Advice on Trailerable Cruisers

[Tubingluvr]

We are currently planning on buying our first cruiser.
We don't plan on buying for a couple of years.
Need to get an idea of exactly what we want so we can buy a tow vehicle this year and then start looking a little more seriously.
We are thinking nothing under 24'. We would mainly be taking weekend trips and probably island hopping the Great Lakes.
Can anyone explain the differences in different styles...sun bridge, mid cabin,aft cabin,fly bridge etc.
We would be interested in the roomiest cabin area and probably something with a generator as nights spent in a marina would be minimal.
I should mention we would probably have a $12k to $14k budget so we are probably looking at early to mid 80's.
We are not new to boating, we have been doing the bow rider thing for years.
But to spend time on the great lakes has always been our dream.
Kids are almost grown (youngest is 16) so it's time for me and Ma to enjoy our dream now.
I have always been a Sea Ray guy but would like to look at all possibilities.
Any input would be appreciated.

 

[MREMarine]

Re: Advice on Trailerable Cruisers

My wife and I bought a new 2006 Crownline 250CR and Prestigue trailer 3 seasons ago, and have put almost 200 hours on the clock, from our home port of Stillwater, Minnesota to Dubuque, IA - Lake Minnetonka, Lake Superior, Lake of the Woods, etc... its been a wonderful experience.

My advice would be to boost your budget and buy as new as you can afford, you'll save money in repairs, and get more time on the water as a result. With the weak economy, there are great deals out there for clean, low-hour boats in the 25K-30K price range, on good trailers.

You'll need a Suburban or 2500HD style pickup to tow these boats, they get heavy.


Good luck with your dream! Mark from MREMarine