Considering a used convertible

Been debating buying a convertible of 42-51 or a cruiser for boating around Miami. Basically will use it in a triangle from Miami to Bahamas and the Keys. Have traditionally been a high performance boat owner. But, family considerations and desire to scuba and fish as well as cruise (while sleeping comfortable onboard) are driving the new options. Considering:
-Viking
-Cabo
-Riviera (I am friends with a former executive there and have been on many, many models in various weather and have been in the engine room multiple times. Please don’t flame this options as I find the quality to be good and ride to be very comfortable).

I know some of you will simply state: get a Viking. And I’m leaning there. My question is, would you go newer 42 or 45 Viking or older 45/48 for similar amounts? I plan to add a Seakeeper, new electronics, thoroughly overhaul all running and mechanical gear. I may also upgrade soft goods. So, it’s a lot to spend on an older Viking (for awhile I was considering a custom sportfish like Spencer given the costs post close and possible resale).

Cabo seems to be extremely well built and a good mix of cruising comfort and fishing (we will sleep on the boat instead of a hotel). But, I worry about the lack of support now that they are no longer made. I’m considering both the 43 and the 48. Not the 47 given age.

Viking is great. But, the initial costs are high even for a high hour boat that’s been fished hard. And, to get price of mind will require a lot of upfront upgrades. Great service center in Riviera, strong dealer and manufacturer support plus a great owners network. Leaning toward Viking (if I can find a good one).

Riviera seems to a good mixe but the engine rooms are tight and most models (47 G2, 51 flybridge, 45 open) need a few upgrades that make it likely an expensive choice. But, great customer service and a strong and loyal owner network. Won’t fish as well as Viking.

Other option is an express or cruiser from Tiara, Riviera, Cabo or Viking. Leaning toward convertible despite increased cost and maintenance requirements.

I welcome thoughts.

I prefer 3 stateroom, 2 heads with showers. I prefer galley up but not required. Open fly bridge with EZ2C or similar enclosure and AC. Both anchor and marinas. So, water maker and generator reliability is important.

Reliability. Safety. Support and ride are the critical considerations. I am not considering other brands at this time after having looked at and ridden in many others. Though, I am not closed minded if I overlooked something.

thanks.

I’m big on reliability especially in rough water. My background with high performance offshore boats taught me the importance of redundancy and robust construction. I’ll be handling the boat myself, often with my son (pre teen who is obsessed with SCUBA diving). Wife will join on calm days. So, I prefer Cat diesels, redundancy where ever possible and a focus on safety.

I am very, very familiar with Hatt. Can share view offline. I would not feel confident buying a used one.

The specific models I chose all have room for (or came spec’d with) water makers, generators, at least 3 refrigerator drawers and 3 freezer drawers plus options for bait freezers and insulated fish boxes with ice capability. Each has the stateroom and head layout along with the room in the engine compartment for accessing engines and performing maintenance. Also, each has the redundant systems and room to install a Seakeeper (I spoke to Seakeeper and received videos and performance test results on the installs of each of the models I’ve looked at). As for size, bigger is better. But, draft, fuel economy, ease of handling solo is why I’m looking in the 40s and not 50+. But, I take the feedback and will look to see if I’ve overlooked another option.

I had considered larger for dive compressor, tanks, etc. but think my choices will work. But, I’ll go look again.

Pascal - where are you in Miami?

Thanks. I’m really focused on Viking. But, I’m not seeing anything particularly interesting at the moment and I’m prepared to be patient. I may need to buy a late model or new one. I’ve also looked at some used custom sportfish but most have been run hard and need new systems and major upgrades.

I have not been looking at the Bertram.

What year is that? What years were the dozen 46s you mentioned made? I like the 2012/2013 Bertram 540 but I’m still quite focused on Viking.

Where in South Florida?