Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

[helodriver]

Hi everyone,
My wife and I are getting closer to take the next step up, from 19` Sea Ray to a cruiser ( 27-29`). I have narrowed it down to 2000-2003 models but there are A LOT of boats out there and now I am looking for some advice/help.
The Sea Rays appares to be a bit overpriced!? How about a Bayliner, good / bad ? Twin vs. single ? It will be kept in the (salt)water so how often should I pull it out with bottompaint, I was thinking of maintenace of the drives etc.?
How are these I/O`s flushed, cleaned ? It seems that some are comming with "rinse kit".
We would like to have aircond. since we live in FL. but how about a gen. set ?
Could I use an external generator ?

As you can tell I have a lot of questions and ANY advice will be helpful!

...in advance, thanks!
Helodriver

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

Hi there hd.

Personally I think the Bayliners in that size range are respectable boats. I would consider one if I were in the market. To be honest, for a boat that size that you intend to leave in the water, I'd go with twin inboards. Why bother yourself with the extra upkeep on outdrives? Bottom paint maintenance is typically an annual item, and as long as you keep up with it, you shouldn't need to worry about it more often than that.

 

[backwater dawg]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

Remember--you get what you pay for--all boats in the years you are thinking
are probably solid--all use the same basic drivetrains--Merc or Volvo--and in a 27-29 ft boat it would be hard to find inboards---outdrives are faster-easier to service and work fine on a planing cruiser--find one that you like the layout on--Searay will cost more than a Bayliner---but it will hold better resale down the road--also don't buy an under powered boat--a lot of people try to save $$$ by scrimping on horsepower--remember you don't have to run wide open--fact is you probably use WOT 2% of the time---but in a boat---pushing water-kids. extra people'
, gear, full water and gas tanks out in the open water, it's a good think to have a little extra---a larger engine running at mid RPM's, probably gets better milage than a smaller one that's running hard--AC--you live in FL---duh---here's the questions---are you going to spend many nights on the boat--if so--where--in the slip?? At anchor?? That would determine if you need a gen--Good luck--Steve

 

[helodriver]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

Thank you guy`s !! I hope that some more will jump on and give the good / bad news about their cruisers.
Helodriver.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

definately gen set, a/c, sewer system with holding tank. have anything you buy surveyed. well worth the money, peace of mind, and negotiating tool.. you have it surveyed, don't take the sellers survey. even with a dealer. twins are nice if doing any off shore cruising.

 

[CAVU V]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

Have you given any thought to a Regal? I have a 2004 2860 and the layout is great for a weekend boat. They have a great optional swim platform extension that can be put on that really makes it nice. I use a Honda generator and it has no problem running the A/C.

I trailer it with no problem

My top speed is 48.9 mph, can't quite make it to 50.

Maybe I am a little biased but you can't go wrong with a Regal.

Dale

 

[CAVU V]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

Forgot one thing on my last post. Helodriver, what did you fly? I flew 53E's and 46's USMC.

Dale

 

[Solittle]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

Don't forget to spec your tow vehicle of you plan to trailer it.

Your best place to get the advice you are looking for is to spend lots of time face to face with owners of boats like what you are thinking of considering. You will find most love to rant +/- about their rigs and are found at marinas all over Fl both public & private.

Guys here at iboats will try to give you the best info they can but keep in mind many if not most are not Fl boaters or have experience in the class boat you are interested in.

 

[JCF350]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

Hi everyone,
My wife and I are getting closer to take the next step up, from 19` Sea Ray to a cruiser ( 27-29`). I have narrowed it down to 2000-2003 models but there are A LOT of boats out there and now I am looking for some advice/help.
The Sea Rays appares to be a bit overpriced!?

sure are

How about a Bayliner, good / bad ?

Same as Sea Ray

Twin vs. single ?

Twin inboard forget about I/O's

It will be kept in the (salt)water so how often should I pull it out with bottompaint

have it pulled once a year

It seems that some are comming with "rinse kit".

get one with a fresh water/closed cooling system

We would like to have aircond. since we live in FL. but how about a gen. set ?
Could I use an external generator ?

Definitely a genset and definitely NOT external


BTW get as much boat as you can for the money never hurts to have a few extra feet in length, makes a BIG difference in roominess and amenities.

 

[bigearl]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

What type of truck do you use to trailer your regal 2860. I am very close to buying a 2006 regal 2765. Do you have any problems getting in and out of the slipway? Thanks

Have you given any thought to a Regal? I have a 2004 2860 and the layout is great for a weekend boat. They have a great optional swim platform extension that can be put on that really makes it nice. I use a Honda generator and it has no problem running the A/C.

I trailer it with no problem

My top speed is 48.9 mph, can't quite make it to 50.

Maybe I am a little biased but you can't go wrong with a Regal.

Dale

 

[The Bear]

Re: Need some advice on 27`-29` cruiser

Take a close look at Chaparral!

I had a 2003 Chaparral 260, it was 27ft, and she had a single Mercury 496 with bravo 3 drive. I owned her for 4 years never a ounce of trouble, my best friend had a Regal 2860 with twin V6?s and my chap would plane faster, would beat his at top end all day long, with better fuel economy, plus maintenance was half the price for me!

She would top out at 54mph with four people on board.

She also had a Generator, with Air and heat, two TV?s, two beds, nice full galley, and full stand up shower/head.

The other thing to consider with duel engines for that small of a cruiser is the lack of space, I had plenty of room to work in my engine compartment even with my Gen, but my friend with the twin V6?s had no room at all and he didn?t even have a Gen.

I loved her so much the only reason we went with regal now is we needed to go bigger with a bigger family and we got a great deal on the regal 9.8 we own now.

In my opinion you can?t go wrong with Chaparral or Regal.