Second Happiest Day . . .

[alldodge]

Go figure, manufactures like Formula sells a boat for 500K and starts using cheaper vinyl. Like you, my 94 Formula vinyl is still holding up but plan to have captains chair reupholstered do to wear but nothing is coming apart.

 

[Lou C]

I found this was true with aftermarket seats. Wise seats used to be good quality, but they started using thinner vinyl and staples that rust like crazy.

 

[tpenfield]

Still working on a few potential boats . . .

I am running into a bit of a pattern . . . people who say they love their boat, but they are selling them

 

[alldodge]

I am running into a bit of a pattern . . . people who say they love their boat, but they are selling them

I'm sure there can be a good reason but would have to hear it, otherwise there is other things

I've been looking around myself, just to see if I can find something that will work better. The one thing I won't do (as of this date) is get anything with CATs

 

[Lou C]

Once you start looking at the price of parts for late model inboard engines you realize the inexpensive inboard alternative does not exist for new boats. Once they price themselves up with outboard parts, why put up with their inherent drawbacks?

 

[tpenfield]

Yes, CATS have really changed the game. They are really meant for fresh water, as the good salt water alternatives are fewer. My long term plan with a new boat would be to add a bracket and transition to OB's

 

[poconojoe]

We looked at a few boats over the past few days . . .

A couple of surprising take-aways. Vinyl upholstery isn't what it used to be.

We saw both a Cruisers and a Formula that had seam tearing/separation issues on 5-6 year old boats. Looks to be from normal wear, not abuse.

I am wondering if the manufacturers are finding some of the new materials not holding up like that more traditional vinyls. The issue on the Cruisers seemed more like a defect or poor choice of thread as it was all coming apart vs. tearing.

My reference point is my Formula 330, which the vinyl and stitching held up well for 20 years, then needed replacement. Is the new 'standard' 5-10 years 'til replacement ???

Is it possible someone used harsh cleaners that lead to the failure of the threads?
Just a thought...

 

[tpenfield]

Is it possible someone used harsh cleaners that lead to the failure of the threads?
Just a thought...

Anything is possible . . . I am thinking that the wrong type of thread was used or mixed in with the regular UV resistant thread. Sun exposed areas are the worst.

 

[Scott Danforth]

arsenic is no longer used in thread, foam, vinyl or wood treatment for anti-microbial.

so todays product is not as good as the products from 15 years ago.

 

[tpenfield]

This is what's happening for the next adventure . . . The Admiral is getting her boat
Cruisers 338 CX - Merc 6.2L 350 HP Seacore engines.

 

[Scott Danforth]

This is what's happening for the next adventure . . . The Admiral is getting her boat
Cruisers 338 CX - Merc 6.2L 350 HP Seacore engines.

View attachment 351165

Nice looking boat.......back to first happy day

 

[alldodge]

Nice ride there Ted

 

[Lou C]

Gorgeous! Gonna get it out a few times before the end of the season?
This next week is going to be great boating weather for October here in Long Island….after the storm out in the ocean clears out..

 

[tpenfield]

Thanks guys - I am sooo happy to be staying with Mercruiser engines . . . and they are are the newer tech, and have full closed cooling.

 

[tpenfield]

Gorgeous! Gonna get it out a few times before the end of the season?
This next week is going to be great boating weather for October here in Long Island….after the storm out in the ocean clears out..

I still have the sea trial and the survey to do and then transport it to my home port. I have no plans on using the boat this year. Will be going through it over the winter and prepping it in the spring.

 

[alldodge]

What year is it?

 

[tpenfield]

What year is it?

2016 w/ 250 hours - Joystick docking.

 

[alldodge]

2016 w/ 250 hours - Joystick docking.

CATs and get to show everyone you can dock easy peezy.

Before, you could show them you can dock like a pro without the joystick

 

[nola mike]

Where is it living now?

 

[tpenfield]

We looked at boats on Cape Cod, Upstate New York, and Long Island NY. This one is on Long Island.

We had a long list of potential boats . . .
Cruisers Yacht 328/338
Formula 330 CBR
Chaparral 327/337
Cobalt 336/R35

the Cruisers being our top choice. I eliminated the Cobalt due to the more pronounced downward slope of the bow (i.e. 'lake' boat). The Admiral eliminated the Chaparral because of the cabin layout. We did not like the cabin access of the Formula as much as the Cruisers.

Fortunately, there were 3-4 Cruisers in the 2015-2017 model year range on the market. We put an offer on one of them that did not pan out, but were able to reach a deal on the second one.

Now, onto the survey and sea trial.