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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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 Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 07:56:24
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Currently have a 1990 310 Searay Sundancerwith twin I-Os. Now that I have more time on my hands, I want something a little bit bigger. Most of the time its me and the GF, sometimes my brother and his wife (now with two kids, and sometimes the parents come.
With the Sundancer at that size the cock pit can get a bit crowded.
If I can dump the 310 Dancer, I can get my buddies 34 Mainship I, for next to nothing. Though, its going back in age, it offers a huge flybridge to entertain, a nice sized cock pit, and a spacious cabin.
I was also looking at either a 95-98 Searay 40ft Express or Sundancer. The beams are larger, and the seating is different so it wont be so cramped.
If I could find a great deal on one, Id opt for the 41 Formula PC.
Leaning towards the mainship, with the single diesel. Figuring maintenance is fairly inexpensive, which would free up money for upgrades if needed.
Any thoughts, opinions?
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
Homeport: Long Beach NY
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folieadeux
RO# 27326
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Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 08:12:15
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In the face of ever rising fuel costs, if you want to spend much time on the boat, IMHO the Mainship would be the way to go and just join the trawler crowd. Since you got more time on your hands the trawler speed is the way to go. The single diesel will be easy to maintain and cheap to operate.
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Neal and Barbara
Savannah,GA
"Olive or Twist" 2006 Meridian 391 T-Cummins 380QSB, Onan 9K |
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Homeport: Savannah.GA
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 08:17:55
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I should clarify. I am not going to spend weeks or even days on the boat. Ill be able to do stay overs or a long weekend on the boat now, without having to rush back
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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lark
RO# 26900
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Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 08:35:15
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Two reasons we stayed with an express, going from a 30 Sundancer to a 35: One, the wife did not like the ride on the upper deck of any bridge boat. It was too tippy for her in any waves or wakes. Two, most bridge boats are slower. Our 35 will do 40 MPH and there are times when you just want to get somewhere or get away from some weather.
It all depends on what's important to you. A bridge boat will almost always have more space in the same length.
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mintregila
RO# 13060
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Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 08:57:10
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I'm going from a convertible to an express in my downsize plan. I have loved the flybridge but the bridges on the south shore are a PIA.
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Mark I - 05 290 Amberjack
90 Viking 38 - Sold
"Perfect Timing" |
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Homeport: Long Beach, NY/Pompano Beach, FL
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Double D
RO# 10727
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Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 09:03:37
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B/C.....whatever you decide on.......upgrading is always alot of fun............Good Luck
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Homeport: Summers : ANYWHERE we want. Winter: sunny Florida.
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rawidman
RO# 25110
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Posted - Mar 09 2012 : 09:21:07
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quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy
Currently have a 1990 310 Searay Sundancerwith twin I-Os. Now that I have more time on my hands, I want something a little bit bigger. Most of the time its me and the GF, sometimes my brother and his wife (now with two kids, and sometimes the parents come.
With the Sundancer at that size the cock pit can get a bit crowded.
If I can dump the 310 Dancer, I can get my buddies 34 Mainship I, for next to nothing. Though, its going back in age, it offers a huge flybridge to entertain, a nice sized cock pit, and a spacious cabin.
I was also looking at either a 95-98 Searay 40ft Express or Sundancer. The beams are larger, and the seating is different so it wont be so cramped.
If I could find a great deal on one, Id opt for the 41 Formula PC.
Leaning towards the mainship, with the single diesel. Figuring maintenance is fairly inexpensive, which would free up money for upgrades if needed.
Any thoughts, opinions?
Well, the Mainship won't throw as big a wake! 
Seriously, you are comparing apples to oranges and you have to decide which style of boat is best for you. Then, you can start comparing boats of similar styles.
A trawler is not a boat for a 3 hour "spin around the harbor", it's a boat for taking trips. It can also be a boat to spend the weekend on without leaving the marina (depending on the marina).
Those Sea Rays will get you there much faster but with a dramatic increase in fuel costs. They also aren't as well suited for overnighting.
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Ron
2000 Camano Troll |
Edited by - rawidman on Mar 09 2012 09:21:46 |
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Homeport: Charleston, SC
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ranger42c
RO# 32710
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Posted - Mar 10 2012 : 05:58:32
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We had a Mainship III back in the mid-'90s. Great boat. Ladders to bridges were becoming an issue, though...
