I’ve been looking at different boats for a long time; I eventually want to buy one large enough to live on. 44ft would be great once my kids are out. I have looked at boats from Catalina to Hunter to Jeanneau to Bavaria, Beneteau ECT. I know I want the boat no more than 1 year old, let some one else take the hit and realize they changed there mind. All of these boats I have asked dealers for prices on their particular models for 2 people in the 40 to 44 ft range and they list at or less than 275000.00. Where is a guide that really shows what the best maker is? There should be some one out there that rates the building aspect as to which boat is made better, or since I cant seem to find it is it more that they are all constructed in this size the same, and it is the bells and whistles that make the difference. I know a lot of sailors are bias to particular builders usually due to past experience but these days they all seem to be build close to the same way. Any thoughts?
looking for reviews
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What do you mean by "made better"?...
We shopped a lot of boats. But first we compiled a list of things we wanted on our boat. Even that list was flexible based on the right boat to come along. We've had our 1991 Hunter Passage 42 for three years and have no regrets. Who makes the best car? Same goes for boats. Boat reviews, like car reviews, are done by people with biases. Ask yourself, what do you want from your boat, then search out the one that comes close to meeting your want list. Terry
We shopped a lot of boats. But first we compiled a list of things we wanted on our boat. Even that list was flexible based on the right boat to come along. We've had our 1991 Hunter Passage 42 for three years and have no regrets. Who makes the best car? Same goes for boats. Boat reviews, like car reviews, are done by people with biases. Ask yourself, what do you want from your boat, then search out the one that comes close to meeting your want list. Terry
Best boat
Well the best car is easy.. it's by far Lexus. being retired from the car business (Mercedes) The best boat? Good advice is to know what you want in a boat. I would guess Hinkely is probably right up there at the top, along with Hans Christian, Swan. and other high line boats. Beneteau, Hunter, Catalina etc are all production boats. They are pretty much like Winabagos. You would probably have to get an older Hinkely or Hans etc but they are much higher quality. It all goes back to what you want and need in a boat, and where you are going to sail it.
Well the best car is easy.. it's by far Lexus. being retired from the car business (Mercedes) The best boat? Good advice is to know what you want in a boat. I would guess Hinkely is probably right up there at the top, along with Hans Christian, Swan. and other high line boats. Beneteau, Hunter, Catalina etc are all production boats. They are pretty much like Winabagos. You would probably have to get an older Hinkely or Hans etc but they are much higher quality. It all goes back to what you want and need in a boat, and where you are going to sail it.
House boat
From what you describe, you didn't mention sail boat or sailing characteristics so it's pretty difficult to recommend anything other than a house boat or a sailboat that is built as a live aboard like Endeavor, Irwin, some old Morgans, etc.... You might also want to look at something a bit older than 1 year if you are looking to minimize depreciation as most boats that new would be at or near list price.
From what you describe, you didn't mention sail boat or sailing characteristics so it's pretty difficult to recommend anything other than a house boat or a sailboat that is built as a live aboard like Endeavor, Irwin, some old Morgans, etc.... You might also want to look at something a bit older than 1 year if you are looking to minimize depreciation as most boats that new would be at or near list price.
Agree with "Houseboat" as "Best Boat"
I totally agree with the first part of Don's reply - Best-Built Boat: Depends on what you're going to use it for. If you want something to live aboard like a house then a houseboat would be your best bet. Get one made of 2x4s with T1-11 siding on styrofoam floats wrapped in plastic sheeting, not the fiberglass type houseboat (they're too expensive). Lots of room, has the look and feel of a regular house which you're more accustomed to, and would have the least cost per square foot. If you want the nautical look just add a brass porthole or two and a couple port/starboard lights and you got it! Oh, maybe a round throw-ring too, just for looks. Easy to periodically repaint, recarpet, or re-roof and probably no brightwork. If the brass porthole is too much go galvanized. Home Depot might have something similar in plastic and one could just paint a few details like hinges to give it a bit of a nautical flair. If you build one then you can optomize the slip rental by going to the total available width and length of your slip and consider going two-story, er, two decks. Two people - you didn't say if you need one or two bedrooms?
