It just isn't easy anymore

[POINTER94]

Looking to buy a new to me boat. Trying to evaluate quality, who owns who, performance characteristics, construction materials, dimensions, options, etc. it's is always a crap shoot and buyer beware, but it seems that our industry just has a void of useful information regarding specific models. I am hoping I am just not accessing a good source.

A good example would be I am looking for a 30 - 32ft cruiser. I have two kids ages 3 and 4 but I am 6'4". How large are the berths? Never provided. Hull construction is usually some proprietary gibberish. Speed data is usually a third party Internet discussion at best and based on a different engine drive pkg than what I am looking at.

Who has time to drive all over to size up boats when they are 350 miles away in different directions? Is there a source that gives good solid info on specific models?

FWIW I am looking at a 97 Larson 31 cabrio 98 maxum 32scr. 99 Chris craft 320. And a99 Chris craft 308

If anyone know a good web site i would be grateful

 

[JoLin]

Re: It just isn't easy anymore

6' 4" is tough. Have you considered modifying your legs to be removable?

Seriously, I think your best bet would be to find owners' forums for the brands you have in mind and start there. Go to the manufacturers' websites, there's usually a link to their 'community of owners'

As for things like performance, fuel economy, etc... an express cruiser in that class with twin small block V-8's (I wouldn't want sixes) will top out in the neighborhood of 40 mph (amybe a little more) and use roughly 20 gph total (maybe a little less) at cruise. All variable depending on load and water conditions, of course.

Depending on whether you'll overnight at marinas or on the hook, you need to consider how 'self-sufficient' you want to be. Some things to consider is whether you want air conditioning (nice to have). Onboard generator. Type of cooking equipment- I have a 2-burner alcohol/electric stove... we use both depending on where we stay. Electric at the deck, alcohol on the hook. Stuff like that.

Stick around- others will chime in.

 

[emoney]

Re: It just isn't easy anymore

What, John said....

You're probably at the ideal spot to get the scoop, so-to-speak. Might think about re-wording the title to something like, "Help me pick a family cruiser" and then tons of owners will stop by, not salepeople with a desire to sway your opinion. Good luck, while it can be daunting, boat shopping is also exciting, don't forget.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: It just isn't easy anymore

post deleted - didn't read thoroughly.. thought OP was shopping for a NEW boat...

 

[roscoe]

Re: It just isn't easy anymore

Hey Pointer,

Can't help you with the boat questions, but wanted to say hi.
How've you been?

So, you married that girl huh?

congrats.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: It just isn't easy anymore

My suggestion is to find the same make and model you like, locally. Although you don't plan to purchase, it should allow you to see how the fit is. 350 miles is a long ways if you don't fit.

As far as what your looking for, I don't think you will find specific info online, unless and owner of the boat can get it for you. Manufacturers may tought their berth being 6'-4" long, but in actuality that's one little part, and the meat of the berth wouldn't sleep someone 6' tall. You may find some info on construction, but getting into the bilges is where you will see just how well things have held up.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: It just isn't easy anymore

buying a boat that size, you just can't do it on line. You have to get aboard a real boat and climb around. especially with your size, you can't know roominess without being there--try turning around in the head, two people at the galley, getting dressed in the cabin. Real world stuff.

After looking at several, you wil be better able to pick out something on line simlar to what you have seen.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: It just isn't easy anymore

Thanks for the feedback. My stretched frame makes many things interesting, buying a car, flying in airplanes, buying clothes that fit properly...... I just take my boat purchases very seriously in that I tend to own them for a long time. I see opportunity in the used boat market in the 29-33ft sizes that I have never seen in my 40+ years. (Hey Roscoe, yep married the girl and have two kids - 2yr old girl and 4 yr old boy now. Nice to see some of the old guard still around) With the expanding family I need some additional room and conveniences. AC mandatory, generator nice but not required, I really want a windlass but I can always add that later. Sleeping for 6 is what I am gunning for. My ideal boat would be the Cruisers 3375 but it would make me pay more and move outside my comfort zone. I am looking for twin 350's. I know them, can work on them, am comfortable with them and they are (to my knowledge) cheaper to run. I was reading a recent bondo post where he indicated that the alpha drive is fine with the 350, it is the torque at low rpm created by the big blocks that caused the need for the bravo series. Besides if one fails, $1400 and you got a new one. Bravos being considerably more expensive albeit more durable. I have that in the back of my mind. 11ft++ beam is required or close to it. I would love nothing more than to get an old trojan 10 meter but nothing but 454s in there and I like the convenience of outdrives. As well as the performance you can get with them. So I am beginning to close up my options but now I need to get into them. I guess we gas up the truck and hit the marina curcuit.

I have narrowed it down a bit, the Larson 31 Cabrio, The Chris Craft 32sc and the Chris Craft 308, and the Maxum 320SRC. I just can't get into the sea ray thing not that there is anything wrong with them. Dispite the weight savings I don't want a cored hull, at least below the water line. Then there is serviceablity to engines and critical systems, and how the design personally moves me. I do a good majority of my own service work but I have bloodied enough forearms the past several years to know I want some room. So layout is critical to my decision making process.

But I intend to spend many many many weekends on this boat with the family and the room is required. There will be week long trips they can look forward to as well up and down lake Michigan. But, most of the time it will be at the dock but I love to anchor out and just drink in a beautiful night. I also have a little zodiac with a small Johnson outboard for long trips at anchor.

 

[JoLin]

Re: It just isn't easy anymore

Those are all potentially good choices depending on how they're laid out inside.

My '99 C*C 24' express was as well built as any boat I've seen. It was a little spartan inside, but constructiuon and material were all top drawer.

I nearly pulled the trigger on a 1995 Larson 280 when I was shopping, but the 4 Winns had better cabin/overnight accommodations for Linda and I. Still, the Larson was attractive and nicely laid out. If I recall correctly, the 'break-down' dinette table was really long. An owner of a 31 (the owners forums I was talking about) could give you specifics.

It's a shame that Larson deleted their archives section last year, but you can get some info here:

http://web.archive.org/web/20060614181742/http://larsonboats.com/extras/archives.asp

Chris Craft has zero archival info available.

Good luck!