As suggested, could be very economical... although that would depend on the condition of this particular older specimen, how it's been maintained, etc. Costs of a "restoration" might offset operating savings.
Big change -- in a couple different dimensions -- from express boat to flybridge trawler. Maybe depends mosty on your ability to adapt to slow, and to the difference in the ride from a flybridge.
-Chris
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Selby Bay, South River
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Homeport: Londontowne, MD
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Audrey II
RO# 30499
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Posted - Mar 10 2012 : 07:10:31
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I have always preferred express boats but I think my next boat will be have a bridge. Anybody want to buy a 440 express?
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Dave
I just wish common sense was a little more common.
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1996 440 Trojan Express
2008 Sea-Doo GTX Jet Ski sold |
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Homeport: Haverstraw, NY
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abalmuth
RO# 13885
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Posted - Mar 10 2012 : 08:16:48
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BC,
The last boat we had was a Formula 41PC with Cummins and was an incredible machine & very seaworthy. It’s a tank!, but like the M1 not to shabby for get up and go.
I’m guessing you mostly boat the south shore /GSB? Some good & maybe bad:
Compared to a like size Sea Ray the 41PC will have a deeper V and narrower beam.
This is great for running in the rough stuff like getting out of the Bay into real water ;-)
But you need more HP to push the boat and a Gas powered 41PC will sux more fuel than a flatter bottom SR, that’s why you really need the Cummins.- you’ll save as least 10-15 GPH with the diesels- Burns 26GPH at 30+MPH
If you hang on the hook a lot the wider Sea Ray will rock less from wakes etc yet we really had no issues
A SR will have more internal space because of the beam as well.
Most SR’s are v-drives and are A$$ draggers compared to the 41PC which has straight drives- also I’m a big guy and was able get to anything in the ER- can’t say that for a lot of SR’s
If we were to downsize the 41PC would be high on my list as well as the Trojan 44 express- there are some real deals on these boats
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Cruisers 5000 Sedan Sport/CAT 12LTR's -
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak......... |
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Homeport: Long Island, NY
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Veebyes
RO# 11224
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Posted - Mar 10 2012 : 08:30:11
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Interesting to watch how many go from a go fast to a go slow boat & how few go from a go slow to a go fast.
It comes down to what will it be used for? If you are a dayboater there is no need for much cabin space. You need a head & some closed storage space leaving the rest open deck. Think picnic styled boat or pilot house. It is a workboat look but very practical. My ex workboat 32'er had 20' from helm to transom. Huge cockpit to haul people.
My current personal boat is a fantastic weekended having the important stuff like large water capacity, 115gal, shower stall, large galley space &, at a push, sleep 7 adults (2 on the bridge).
It only has a single diesel but can do a fair turn of speed if wanted but my average consumption at hull speed most of the time is only 3 gph, dirt cheap for a boat that size.
One of the nicest things is that the cabin does not have the 'cave' feeling that an express styled boat has.
Two steps up to the cockpit.
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Homeport: Bermuda
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JVM225
RO# 28365
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Posted - Mar 10 2012 : 13:44:19
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I like the express style boat for cruising around when others are aboard because you can all still hang out together while you run the boat. I had a boat with a bridge years ago and I always felt like I was the hired help up there while others sat back in the cockpit.
The other side is that I like the looks of a bridge style boat and they are much better IMHO when it comes to inside the cabin and the light you get from the windows.
I guess it's all about how you plan to use it.
If cruising with friends and an occasional overnight is what you're looking for than an express is prbably the way to go.
If getting from point A to point B and then spending a couple of days at a time are what you want than the bridge boat might be the way to go.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
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87 Sea Ray, 30' Sundancer
Merri Mack
MMSI #338122779
95 Eastern 22'
C6 Corvette Convertible
68 GTO
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Homeport: Farmingdale NY
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 06:41:25
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Ive thought about the pros and cons of each a flybridge and an express style boat. I am leaning more towards the flybridge.
With the express style boat, I feel the cabins are a bit too cramped and the headroom is somewhat limited.
