My Next Boat - Need Recommendations

Lakesponge

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Jan 1, 2000
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My wife and I are long time power boaters, currently located in Albany NY. Our last boat was a 33' sport cruiser that worked well for inland lakes and the Great Lakes. We now want to experience coastal cruising starting in the North East and eventually moving South.

We have determined two-boat models suit our needs, and with most other considerations in boating there are compromises. We have recently rented several boat styles and have come to the conclusion that we are really interested in a trunk (aft cabin) fast trawler or a sedan fast trawler.

By ‘fast' I mean two engines and with a cruise in the upper teens with a top end above 20 knots. I don't want to get into a discussion of single vs twins. We made that decision. Same with the length – has to be more than 40' and less than 50'.

The other must haves include a fly bridge, 42'-48' in length, a galley capable of supporting cruising (storage and refrigeration), generator and in good condition – we're thinking 2003-2009 model year. Budget range is $225k to $270k depending on condition and attributes. We'd like to think we'd keep this next boat for at least 10 yrs.

We prefer to have two toilets, two staterooms and a bow thruster. Helm down below is not a requirement.

We have been on and have read about several Albins (40 NSC and 45 Command Bridge) and have not been impressed with their quality (example – multiple hatch and window leaks causing greater issues).

We have been on several Beneteau 44' Swift trawlers and there is not enough galley space or storage – just didn't like the boat.

We seriously looked at a Mikelson 43' (two heads) which was heavily used (window and wall leaks) and decided not to go in that direction.

We have been on several Mainship 40' and 43' sedans and found them well used, but not as durable (broken hardware and excessive cracks at stanchion bases) as we had hoped, but ok – would only consider the 43'. We have been on two Mainship 43' trunks and they seemed ok, except I don't know about their cruising speed with the standard 370 HP Yanmars and fully loaded. These also had what we though were excessive cracks at the stanchion bases.

We're not interested in a Carver or Silverton, no need for that kind of speed and want more of a traditional feel and look. We saw the 2007 Mariner 37 Seville Pilothouse on another forum, like the layout but would have to compromise speed. Any other suggestions along this type, but with a bit more speed?

I'm looking for suggestions and comments on either of the vessels named or recommendations of other manufacturers I should look at. We are ready to buy once we find the right boat. We have spent a small fortune looking for the right boat since last July and would rather spend the money in diesel fuel cruising.

I appreciate any assistance and advice, and I do know some of you have strong opinions. We're willing to look just about anywhere on the East Coast or Great Lakes.

Jim
 
You should look at Navigators and Ocean Alexanders.
The cruising speed of those boats is about 17-20 knots.
Grand Banks are also great boats to be considered but they have lower cruising speed.
 
As an Albin owner I'd sure reconsider that 45 Command Bridge. I know very few were built before Albin went bust. I have a 1996 32 Command Bridge. Even that makes for one heckuva cruising boat for a couple. The 45 is a 32 on steroids. Looks like you want to do some cruising but want some giddy up & go. Fair enough. That 45 will do that. What impressed me about the 45 is the whopping huge galley area. Very important for cruising. If memory serves correct it also has a freshwater capacity that exceeds trawlers of similar size. Also very important for cruising. The 45 is not a true flybridge but that is OK. The sidedeck is just a few steps down & they are uber wide sidedecks making it a very easy boat to handle around docks.

I would not be put off by poorly bedded ports. They can be redone easy enough.

Had a look at the North Sea Cutter as well. As much as I like Albins that boat did not impress me at all. No doubt a fantastic sea boat with that narrow hull but all the room is gone.

You may not be aware of it but Albin also produced a 36 Fast Trawler. It has a flybridge & has an appearance more of what is called a sedan trawler. smaller than what you specked but worth a look. One of the really nice things about it is the galley up & aft.

Out of your budget, but you never know, always worth a look maybe something like a Sabre 43 Express. Have a friend who owns one. A very nice boat. Quick too. Cruises at around 28kts.

Whatever you do, keep an open mind. Keeping an open mind, here is a builder for you. Also out of production but they used to produce great coastal cruisers. Harbour Mastere. Got another friend who has a diesel powered 40 that he has run from FL to Bahamas numerous times. If gunkholing is your game, this is the boat. Less than 3' draft. Warning! A Harbourmaster won't win any beauty contests.
 
We have seen several Navigators in the Bahamas and been on a couple of them. The layout is good and they haul the mail. I know because they regularly outran us. We are in an '85 43 Hatteras M/Y and sometimes I wish we were in a Navigator.
But, I will challenge the need to run at 20K. By going with a twin trawler the engines are not exotic Volvo's or otherwise high strung.
DeFever is very popular and offers quite a bit of space for upgrades etc.. Far more of those show up over here in the Bahamas.
 
"I’m looking for suggestions and comments on either of the vessels named or recommendations of other manufacturers I should look at. We are ready to buy once we find the right boat. We have spent a small fortune looking for the right boat since last July and would rather spend the money in diesel fuel cruising."

Hello Jim,
After carefully reading your needs/wants I would suggest you look at the 47 Bayliner and/or 49 Meridian. I have owned 3 of them (own one now) over the years and they meet or exceed each one of your required points. If you need more information about them I am sure I can send you whatever you are looking for as I have much stuff here ate home including the original brochures.
You will likely need to spend less to get the boat but you would have more left to customize and then use it if you were so inclined.

Good luck with your search and hope this helps
 
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Perhaps take a quick peek at the older Offshore 48 Yachtfishers? Even with t/cat 375's, cruise speed apparently is only around 16kts (don't know top end), but it appears to have most of the features on the list. That's about 2 kts less than a Navigator 4800 18kts mfgr.-claimed cruise if fitted with t/ Yanmar 6CX.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/199...06131/Knoxville/TN/United-States#.VqL_6nn2Y5s
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1989/Offshore-48-Yachtfisher-2888934/Scituate/MA/United-States#.VqMC53n2Y5s ( this link has a layout diagram in the gallery)
 
Wow....that 1990 Offshore is a beauty! Never heard of it before. That is why I love this forum. Learn something every time I log on.
 
These are all great suggestions. I never heard of a Yachtfisher - what a beautiful boat!

Jim
 
It is but for that size I'd rather have a single 50A shore power cord than twin 30's. Two ACs chew up quite a bit of current. All of the major appliances look to be 120v. Otherwise, plenty of room. Good beam size.
 
"It is but for that size I'd rather have a single 50A shore power cord than twin 30's"
A good point - one of the needs that was on our search list (either have or update)

Another set of needs was to take notice of both the draft and the air clearance numbers. If you want to continue to visit the great lakes and/or do the loop at some point having those two numbers in mind will make sure you are not disappointed.
Some of the boats we liked had too much height or too much draft to allow those trips. Or in some cases they just used too much fuel to make the distances possible in either range or costs.

Good luck with your search and hope this helps
 
Carvervirgin, there are two 55' Offshores in Malletts Bay! Both at Champlain Marina. Gorgeous boats.
 
Nancy, now that you say that, I realize I know the owners and have been on one of them. I didn't put that together. Thanks
 
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