I totally agree with the first part of Don's reply - Best-Built Boat: Depends on what you're going to use it for. If you want something to live aboard like a house then a houseboat would be your best bet. Get one made of 2x4s with T1-11 siding on styrofoam floats wrapped in plastic sheeting, not the fiberglass type houseboat (they're too expensive). Lots of room, has the look and feel of a regular house which you're more accustomed to, and would have the least cost per square foot. If you want the nautical look just add a brass porthole or two and a couple port/starboard lights and you got it! Oh, maybe a round throw-ring too, just for looks. Easy to periodically repaint, recarpet, or re-roof and probably no brightwork. If the brass porthole is too much go galvanized. Home Depot might have something similar in plastic and one could just paint a few details like hinges to give it a bit of a nautical flair. If you build one then you can optomize the slip rental by going to the total available width and length of your slip and consider going two-story, er, two decks. Two people - you didn't say if you need one or two bedrooms?
I like that idea
I guess i might look into a home made house boat but i tried to build my son a fort once and it really was not all that safe. I was more looking in the lines of seeing what other people out there had found being that i am sure alot of people have done what i am doing now. What did you find when shoping? Why did you pick what you did? That sort of thing.
I guess i might look into a home made house boat but i tried to build my son a fort once and it really was not all that safe. I was more looking in the lines of seeing what other people out there had found being that i am sure alot of people have done what i am doing now. What did you find when shoping? Why did you pick what you did? That sort of thing.
Back to your question about sailboats...
(I'm assuming you are interested in buying a sailboat). We looked for best value. So, a production boat seemed the route to go as opposed to custom. A ten year old was not too old, but had the advantage of reduced market value. Also, one strong enough for blue water cruising, if that became a reality; maybe some day. I was more interested in the Hunter 40.5 mostly because of its reputation. That is until the admiral looked at the Passage 42 layout. She issued orders that if we were going to get a larger boat (from an H28) this was what she wanted. Okay! Now that the admiral had spoken I searched out and gathered input from blue water experienced owners. I received lots of input as we began looking for the right Passage 42. The one we ended up with came on the market for a few months, then the owner took it off. Then, thankfully, several months later was forced to change his mind as a result of health problems. Like you we looked at lots of boats, but we kept coming back to Hunter. IMHO they do a better job on fit and finish, design and layout. Their customer service is impeccable, and I've dealt directly with hundreds of companies. We knew when we found the right boat for us. Just like when you know you're in love. The Passage 42 is one of the most comfortable live aboard boat designs. Very strong, fast, stiff and a great cruising boat. Ours was equipped with dual reverse cycle heat pumps, a 16,000 BTU in the main cabin and a 9,000 BTU in the aft cabin, 8kw Genset, plenty of Yanmar main propulsion power, Autohelm 7000 pilot and loads of storage space throughout. There are a few things we plan to add; a Wallas diesel forced air furnace to make the boat more comfortable during the cooler months while on the hook, cutter rig it for off shore cruising (maybe). She comes with 150 gallons water tankage, 75 gallons fuel, 25 gallons holding. Two 8D wet cell batteries supply plenty of DC power. We've added some stuff; MOB, map plotter, jack lines, self-inflating PFDs, tethers, DVD/CD player, asym spin, etc. So, is it the best built boat? For us it is. Did it have everything we wanted? No. But like I said in an earlier post, after three years no regrets. I hope this article helps you in your quest. Good luck on finding the right boat for you. Let us know the outcome. Terry
(I'm assuming you are interested in buying a sailboat). We looked for best value. So, a production boat seemed the route to go as opposed to custom. A ten year old was not too old, but had the advantage of reduced market value. Also, one strong enough for blue water cruising, if that became a reality; maybe some day. I was more interested in the Hunter 40.5 mostly because of its reputation. That is until the admiral looked at the Passage 42 layout. She issued orders that if we were going to get a larger boat (from an H28) this was what she wanted. Okay! Now that the admiral had spoken I searched out and gathered input from blue water experienced owners. I received lots of input as we began looking for the right Passage 42. The one we ended up with came on the market for a few months, then the owner took it off. Then, thankfully, several months later was forced to change his mind as a result of health problems. Like you we looked at lots of boats, but we kept coming back to Hunter. IMHO they do a better job on fit and finish, design and layout. Their customer service