The storeage on the mainship is a million times better. The walk around is a bit wider and makes it easier getting up to the bow. The mainship has a lot of teak and I love doing teak work so it will be good therapy for me.
I have my searay listed for sale already, and had a few people come down to look at it. So well see, I am in no rush to sell and to upgrade.
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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rawidman
RO# 25110
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 06:54:32
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quote:
Originally posted by JVM225
....... I had a boat with a bridge years ago and I always felt like I was the hired help up there while others sat back in the cockpit.
............
There are flybridges and there are flybridges. Mine is the same length as the cabin and can hold several people (theoretical weight recommendation is six people).
I have dual helm stations so I can operate from the cabin if necessary.
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Ron
2000 Camano Troll |
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Homeport: Charleston, SC
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 07:09:18
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Ron, the Mainship I am looking at, the bridge is the length of the cabin, and it extends over the rear cockpit, for even more seating / lounging room.
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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KiDa
RO# 16492
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 07:27:15
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The mainship is a very nice boat. Does it rock a lot at anchor? A friend has a 37 Mainship that does. I don't know what your hull design would be. If you are going to go the bridge route, don't rule out the 38 Santego. They are spacious up and down.
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Best Regards,
David
Saint Max
'99 330 Sundancer
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Capitalism is to this administration what Judaism was to the Third Reich.
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Homeport: Hopewell, VA
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Audrey II
RO# 30499
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 08:00:21
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I went through the same debate with my wife. She wanted a bridge boat and I wanted an express, she insisted she wanted to space of a motor yacht I told her she just wasn't looking at big enough express boats, guess who won this debate:)
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Dave
I just wish common sense was a little more common.
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1996 440 Trojan Express
2008 Sea-Doo GTX Jet Ski sold |
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Homeport: Haverstraw, NY
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 08:15:12
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She doesnt rock a whole lot while anchored.
I personally think the lines of the boat are beautiful.
I know this boat very well. My old man bought the boat brand new in 1980, had it for a few years and sold the boat to the current owner. They became friends over the years. The current owner cant handle the boat anymore and I think it would be neat if I could get my hands on the boat and suprise the old man with it.
The boat has its original 200hp Perkins diesel with 1800 hours on it. Starts on the first crank EVEN after coming out of winter storeage. The motor has NEVER been opened or rebuilt. She also has dual stations so I can run her from the cabin if I needed to.
Personally, I would never buy a carver. Some love them, but I am one of those who would never own one.
The mainship has a lot of teak and I love doing teak work, and I think it would be good therapy for me.
Dave, thats the thing with the express style boats. You have to go to a large size to get the room you want. Plus, when the gf or wife starts nagging you, the bridge gives me a man place to hang out at.
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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mariner36
RO# 31220
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 08:39:51
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I went through the same thing whenupgrading from my last boat, a 30' flybridge, to the Mariner. I like the visibility of a bridge boat, but hate being separate from my passengers when underway.
The mariner has a huge, bright cabin, a decent cockpit, and sits 8 comfortably on the top deck ( owners manual says 12 up top). We have found there is significantly more room on the 36 Mariner than on our neighbors 40 cruisers express for entertaining. The express is clearly much faster.
Luhrs also makes some nice, spacious flybridge boats.
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| 1985 Carver Mariner 36 |
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Veebyes
RO# 11224
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 09:13:35
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You never said which Mainship but being as you said it has a Perkins 200hp it is likely the so called trawler. Decent boat. The lower helm is nice to have. A friend went from a Bertram 31 to the Mainship 34 to a sundeck trawler 43 to a pilothouse MY 53. He got alot of use out of that Mainship. My open cockpit boat, post above, also has that same Perkins block but it is a 240hp turbo.
Spot the Mainship, far left.
2nd from left here. looks like same model, extended hardtop.
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Homeport: Bermuda
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 09:18:59
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Yup same exact boat. Its the Mainship I
I know the 200hp was an upgrade for the model I.
The mainships are just great looking boats.
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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JeffN
RO# 3672
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Posted - Mar 12 2012 : 11:09:28
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'The mainship has a lot of teak and I love doing teak work, and I think it would be good therapy for me.'
