[Tufan]

I am planning to buy a between 38 and 42 ft sport fishing boat to run it as a commercial fishing charter vessel and have about $400K budget. Looking for 97 - 98 and up. I am not a new boater but this is a bit out of my league... After long homework & research I am leaning towards Luhrs 40 express or Blackfin 40 express. I really like Luhrs for engine access and easy maintainability however in the middle of the helm they put the control console, looks bad. I wonder if they have those with side control console. Blackfin is very nice, price tag is too high. I also checked some Ocean Yachts express boats - did like the layout but the one I saw was not that clean... I like the express type so the guest can mingle with the captain have couple of cold one's - comfortable seating at the helm area and there is really easy three steps to aft and fishing chair.My broker in Miami is a real piece of work, he over looks to anythink other than Hatteras or Bertram or Rybovich... Million dolar boats... These are I understand the Mercedes Benz of fishing boats, I am a strong GMC type a guy... $ 400 K wasnt easy to put together however these guys are treating you like you are out there looking for a 18 ft bow rider!Are there any other brand / type strong - easy maintainable sports fishing boats. Inside luxury is no matter to me, I am looking for a fishing machine, simpler the better.Any help?

[LadyFish]

I saw one of these at the boat show last year and they are a solid fishing boat. Not a lot of frills, but a great boat IMHO. Albin. Find it here

[Tufan]

This looks like what would work.I'll check it out right.THANK YOU.

[KCook]

I would urge you to also ask over at www.TheHullTruth.com . Here is just one thread along your lines - Feedback on newer Ocean Yachts Kelly Cook

[snapperbait]

Luhrs and Blackfin.. Both fine boats...My gripe with many of the "express" type boats is that the captain has extreemly poor visability while piloting the boat on plane.. In short, you can't see over the bow! Pilot one, you'll see...Ocean Yacht = "flexible flyer"...I'd not rule out Tiara (side console), Topaz, Rampage, Stamas.. All fine boats.. And with $400K to spend, I'm sure you could find a Hatteras or Bertram in that price range..Brokers......... Worse than used car salesmen...

[DJ]

I hear graet things about Cabo and Albin.

[mattttt25]

check post, egg harbor, cabo.sounds like you need a new broker. a good broker should know what you want, your budget, and find that "right" boat. dump him if you can and go shopping for that service first.

[Tufan]

Kelly thnx for the advise, I will post to that forum also. Snapperbait, Tiarra's are a bit on the fancy side, for my business... Stamas and Rampage does not have deep enough hull, we have high seas here year round. Need a dry ride. But thank you for your advise. I will check the Rampage.Mattttt25, Egg Harbor and Cabo (specially Cabo) very nice boats, tag is too high for my budget. $ 400K I only found some tired used ones...