Time to do lots of homework on purchase

If I had to do that I would go with a 48' Sea Ray 1998-2002. I had a 1998 480 and loved it. They really are great boats! Easy to operate and maintain. I went out a lot by my self and did just fine in most conditions. I really think that you would be happy with the boat in all. As to the car reference, I would say that the Sea Rays are more like the Caddies. There are a ton of them and the are built a little bit above average.

Best of Luck,

Keith

How about a 42 flybridge azimut year 2000.

see below:

2000 Azimut 42 FLYBRIDGE Motor Boot te koop - nl.**************

How about doing a deal on a McKinna?

http://www.yachtworld.co.uk/core/listing/boatMergedDetails.jsp?boat_id=1969566&ybw=&units=Feet&currency=USD&access=Public&listing_id=74997&url=

To start with - there's 3,000 miles of hard surface earth between that boat and San Francisco... and that's before we get to the part about being an Azimut!

They're all Chevy's, but that's ok. Every boat has a purpose. You just have to find the one that matches yours. From what you say I'd go for the Carvers. They're not the best boat and certainly not the most sea-kindly boat, but they have an attractive floor plan and probably more space than any you've mentioned. They're well suited for living aboard and entertaining, and within your price range. I'd stay far away from a 42 Azimut, in fact any Azimut. I won't go into the reasons here. There are several threads on YF that explain it well.

I was using that boat as an example.
I dind't look at it's location.

Seems like a lot of Americans dont really like the Azimuts.

Are Searays that much better in construction and wiring?

Welcome to YF! I would disagree that all boats are "Chevys"... The difference in quality between Carver (Chevy) and Sea Ray (Caddy) are noticeable. While neither is the Rolls Royce of the boating industry, I feel that a Sea Ray would be perfect for your needs as some others have discussed. Being that you are a new boater, I would suggest starting around the 40' mark rather than going straight to a 45-50'. The Sea Ray sedan bridge is exactly what you are looking for, or even a Luhrs/Silverton would be suitable. My girlfriend's parents have their 40' Sea Ray sedan bridge on the market - link is below - to give you an idea. It seems to satisfy all of your requirements.

Jensen Yacht Sales, LLC (Old Saybrook, CT)

Hope this helps.

Aviator

Oh, and stay away from that older Azimut!

There are a couple of Offshore's and OA's in the Bay Area worth a look. I'd be preferential to a trawler than I would a planning boat considering your needs.

What about a houseboat? (Duck for cover). You could use it to cruise in the Bay as well as up and down the Sacramento River. I did notice the pickings are pretty slim in SF for boats in your shopping range. It looks like only about 5 or so that meet your criteria.

I would think that they could ship it over land, but there are probably some boats that are closer to your location. The 400's came in both Diesel and Gas configurations, I know that their boat has the Cummins. It's too bad you aren't closer as this is a really clean one-owner boat from new... Google for pictures of the cockpit. Their's has a bench seat and there is enough room to put some chairs out with a table if you want to sit in back or you can use it to fish. Also an icemaker out there! There are two steps down from the salon into the galley, and then one additional step to enter the "hallway" to the staterooms/heads. There are actual steps up to the bridge versus a ladder which makes it easy to get up and down in a hurry. There is also very sufficient room on each side of the boat to get from aft forward. You are correct in your logic of having a lower helm in addition to the bridge - really overkill for a 40' boat. I'm no expert on the 44' Express, but I know that it has the steps down right when you enter which looks awkward versus a level surface from the cockpit into the salon. The 400 SB has a nice master, twin bunks in the guest stateroom that can be converted to a king, and the sofa folds out flat electronically in the salon for additional sleeping arrangements. The bridge is also much smaller on the express. Just some food for thought.

If you never plan on a blue water cruise outside the Golden Gate don't overlook gassers. A 44 Tolly gasser is perfect for your desires and is less than 200K.

Diesel Searays with the 3126 can be a batch of trouble. Peruse boatdiesel.com for various diesel issues. This search may not be so simple once you start factoring in condition and PO abuse.

Good recommendation on the Cat 3126 - i've heard a few sagas about this set of engines as well. The Cummins are the best option, although you may pay a little bit of a premium over a like-kind vessel with Cats.

Offshore, a very well built boat. IMO/ YMMV.
OA = Ocean Alexander, another great boat for the money. Again, IMO, YMMV.