Say this one more time and many in here might send you a free ticket to visit their boat.
and has been said already, the flatter the deadrise, the less rocking at anchor. Good luck in the buy/sell.
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| When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy." They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life. ~John Lennon |
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Homeport: Vero Beach FL
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ranger42c
RO# 32710
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 06:33:32
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quote:
Originally posted by KiDa
The mainship is a very nice boat. Does it rock a lot at anchor? A friend has a 37 Mainship that does. I don't know what your hull design would be. If you are going to go the bridge route, don't rule out the 38 Santego. They are spacious up and down.
In the early days, 34' Mainship "trawlers" (late '70s through late '80s; models I, II, and III; built by Silverton in NJ) were the ones that had semi-displacement hulls with full length keel, skeg, etc. I think they also built a 36' and a 40' version with hulls like that, different deck/cabin arrangements.
Then in the early '90s or so, Mainhsip wandered off on a tangent, built several boats with planing hulls... and I think the 37' models were in that category.
Our Mainhip III didn't particularly rock at anchor.
-Chris
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Selby Bay, South River
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Homeport: Londontowne, MD
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ranger42c
RO# 32710
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 06:37:59
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quote:
Originally posted by JVM225
I like the express style boat for cruising around when others are aboard because you can all still hang out together while you run the boat. I had a boat with a bridge years ago and I always felt like I was the hired help up there while others sat back in the cockpit.
The bridge on the Mainship was comfortable for several folks; if I remember, 6 was easy, 8 still OK.
Actually, I often prefer to be alone up there, depending on conditions.
OTOH, in other ciscumstances, if the guests don't want to be sociable, they can get off. 
-Chris
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Selby Bay, South River
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Homeport: Londontowne, MD
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Veebyes
RO# 11224
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 08:27:25
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I can't ever remember hanging out on the upper deck of that Mainship. For us, in our raftups, it was about aligning boats just right so that it was easy to cross from boat to boat for the little ones & especially after a few libations had been comsumed by the rest of us.
I also believe that the Mainship 34 is a soft chined hull.
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Homeport: Bermuda
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 09:42:38
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The best thing I like about these old Mainships are the looks. I love the older classic downeast style trawler looks.
The only issue with this model is the nonskid is very hard to clean. Not sure what was used as the nonskid, but it doesnt clean easily.
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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RWS
RO# 25075
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 09:53:45
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Three advantages of the express:
1. everyone is together (generally speaking)
2. no windage issues
3. easier to single handle
of course we don't have the benefits of that grat salon, but think about this.....
Where do most of your family & guests want to be while underway?
RWS
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| 1983 Trojan International 10 Meter Twin Yanmar 315 Turbodiesels |
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Homeport: FL
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 10:48:02
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RWS - I thought about what you wrote. 1. I dont want to be near people when Im running the boat. Thats what I hate now about my express. I want to run the boat in piece and quiet. I dont agree about the windage issue. If you have a canvas on an express boat, well that acts like a sail. With the full keel of the mainship, she is not effected by wind that much.
I can see your point on being easier to handle by yourself. If thats the case, I can dock from the lower station, walk back around and do my lines, much like you do with your express.
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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HOGAN
RO# 3813
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 Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 11:07:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Audrey II
I went through the same debate with my wife. She wanted a bridge boat and I wanted an express, she insisted she wanted to space of a motor yacht I told her she just wasn't looking at big enough express boats, guess who won this debate:)
Exact opposite for me. I want the bridge, the wife wants the express.
Guess who won???
If passengers want to talk to the captain of a bridge boat, all they have to do is go up to the bridge!
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1999 Trojan 440 Express
2005 Scout 175 Sportfish
Achilles LEX 96
MMSI# 338049724
Surly to bed, surly to rise... |
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Homeport: SS3 @ PennyBridge Marina, Stony Point, NY
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 11:28:33
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Hogan, that is true. All I have to do is lock the hatch they have to come up through ;)
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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Sandy K.
