upgrading

GeorgeKohler

GeorgeKohler

Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2015
RO Number
33821
Messages
159
We're thinking of upgrading to a small cruiser this summer. Current boat is a 22' runabout, we've had it for about 5 years. We keep it it the yard and trailer back and forth to raystown. New cruiser would be slipped. I like Chaparral, Regal, and FourWinns, James says we can get more boat for our money with a bayliner. What should I look at, and what should I stay away from? I think at least a 28 footer will be needed, for me, James, and the 2 boys (5 and 7). Would like to spend the weekends on it during the summer.
 
I suppose, before any discussion can begin, you should decide on a price range &/or new or used.
Given that, any advice can be narrowed toward your questions.
 
If you're into water sports with your runabout you'll find a difference doing those kind of activities with a cruiser. Obviously it doesn't plane as fast or turn as sharply and if it does sometimes things can fly around a bit.

If you go the cruiser route and would still like to go tubing wakeboarding etc you may want to consider a dinghy or seedoo capable of those sorts of things.
 
Whatever you decide on, make sure you get a survey for boat and motor.
Look at interiors regarding what pleases all of you.
IMHO, get the largest engine & HP possible. Reasoning, large displacement works less; small strains far more often!
Off shore at all? Think seriously about twins.
 
I think that when looking for a used boat in that size class, and price range, you are better off finding something where you can get a balance between what best suits your need, and what is in the best condition.
Two different brand new boats can leave two different manufacturers factory's on the same day with a big price difference, features, or perceived quality.
But several years later the boat that cost less when new can be a better value than the one that was more expensive initially, but not maintained as well.
 
Better sit down & ask yourself what is important. You can't have it all.

Speed needs a big engine & lots of gas tank space to feed it. Slow thrifty diesel does not need much space for engine or fuel tank. Leaves more space for things like batterys & freshwater tankage. Do you have a long distance to go to get 'there'? Do you want to have to hang on tight skipping across the water at 30 to get there in a half hour or does chugging along sedately at 8-10 for an hour & a half while able to do stuff onboard as you cruise along sound more appealing?

Will you be content to have an express cruiser which looks like every other express cruiser or would you like to have something different from everyone else? Make a mistake in choice & it will be costly. There are very few <30' boats that can handle any more than 2 comfortably for an overnight.
 
I spent several summer vacations on Raystown Lake back when the National Park Service operated the camping grounds-back in the 70's. Forget about diesels as the upfront cost would never justify the expense with a 6-7 month seasons. Twins...not sure that would be worth the added expense either. Bayliner, despite the naysayers, gives you a lot of bang for the buck-in freshwater and properly maintained, will give you many years of enjoyment. The other boats you mention, with the exception of Regal are all good production boats that should provide you years of pleasure. Regal, IMHO, is a step above the other boats, but again, on a used boat, how it was previously loved is more important than the badge. Sit down, consider what is important to you at this point, and look at what is available that most closely meets those needs. If you make an error, no worry....you will be buying the next boat in 3-5 years and will have a better idea of what you what at that time. Good luck and happy hunting!!
 
Spending weekends on a boat on a lake or river speed becomes less important while family comfort and the ability to use associated water toys such as jet skis, canoes and small boats for kids become more important. I suggest you consider how you will use the boat. If it is to be a weekend home then a houseboat style is better suited than some macho idea of blasting around .
 
I believe it's a good idea to pay a little extra for a boat a brand that is respected for it's pedigree. You'll get your money back on the resale and you'll get a quality boat to enjoy. Buying the brand that's not respected in an effort to save money... well I wouldn't do it.IMO
 
quote:
Originally posted by mrknowitall

I believe it's a good idea to pay a little extra for a boat a brand that is respected for it's pedigree. You'll get your money back on the resale and you'll get a quality boat to enjoy. Buying the brand that's not respected in an effort to save money... well I wouldn't do it.IMO

Click to expand...


Which of the brands that he mentioned are "not respected"?
 
It looks like you want to do a couple of nights on the boat with two children and two adults, that's how I ended up with my boat. The move up to a cruiser will give you that and if you stay 25ft to 27ft you can stay with one engine. If you go bigger and end up with a twin engine boat that's where things change a lot. The smaller cruisers will still do water sports and give you a usable cabin. The brand name of the boat you buy isn't as important as what you get in the boat. Ask yourself if you want to still trailer and do water sports or you want room and amenities? I think you'll find 60K will get you what you're looking for.
Rob
 
Look at as many boats that meet your requirements, in your price range, and pick the one that best suits your needs. Brand is the last thing that should be considered.

When you decide, make the sale contingent on the boat passing a survey and hire the best surveyor you can find.
 
Exactly. Especially used boats because, with used boats it all depends on the degree of care and maintenance given.
 
Do I need a generator or can I last on a couple of batteries if we anchor in a cove overnight instead of staying at the docK?
 
"Do I need a generator or can I last on a couple of batteries if we anchor in a cove overnight instead of staying at the docK?"

That depends entirely on what you plan to run on the boat. You certainly do not need a genset for a few lights and maybe a stereo or small TV. Once you start to think about cooking with any electric or a full time refrigerator or other heavier appliances you are in the middle of either might work. I you want or need electric heat or A/C you must have some form of genset.

Hope this helps
 
"Look at as many boats that meet your requirements, in your price range, and pick the one that best suits your needs. Brand is the last thing that should be considered"

"Exactly. Especially used boats because, with used boats it all depends on the degree of care and maintenance given."

Agree 100% with Hogan and Bruce
 
Oh, never thought about AC while out on the hook. Does Ac work without a generator when the engine is on? If I don't have a generator, can I just start up the motor every once in a while to recharge the batteries?
 
Genny required for A/C. Should have two batteries; one for starting engine; other for stereo, etc.
 
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