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Choice of Boat?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Lawman, Jul 3, 2014.

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  1. Lawman, Jul 3, 2014
    #1
    Lawman

    Lawman New Member

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    Jul 2, 2014
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    Location:
    Central, Texas
    Hi All,
    New here to the forum. Since I am not sure as to the type/configuration of boat I want/need I am posting here.

    First let me say I have searched and perused this forum, and talked to other boat owners. Since there is a wealth of knowledge here at my fingertips I thought I would ask the group about the type and size of boat/yacht/ship to consider.

    I grew up along the Texas coast and have been around boats all my younger life; I am 52. However, we have never owned anything larger than 25' and have not had one in the past 20 years. I would like to bring that joy to my family and grandchildren and now may be in a position to do so in the next 2-4 years. (maybe I am too early).

    I am willing to spend <= 600K. I do realize that the maintenance will run around 10% of that cost per year. My plan is to dock this boat next to my house on the coast.

    Right now, we would want to take family and/or friends on fishing trips (bay or offshore), but simply taking them for a weekend trip is wanted as well. I guess fishing and entertaining would have equal priorities. I like the idea of 3 staterooms, tower, multiple control stations, nice salon, dinghy, but do I need that? I have looked on yacht world, but the can't seem to find the right mix.

    Please point me in the right direction. It is hard not to want the biggest boat I see, but ....

    -mark
  2. 1000 islands, Jul 3, 2014
    #2
    1000 islands

    1000 islands Member

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    I would go to the next boat show and get on/in some of the big boats. Get a feel for what they have in the way of room and comfort.

    Then once you have an idea what you do & don't want, start looking.

    Good Luck and welcome, you'll find a world of information and help here.
  3. Caltexflanc, Jul 3, 2014
    #3
    Caltexflanc

    Caltexflanc Senior Member

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    Location:
    North Carolina
    There are a variety of nice charter sport fishing boats all along the Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi coasts. Go out on a few, have fun, pick the captain's brain about boats.
  4. Jas0381, Jul 3, 2014
    #4
    Jas0381

    Jas0381 New Member

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    Channel Islands, Ca.
    Choice of Boat

    Be prepared for many perspectives.

    For what you have written, comfort should be a big factor. Did I say big?
    Being comfortable on board may well spell out your boating future. Too small and accompanying tight quarters will cramp future voyages. In my case, the admiral had plenty to say about it and I definitely wanted her involved from the beginning.

    We attended boat shows for four years and in the end it was a compromise from every point of view. Our big boat did not have everything that I wanted yet, it was full of creature comforts for my bride. As a result, this last boat, my sixth and the largest so far, gave us four wonderful years with no major repair issues and accompanying headaches.

    Since we sold her in August, the hunt is on again. Bigger and a more recent model (used) is the consensus. Fuel burn will be a big part of the decision and resale values will be huge. Anything without a pilothouse is out of the question; that's just our boating preference considering where we go and the weather.

    There is so much more. There are endless opinions and even more info to digest. All that mentioned, even the chase is exhilarating.

    Have fun!

    Joe
  5. Capt J, Jul 4, 2014
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    You're going to be looking at around 65' to find the right mix, but that is going to be a real eye opener when it comes to operation and costs. An older 60' Hatteras enclosed bridge is currently for sale with a tower and dinghy. A early 2000's 65' Viking also comes to mind. That 70' Huckins mentioned here is another one, but be looking for repower it.
  6. Old Phart, Jul 4, 2014
    #6
    Old Phart

    Old Phart Senior Member

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    I dunno
  7. Lawman, Jul 6, 2014
    #7
    Lawman

    Lawman New Member

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    Location:
    Central, Texas
    Thanks for the replies. Have much to consider. I did look at the 65 Donzi. Admiral says its too big. We have a couple of years and lots of looking to do

    Thanks again.
  8. NYCAP123, Jul 6, 2014
    #8
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    In that location and with those criteria I'd immediately forget the "multiple control stations". You have a smart Admiral. The ideal boat will probably be around 50', however I'd bring that down to around 45/46' because you'll probably be required (by your insurance company) to hire a captain your first season or two as soon a 5 or more becomes the first number. I'd limit my search to SF or convertables. Are speed and long range important to you? The answer to that will either add or take away some of the more expensive boats. Do you expect to be out fishing in whatever weather comes along or be a fair weather sailor? That could mean the difference between shopping for a Silverton and a Viking or such.

    Also, don't depend too heavily on that 10% expense rule. That averages out. Someone gets caught doing things like replacing/ rebuilding motors at 30K - 60K each and that will blow a tight budget fast. We had one guy come on here who had that while bringing his boat home right after buying. I had a client it happened to after 13 hours.