is impeccable, and I've dealt directly with hundreds of companies. We knew when we found the right boat for us. Just like when you know you're in love. The Passage 42 is one of the most comfortable live aboard boat designs. Very strong, fast, stiff and a great cruising boat. Ours was equipped with dual reverse cycle heat pumps, a 16,000 BTU in the main cabin and a 9,000 BTU in the aft cabin, 8kw Genset, plenty of Yanmar main propulsion power, Autohelm 7000 pilot and loads of storage space throughout. There are a few things we plan to add; a Wallas diesel forced air furnace to make the boat more comfortable during the cooler months while on the hook, cutter rig it for off shore cruising (maybe). She comes with 150 gallons water tankage, 75 gallons fuel, 25 gallons holding. Two 8D wet cell batteries supply plenty of DC power. We've added some stuff; MOB, map plotter, jack lines, self-inflating PFDs, tethers, DVD/CD player, asym spin, etc. So, is it the best built boat? For us it is. Did it have everything we wanted? No. But like I said in an earlier post, after three years no regrets. I hope this article helps you in your quest. Good luck on finding the right boat for you. Let us know the outcome. Terry
Boat choice
Quote from my website; "First, a highly biased and personal word on our choice to stay with the Catalina line. Early in my sailing life I saw my first Catalina (22) and made a quick negative judgement that Catalina's were cheaply made boats. It wasn't too much later that I realized that the majority of boats were "cheaply" made, and "cheap" boats were the only type that I would ever be able to afford! Unless I had unlimited resources and had a custom boat built, it would always be about compromise. Fortunately, a lot of features I can easily do without. I don't need the size, stoutness, load carrying ability of a long distance cruiser. I don't need the light weight hi-tech construction, top of the line hardware, and cutting edge design of a thorouthbred racer. What I need is a moderate, middle of the road boat that does several things well enough. One that has decent construction, and equipment. There are a number of brands that build this type of boat. So it comes down to the details of where the manufacturer chose to put the cost. I recently attended another boat show and looked at Hunter's, Beneteau's, Jeanneau's, etc.. I left the show not regretting our decision to buy the Catalina. It just seemed to have the best mix of design, construction, and equipment for us. And it didn't look half bad either." So the answer is find the best mix of features for YOU. I have been intigued by some of the construction aspects of the current C&C line. But there are other things about the boats I don't like. Plus, you will pay a premium for the construction.
Quote from my website; "First, a highly biased and personal word on our choice to stay with the Catalina line. Early in my sailing life I saw my first Catalina (22) and made a quick negative judgement that Catalina's were cheaply made boats. It wasn't too much later that I realized that the majority of boats were "cheaply" made, and "cheap" boats were the only type that I would ever be able to afford! Unless I had unlimited resources and had a custom boat built, it would always be about compromise. Fortunately, a lot of features I can easily do without. I don't need the size, stoutness, load carrying ability of a long distance cruiser. I don't need the light weight hi-tech construction, top of the line hardware, and cutting edge design of a thorouthbred racer. What I need is a moderate, middle of the road boat that does several things well enough. One that has decent construction, and equipment. There are a number of brands that build this type of boat. So it comes down to the details of where the manufacturer chose to put the cost. I recently attended another boat show and looked at Hunter's, Beneteau's, Jeanneau's, etc.. I left the show not regretting our decision to buy the Catalina. It just seemed to have the best mix of design, construction, and equipment for us. And it didn't look half bad either." So the answer is find the best mix of features for YOU. I have been intigued by some of the construction aspects of the current C&C line. But there are other things about the boats I don't like. Plus, you will pay a premium for the construction.
Another "BEST" Question *x
scuba writes: "i am sure a lot of people have done what i am doing now. What did you find when shopping? Why did you pick what you did? That sort of thing." That's why people write BOOKS. Try John Vigor's 20 Best Sailboats, and any other book that has a title something like: How to Buy Your First Sailboat, or What to Look for When Buying a Boat. There is no "best" anything, since it's all subjective and you're the subject. I like Catalinas, had a 22, a 25 and now a 34. I spent over a year looking for our C34 and found one after seeing over half a dozen "wrecks." Anything used is subject to wear and tear. Any two boats made at the same time, will have had two different owners and will be two different boats by the time you see them. Don't forget the "test drive." For kicks, do a Forum Archive search on "best." Should be a hoot! Good luck, sometimes looking is the funnest part.
