I only suggested the pilot house because of the wife factor. I own the center console with twin diesels. The boat cruises at 32 knots and burns about 65 gallons on a canyon trip. The boats sits real stable on the hook or drift because of the reverse chines but still has a 23 degree deadrise at the transom and huge deep vee for easy crusing. New with electronics and a tower the boat will come in far below the $200,000 budget. Plus the resale value of a twin diesel in the $3.50 a gallon for gas days is going to be far greater then most vessels. Just a thought.

[Arks and Sparks]

I've been on some of the boats mentioned so I will give my opinion.
Luhrs- Some of the worst looking boats ever made. The bridges are small. Interior is smaller then other boats that are the same size. What is the point of the steps to the bridge? It takes up space in the cockpit, bridge and salon. Real boats have ladders. Many older luhrs had blocks of lead installed by the factory to help level them out.
Ocean Yachts- The almighty flexable flyers. By far, some of the worst riding boats I have ever been on. They ride like a 2x4. You can feel the floorboards move in the staterooms. Not a rough water boat.
Tiara- Kinda expensive, but well laid out and built tough. The new 39 looks impressive. Also take a look at the pursuits. They are made by tiara and are also very nice.

[irishangler]

Thanks Arks 1 and Ark 2...Thats the first hand stuff that I deem important. I will keep the search going.

[TheChumStain]

A dock buddy has a 40 jersey with 3208 cats for $125,000 extra clean and another friend has a 36' hat with cummins for $119,000 both awesome lookin and all the goodies for the wife. I can attest for the ride in both since I own a 40 jersey and have captained the 36 Hat.

[matey1]

irish, i got a buddy with a 32' blackfin that is in great shape and i he is in the 100 to 115k range. for get what year but just had a ton of engine work done including new injectors, pumps, etc etc. bmail me if interested.

[irishangler]

Blackfin, Hat and Jersey....and within range.
I am looking at a March time frame as certain financial ventures mature. Im pretty confident that there will be alot available at that time if not the excellent crafts mentioned above. I also need to make sure I do enough research and sea trials to make this a smart move. I appreciate all the input and will welcome any more tips on good vessels available. Im glad I have a group of pro's to draw knowledge from.