RO# 3775
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 11:29:38
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I went from a 1997 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer to my current boat, a 37 Egg Harbor convertible. While I'm often times separated from my guests due to the single station helm on the flybridge, the views from up there, along with the spaciousness of the cabin more than make up for it. My decision was simple - I had discovered a love of fishing while owning the Sea Ray, so my next boat had to be more of a fishing boat. It does have all the comforts of home, as that keeps my wife happy. Windage is never an issue, as the weight of the boat is significantly greater than that of an express. The diesels are much easier to maintain than the Mercruisers - which were always giving me one kind of problem or the other. I thought long and hard about which I would enjoy more, an express style layout or flybridge - glad I went with the flybridge.
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| Sandy K. - 2003 37 Egg Harbor - Another Grateful Day |
Edited by - Sandy K. on Mar 13 2012 11:30:49 |
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Homeport: Belmar, NJ
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WALSHIE
RO# 2124
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 13:15:57
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I guess not all fly bridge boats are alike...our bridge seats at least seven, maybe more. When running, normally nobody hangs out in the rear cockpit due to the station wagon effect, lotsa fumes.
I do miss the speed of an express though....once in a while.
BoatCrazy, you have a chance to buy-back the family boat...just do it! The nostalgia alone is worth it. Besides, don't you have a small boat or two (If I recall) for running fast / day trips?
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| Favorite Quote: Don't sweat the petty things...AND...Don't pet the sweaty things!! - Steven Tyler |
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Homeport: Hudson River
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 13:30:56
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Chris - yeah I have a 17 cetner console, and thats all the speed I need. Im really leaning towards buying the family boat back. Very rare that someone can do that. One of my fathers other boats is actually for sale on yachtworld right now. Ive been tracking that boat since 1995.
All I have to do is sell the searay, then I can make my move. No way am I going to be a three boat owner lol
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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ranger42c
RO# 32710
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 16:13:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Veebyes
I also believe that the Mainship 34 is a soft chined hull.
No, not particulrly. At least not the older original models. Don't know about their current 34.
-Chris
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Selby Bay, South River
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Edited by - ranger42c on Mar 13 2012 16:14:12 |
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Homeport: Londontowne, MD
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In the know
RO# 20824
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 17:21:20
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quote:
Originally posted by RWS
Three advantages of the express:
1. everyone is together (generally speaking)
2. no windage issues
3. easier to single handle
of course we don't have the benefits of that grat salon, but think about this.....
Where do most of your family & guests want to be while underway?
RWS
Number one depends on your perspective and is not necessarily an advantage
Number two is a wash in my book assuming both boats are in the hands of a competent operator
Number three is no doubt an advantage of an express.
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The enemy of society - the HUTAL |
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Homeport: The Ocean State
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Veebyes
RO# 11224
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 19:19:30
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Oh I don't know there ITH, most of the Sea Ray type express boat have next to nothing whem it comes to side decks. At best you have to walk like crab & hold on to something because the rails are so low to the point of being useless. The Mainship 34 does have decent width sidedecks & one can actually walk almost normally up the side of the boat without having to hold on.
I'll take the safety of those high rails & flat sidedecks on the Mainship for singlehanding anyday.
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Homeport: Bermuda
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 21:57:34
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If I were to dock from the lower helm, it would be no different then handling an express cruiser. Think about it. The helms are just about even. With the express you still have to walk to the back cockpit to get up to the bow, and same with this boat.
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| "It is what it is and it aint what it aint" |
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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walterv
RO# 12640
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Posted - Mar 13 2012 : 22:41:50
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quote:
Originally posted by In the know
quote:
Originally posted by RWS
Three advantages of the express:
1. everyone is together (generally speaking)
2. no windage issues
3. easier to single handle
of course we don't have the benefits of that grat salon, but think about this.....
Where do most of your family & guests want to be while underway?
RWS
Number one depends on your perspective and is not necessarily an advantage
Number two is a wash in my book assuming both boats are in the hands of a competent operator
Number three is no doubt an advantage of an express.
1- Everyone is together in the salon, flybridge boats have very nice salons where friends an family can comfortable gather without feeling like your in a cave. As far as having people with you when you are driving the boat, my 34c seats 8 to 10 people on the bridge.
2- I agree with that
3- Don't agree, I have no problem singly handling 40.7 foot 13"10" beam fly bridge boat, do it all the time
Matt,
IMHO, once you experience driving a boat on the bridge you will never want to drive it from anywhere else. The visibility is awesome. IMHO, you waste a lot of real estate in the salon having a second helm. My new boat has air and heat on the bridge.
