Researching to buy Carver Voyager 56, 2006

You're describing a very distinct possibility, but a Carver isn't going to melt in those conditions, it's just going to be more uncomfortable than a more seaworthy boat, and you might need to replace some cabinet hinges if it happens.

I agree, to a point. With internet weather, it's easy to predict the Gulf stream conditions days in advance. (The "stormsurf" website provides excellent wave prediction data ... I use it all the time ... keeps the divorce lawyers off my back!). Maybe 50% of the time, you can make the crossing in darn near any boat. 60% of the time a Carver is easy. 70% of the time, a middle of the road boat might be appropriate. 80% of the time, it's easy, if you've got a blue water beast. 10% of the time it's uncomfortable in most anything but a cruise ship. (I'm making up the percentages, but you get the idea)

All I'm saying is that rough water ability is an amenity, not necessarily a necessity. If you are cooking in the galley 45 days a year, and you might cross the Gulf Stream 2 days a year, then the galley might get heavier weight when selecting a boat. If you have a case of "getthereitis", then you better have a rough water boat, even if it means a few cold meals.

It's tough to help somebody pick a boat, particularly with the limited information you get with a forum posting.

As to steel and Bering. I'm not by any means a trawler expert, but one thing I'd suggest is some chartering. Charter something that will emulate a Bering as close as possible, that will only go that speed and spend a week finding out if you miss the speed of your Bluewater. The Marlow and Grand Banks will pretty much go the speed of your current boat, maybe a little faster. Also, I'm not going to argue that steel or glass is better, just they're different. Your maintenance issues are much different. The steel boat requires some things that the glass doesn't. On the other hand if you run into some rocks the steel is likely to handle that better.

As to the Marlow and resale value versus the Bering, I think that would be very difficult to predict.

Ocean Alexander 60 was a very popular boat. The construction quality has varied, as has that of Marlow. It's a matter of looking it over, reviewing the service records and then getting a very good survey.

I'm the one who asked about the speeds of your current boat as based on your current situation I don't see that you'd have a problem enjoying 12 knots. I don't know how you'd feel stepping down to under 10 knots.

As to no limitations, there is no such thing. But some of these models you're considering are likely to reduce your limitations and add to your comfort level.

But then you can have both. As to amenity vs. necessity, they have to think of their use. If they plan on six months at a time in the Caribbean, then more likely necessity. If they only plan a weekend trip to the Bahamas once or twice then perhaps just an amenity.

One has to choose for themselves but the reason I asked questions of the OP was at least to get a better idea of what she has been boating on and probable use in the future.

Just curious, is this the 2010 Bering 55 trawler?

2010 BERING YACHTS Ocean Trawler Long Range Cruiser Power Boat For Sale

I've seen 6 footers in my Carver 355, not comfortable but not dangerous either.
I've crossed the Gulfstream to West End and have waited out the weather for a couple of days to do so safely. My Carver is a compromise. I've got tons of room and the admiral loves it so we use it more. We do 18 kts so weather forecasts are pretty accurate at that speed.

If price is no factor buy the biggest fastest heaviest boat you can. For me I bought what I could afford and what made the Admiral happy.

Wow. 6 footers in a 355. I got in 5 footers in my 355 once and don't ever want to do it again. It did handle it. But I had to dry out both mattresses and the hardwood floor in the galley. Not a fun trip. I encountered the same in my 450 and it did fine but still much fun. I personally will always watch the weather close from now on.

It's really a matter of intended use. You say "Not comfortable but not dangerous either." Well, we like comfort too if possible. Living in South Florida and liking to travel outside plus trips to the Keys and trips to the Bahamas, I want any boat I buy to cruise to handle 6' well and that includes reasonable comfort. Beyond 6' then I expect it not to be comfortable. Today through Thursday of this week is a pretty good period for Fort Lauderdale. Yet, later this afternoon and tonight is 3 to 5 with occasional 6. Wednesday night is 2 to 4 building to 4 to 6 and occasional 8 after midnight in the gulf stream. Thursday is 5 to 7 and occasional 9 in the gulf stream. Bahamas are 3 to 5 all week, 4 to 6 Wednesday, 5 to 7 Thursday. On the whole this is a relatively mild week for this area.

We are not ICW cruisers. We will occasionally do so but the vast majority of our cruising is outside.

You actually have a lot of restrictions on the Bering, besides the draft. TIME is going to be a huge restriction. If you're going to make it to the Carribbean there are a lot of 180NM+ legs. Long Island to Providenciales (which I wouldn't take a 6' draft in there, at least without a pilot), Providenciales to Puerta Plata/ocean world, Samana to San Juan.....etc etc.......Are you prepared to do 24 hours legs and stand watch at the helm the entire night? Are you very good at ready radar and navigating at night? If you get stuck in the soup because a storm pops up, you're going to be stuck in it for a good while. At least on a faster boat, you can probably run somewhere and get out of it until it passes.