Decisions, Decisions this is really hard

Mar 13, 2011
175
Islander Freeport 41 Longmont
All,
I have a line on 2 boats:

- 2005 Hunter 466 - Clean boat, includes electronics, AC/Heat, generator, bow-thruster, bimini & dodger, LLC owned
needs - Dingy & motor, cockpit enclosure, cockpit cushions, AIS, EPRIB
- 2007 Hunter 44DS - Admirals favorite, other than poor color choices for canvas (Tan), Great electronics, nice dingy & motor on davits,
Needs - AC/Heat,

Both boats are clean and in good shape. Sailing is primarily by my wife and I, with occasional friends, on SF Bay, and near coastal to Monterrey or Bodega bay for weekends. They also will provide part-time live-aboard so roominess and storage are big issues.
I get to do a side by side comparison Sat., Both are listed at the same price however we will save the California Sales tax if we by the LLC owned boat (we can have a separate discussion on LLC ownership but prefer to not get into it here).

I've read the owners section on both boats here and I'm looking for comments, strengths, weaknesses, etc. on either boats. Any help, comments or thoughts are appreciated.

Fair winds,
 
Jun 11, 2011
1,243
Hunter 41 Lewes
Sail them. Then see which one is the admiral's favorite. Then buy that one.
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
As said sail them and than see which one and I like the 44 but AC will be big bucks
to add and than see if the admirals choice but don't let on which she really likes
and see if the 44 will lower the price play against which one lowers the price
but if admiral really likes the 44 get it and try harder with the price and use your poker face not the admirals.
I have Gen on my 2007 H-36 and we anchor out alot and boy we love the Gen
here in Florida and looking at over $10,000 for a Gen and that is on the cheap side
Nick
 
Nov 26, 2012
1,654
C&C 40-2 Berkeley
Generally, buying a boat that is already equipped with the things you want is better than buying and the adding things. It's just cheaper. It all depends on price.
 

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
The 44DS was on my short list when we were shopping. And like you, mother really liked the voluminous space of the deck saloon construction. I nixed it favor of our current boat because of that tall cabin deck. I wanted an easy and safe low cabin top for managing the foredeck in the square chop of the bay, and open passages. I would think that would be a consideration for coastal NoCal. As I remember there was also a hatch on the swim platform that opened into the bilge - like 18" above water level. :yikes:
 
Dec 18, 2012
185
Hunter 37.5 Annapolis
"...other than poor color choices for canvas (Tan)"

Not to hijack the thread (he says as he hijacks the thread), but why is tan a poor choice? Is that because of taste or practical reasons? We need to replace our canvas and are thinking about some beige like color.
 
Mar 13, 2011
175
Islander Freeport 41 Longmont
PA

It's just a personal taste. I prefer a captain navy or something like that. Nothing more than that and certainly not something that would keep us from choosing that boat