These are just my thoughts, I Know Andy will dis agree about having a helm in the salon, but when you have a 50' boat, you can afford the wasted space.
IMHO,
The advantage of having an express boat is:
Less boat to clean and wax
No height issues with bridges
Outside entertaining is usually much better than a flybridge boat IMHO, although if you have a large bridge, much easier entertaining IMO when you don't have to climb up to a second level.
One is no better than the other, just different. Your boating style is what dictates which choice is better
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And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.
George Carlin |
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Homeport:
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 14 2012 : 12:28:20
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I know its going to be challenging docking a single inboard boat with a full keel, but I think it will be manageable with one person.
I rather loose a little room in the salon and have that second helm. I could see using the lower helm when I am by myself trying to dock behind the house, but more so when backing into a slip. With the extended hard top, I lose visibility.
To be honest, If I was worried about the extra money for cleaning and waxing, I wouldnt be buying a larger boat. Time is on my side. If I spend a few hours washing the boat down on a wednesday or thursday, so be it. I havent had time to enjoy life the last few years.
Im more excited about getting the old mans boat back, and to see his face and my mothers face is going to be absolutely 110% priceless.
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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ranger42c
RO# 32710
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Posted - Mar 14 2012 : 17:53:38
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quote:
Originally posted by walterv
Matt,
IMHO, once you experience driving a boat on the bridge you will never want to drive it from anywhere else. The visibility is awesome. IMHO, you waste a lot of real estate in the salon having a second helm. My new boat has air and heat on the bridge.
We used our lower helm from time to time, and really appreciated having it... especially when the weather sucked. We could at least be running with the heat on in the saloon, staying dry inside during driving rains, etc.
-Chris
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Selby Bay, South River
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Homeport: Londontowne, MD
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ranger42c
RO# 32710
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Posted - Mar 14 2012 : 17:59:23
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quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy
I know its going to be challenging docking a single inboard boat with a full keel, but I think it will be manageable with one person.
I rather loose a little room in the salon and have that second helm. I could see using the lower helm when I am by myself trying to dock behind the house, but more so when backing into a slip. With the extended hard top, I lose visibility.
There are some docking tricks to learn -- especially propwalk, and spring lines!!! -- but if you learn them well it should be all that much more difficult. One crew, easy, except in worst of circumstances. Even then, usually manageable... and if not, for some reason... anchor out for a while :)
Yep, when single-handing, I usually did my initial approach from above, then moved -- at my own pace -- to the lower station for final docking. A door to the starboard sidedeck near the helm (to pick up or set spring lines) would have been nifty... but while not available on the models you're looking at, Mainship did go that route in their follow-on 350/390 series.
-Chris
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Selby Bay, South River
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Homeport: Londontowne, MD
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surprise
RO# 7728
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Posted - Mar 14 2012 : 18:02:00
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Another thing is that the single engine boat is a lot easier to work on. We have a '77 Mainship I and it's pretty easy to do engine service, if you aren't too big, you can actually crawl in beside either side of the engine, and there's plenty of room below the deck to run wiring or whatever. You'll find it isn't too hard to back into the slip most of the time, it will steer in reverse, but you do have to get some sternway up for it to happen. The boat is real easy on fuel, hull is basically a lobster boat hull, it does roll, even though it does have something of a chine that is designed to separate water from the hull and get the boat up on (semi) plane. I don't think you will regret getting the boat, although it is a good thing if you don't mind working on your boat--these boats are getting pretty old and there you will never lack for something to work on.
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Homeport: Hayes, Va.
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mintregila
RO# 13060
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Posted - Mar 14 2012 : 18:14:23
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Before the Viking I had a Trojan with a lower helm. Other than to start the boat, I never ran it from there in 5 years. Someone I know who had the same boat swore by running from below in the AC etc. To each his own. I never even took the windshield cover off all season.
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Mark I - 05 290 Amberjack
90 Viking 38 - Sold
"Perfect Timing" |
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Homeport: Long Beach, NY/Pompano Beach, FL
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walterv
RO# 12640
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Posted - Mar 14 2012 : 19:01:52
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"I rather loose a little room in the salon and have that second helm."
