First of all, want to thank everyone for the wealth of information I've been soaking up on this forum! I'm in market for a 45'-50' MY and looking to spend ~$200k. I'm definitely interested in two different boats: '87 48' Offshore Yachtfisher: http://tinyurl.com/mp5ogm '79 48' Tollycraft MY (now listed at $249k): http://tinyurl.com/mgolyu The Tollycraft is in mint condition with too many add-ons to list. The Offshore is in good condition but will need some work to get it where I want it. There is definitely a difference in price. Opinions on customizing the boat vs. buy and go? Realize this is a personal choice. It's obviously in my head and would like to hear your opinions. Also, any opinions on the reputation of either maker? Thanks! J.P.
Well, what kind of bells and whistles are you talking about? Adding versus already has. Another thing I see a lot of buyers do is buy a boat that needs a good amount of work, that they never can find the time to fix, and never get finished enough to really enjoy, and in the end they get discouraged and sell it. Do you have the dedication to fix up the offshore and time to stay with it?
If you're talking about carpets and electronics I'd go for the Offshore. Structural or motors go for the Tolly. Electronics more than 3 years old is yesterday's technology (Usable, but you'll be buying new soon).
wow, I know Tollys have a dedicated following on the west coast but 249k is near 80's vintage, 53-56-58' hatteras territory. about your original question, a few comments: -when looking at the boat with new upgrades, dont' count them at their costs. Once on a boat, all that stuff isn't worth more than 50 to 60% of their invoice value. -it's obvioulsy cheaper to let somone take that depreciation hit instead of you paying full price. The downside is that you get to pick the exact models and get to install them the way you want. -if buying aboat that you are going to need/want to upgrade, dont' rush into it. Use the boat for a little while and see what you really need. You may end up saving a lot of money when you realize that you probably dont' really need that expensive water maker, megapixel plotter, or... whatever.
Thanks Well, it's all a moot point. My girl did not see the potential with the Offshore. After viewing again, the Tolly is by far a superior vessel and has Cats vs Cummins 555's. Going to sit on it for a little bit and see if that's where I want to go. Thanks