Hello all, please help me buy a boat.
First post here on the forum. I look forward to reading any and all responses. A little background:
My family has frequented the Pacific NW for over 18yrs vacationing in the summer months, getting our fair share of leisure boating, fishing and cruising. We earned our stripes through the school of hard knocks and hard experiences as do most who come into the blue with no formal training. A power squadron and sailing course drove some knowledge into our heads about what to expect, how to react and the formalities of effective navigation, communication and knot tying, among other skills.
We first came up with a smaller 18ft pleasure craft, and learned quickly that it was much to small for the endeavours we sought. We sold it and bought an old and weathered 23ft Sangster. This boat had been used by a local old-timer and had approx. 3500hrs on it when we bought it. It has served us very well and we got a few great years out of it, but needless to say, the old Sangster (Fishbin) is ready to call it quits, and so are we. It's time for an upgrade!! The family has grown significantly in 18 yrs, there are children with children now, and more and more ppl lfrom the prairies like to tag along for the family vacation.
I am expecting to use this new boat as a family cruiser (maybe 12 ppl on board max but not frequently), a fishing vessel, and probably to be the last boat we buy (for awhile anyways). It won't see alot of weather, as we're protected by significant island masses, but in a few years we may decide to cruise on up/down the coast line on some longer more adventurous activities, and may encounter significantly more chop.
Now, I know there is a huge difference but I want to leave it fairly open. I am thinking a 28 to 38 ft. cabin cruiser/command bridge/pilot house would be ideal, but am open to any suggestions. If you are a firm believer that a Sunbridge is the way, please tell me why. As there are an abundance of options, the one's I am most interested in are: 1. Boat make/model 2. Power (engine type) 3. Leg (e.g. Bravo III) 4. Fuel economy 5. Cruising speed 6. Anything you think is important.
Also, if you want to add things to stay away from, this is welcomed and much appreciated (e.g. Bayliner 2858 is underpowered with 350 need 454). I know I could go to a salesman and he could tell me what he wants me to buy, but I prefer and respect a good honest, thoughtful repsponse as this will be a guide us to many more enjoyable family outings.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Happy boating.
First post here on the forum. I look forward to reading any and all responses. A little background:
My family has frequented the Pacific NW for over 18yrs vacationing in the summer months, getting our fair share of leisure boating, fishing and cruising. We earned our stripes through the school of hard knocks and hard experiences as do most who come into the blue with no formal training. A power squadron and sailing course drove some knowledge into our heads about what to expect, how to react and the formalities of effective navigation, communication and knot tying, among other skills.
We first came up with a smaller 18ft pleasure craft, and learned quickly that it was much to small for the endeavours we sought. We sold it and bought an old and weathered 23ft Sangster. This boat had been used by a local old-timer and had approx. 3500hrs on it when we bought it. It has served us very well and we got a few great years out of it, but needless to say, the old Sangster (Fishbin) is ready to call it quits, and so are we. It's time for an upgrade!! The family has grown significantly in 18 yrs, there are children with children now, and more and more ppl lfrom the prairies like to tag along for the family vacation.
I am expecting to use this new boat as a family cruiser (maybe 12 ppl on board max but not frequently), a fishing vessel, and probably to be the last boat we buy (for awhile anyways). It won't see alot of weather, as we're protected by significant island masses, but in a few years we may decide to cruise on up/down the coast line on some longer more adventurous activities, and may encounter significantly more chop.
Now, I know there is a huge difference but I want to leave it fairly open. I am thinking a 28 to 38 ft. cabin cruiser/command bridge/pilot house would be ideal, but am open to any suggestions. If you are a firm believer that a Sunbridge is the way, please tell me why. As there are an abundance of options, the one's I am most interested in are: 1. Boat make/model 2. Power (engine type) 3. Leg (e.g. Bravo III) 4. Fuel economy 5. Cruising speed 6. Anything you think is important.
Also, if you want to add things to stay away from, this is welcomed and much appreciated (e.g. Bayliner 2858 is underpowered with 350 need 454). I know I could go to a salesman and he could tell me what he wants me to buy, but I prefer and respect a good honest, thoughtful repsponse as this will be a guide us to many more enjoyable family outings.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Happy boating.