"I could see using the lower helm when I am by myself trying to dock behind the house, but more so when backing into a slip. With the extended hard top, I lose visibility."
I don't know the boat, but if you can look down the stairs on the bridge and see one corner of the boat, that's all you need. The wasted real estate in a boat this size is huge IMHO. If you were a North West boater than I can see the argument on having a helm in the salon.
Just My 2C
Walter
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And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.
George Carlin |
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 15 2012 : 05:14:31
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The helm on the bridge is all the way forward, the stairs going down are just before the end of the hard top, which is at the back of the boat. The angles do not allow one to see down while backing down.
Ill have to take a picture of the salon helm. It really does not take up much room. There is no mounted seat in there. All I really lose is counter space, which is fine for me. It leaves less room for the gf to add her "decorative crap"
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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Veebyes
RO# 11224
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Posted - Mar 15 2012 : 07:40:31
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I do recall the owner of the 34 in the pics commenting on the sightlines aft being poor but the trick was to learn to use what you can see for backing into your slip. Doesn't take much. Singlehanding he would run the boat from the lower station for docking. It takes far less time & is much safer than climbing down a ladder to get to wherever you need to be on the boat.
Comparing to my Albin 32, the Maunship 34 is a little more tender more likely due to about 6" less beam, the soft chines & the 'build down' nature of the keel. One thing missing is a shoe from keel to bottom of the rudder. It is nice to run over lines with impunity & being able to go into the shallows without worry of doing damage to prop or rudder.
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Homeport: Bermuda
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BoatCrazy
RO# 30843
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Posted - Mar 16 2012 : 06:48:48
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Where I dock now (behind my house) I lay starboard to the dock, so only when I stay away somehwere will I need to back into a slip. Im not worried about that at all. I figure if I get the boat, Id take it to a marina where its not busy and just practice for a little bit.
When my father bought this boat new from staten island yacht sales, he ordered it with a custom shoe made for those exact reasons. Here on the south shore, there is no water (depth), so he wanted some protection.
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Homeport: Long Beach NY
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rawidman
RO# 25110
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Posted - Mar 16 2012 : 07:02:55
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Upper and lower helms vs upper only:
It gets cool or cold in most parts of the USA. It also rains in most parts of the USA.
I operate my boat from the flybridge helm 95% of the time. Only a very few times have I chosen to operate from below and even on those occasions, I moved to the upper helm for docking or for critical situations like passing in a narrow channel.
On my last trip out, the two days returning home were cold and windy. It was far more comfortable to operate from the lower helm even though the visibility is not as good. I wouldn't want to give it up for just a bit more cabin room. There's no helm seat for the lower helm, I use a folding director's chair that can be stored when it's not needed.
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Ron
2000 Camano Troll |
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Homeport: Charleston, SC
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ranger42c
RO# 32710
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Posted - Mar 17 2012 : 15:09:19
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Ditto folding director's chair -- of appropriate height.
We had the shoe/skeg, no idea whether it was standard or optional.
We didn't have particularly soft chines; imagine a similar vintage Silverton 34C without the keelson.
Our aft sightlines on the III model were easy; we didnt have the same overhang at least one of the earlier models had. Still the lower helm was important for docking because I couldn't (can't, won't) leap down tall stairs in a single bound...
-Chris
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Selby Bay, South River
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Edited by - ranger42c on Mar 17 2012 15:10:50 |
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Homeport: Londontowne, MD
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Veebyes
RO# 11224
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Posted - Mar 17 2012 : 20:15:51
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There have only been a few days that a lower helm would have been nice for me. My Albin 32 is a great cruiser but it is much more a warm climate boat than a cold climate boat.
The plastics around the helm are fine but trying to see through them in rain is not easy. If I absolutely have to run in the rain I am more than likely going to roll up the plastic right in front of the helm & take it. When it is 80 something degrees rain is refreshing most of the time.
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Homeport: Bermuda
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walterv
RO# 12640
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Posted - Mar 17 2012 : 20:44:20
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Matt,
If you need any help with anything just let me know.
Walter
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And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.
George Carlin |
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