Upgrade choices?

[wkearney99]

We're looking to replace our current 34' express cruiser. I'm partial to the 'picnic boat' style of the Grand Banks Eastbay series. We're not looking for new, but something since 2007.

We're looking for two staterooms (master and bunks ok) and the ability to be used for comfortable weekends overnight. We're looking for faster than displacement (trawler), but want to switch away from the express cruiser styling. We're looking to stay under 48' LOA to avoid moving to a new marina.

My question is which boats have offered an enclosed lower helm along with an open flybridge? The GB Eastbay and the Hinckley Talaria are two I've come across, what else?

 

[pdecat]

I have no experience with picnic style boat but offer the observation that a lower helm takes up a lot of living space in that size boat.

IMO picnic boats are not designed as cruisers with lots of living space. I know they look pretty but consider aft cabin boats for comfortable living. An enclosure can be added to an upper helm area leaving space for what you actually do in the boat.

 

[Mike_R]

Back Cove, Sabre, Legacy.