Stu
scuba writes: "i am sure a lot of people have done what i am doing now. What did you find when shopping? Why did you pick what you did? That sort of thing." That's why people write BOOKS. Try John Vigor's 20 Best Sailboats, and any other book that has a title something like: How to Buy Your First Sailboat, or What to Look for When Buying a Boat. There is no "best" anything, since it's all subjective and you're the subject. I like Catalinas, had a 22, a 25 and now a 34. I spent over a year looking for our C34 and found one after seeing over half a dozen "wrecks." Anything used is subject to wear and tear. Any two boats made at the same time, will have had two different owners and will be two different boats by the time you see them. Don't forget the "test drive." For kicks, do a Forum Archive search on "best." Should be a hoot! Good luck, sometimes looking is the funnest part.
Stu
Scuba , Excellent Question.
I would like to rephrase it a bit. "What Made You Chose Your Boat Over Another?" How did you evaluate the size? How did you determine a fair price? Would you now have done something different? Scuba, the best review is people that own them. They are here. Magazines have to write something every month and so they change from month to month. The people here made their choice for a reason and this is the best place to get that info. Not from a writer. A person that writes a book guesses at other boats. Have they owned all 20 boats? r.w.landau
I would like to rephrase it a bit. "What Made You Chose Your Boat Over Another?" How did you evaluate the size? How did you determine a fair price? Would you now have done something different? Scuba, the best review is people that own them. They are here. Magazines have to write something every month and so they change from month to month. The people here made their choice for a reason and this is the best place to get that info. Not from a writer. A person that writes a book guesses at other boats. Have they owned all 20 boats? r.w.landau
Scuba, This was my advice to my brother ...
You want a boat that is big enough for the two of you and 2 people twice a year. My dad bought a 45' boat 30 years ago and no one could visit him so he lugged around and paid for 15' of extra boat for 5 years. I think that a 30 to 32' boat for cruising is ideal. Everything you do is "by the foot" dockage, mooring, haul out, bottom paint, detailing, what ever.... 30'-32' is a nice size to single hand in most weather, anything larger may have you in port paying "by the foot" for a month waiting for weather. The bigger the boat the more to maintain. On one trip with my dad, the main bildge pump, automatic switch, and two other pumps failed. Two of them were new. Total bill,approx. $500.00. Sure this was a one time thing but dad only used the boat when one of his kids were there. 4 male kids one female, four times a year. He kept up maintenence but in this case it didn't help. OK, so I ran off a bit. My point.. buy the smallest you need! you will not mind sailing it, it will enlarge a small cruising budget, maintenence will be proportionally less. r.w.landau Edited: By the way my brother bought the 88 Catilina 30' wing keel that I would have bought. 2nd edit: Dad had a 45'boat with 6' foot of draft. it limited his curiosity( spelling ) thus he was aground often.
You want a boat that is big enough for the two of you and 2 people twice a year. My dad bought a 45' boat 30 years ago and no one could visit him so he lugged around and paid for 15' of extra boat for 5 years. I think that a 30 to 32' boat for cruising is ideal. Everything you do is "by the foot" dockage, mooring, haul out, bottom paint, detailing, what ever.... 30'-32' is a nice size to single hand in most weather, anything larger may have you in port paying "by the foot" for a month waiting for weather. The bigger the boat the more to maintain. On one trip with my dad, the main bildge pump, automatic switch, and two other pumps failed. Two of them were new. Total bill,approx. $500.00. Sure this was a one time thing but dad only used the boat when one of his kids were there. 4 male kids one female, four times a year. He kept up maintenence but in this case it didn't help. OK, so I ran off a bit. My point.. buy the smallest you need! you will not mind sailing it, it will enlarge a small cruising budget, maintenence will be proportionally less. r.w.landau Edited: By the way my brother bought the 88 Catilina 30' wing keel that I would have bought. 2nd edit: Dad had a 45'boat with 6' foot of draft. it limited his curiosity( spelling ) thus he was aground often.
Don't forget the cats
Catamarans are excellent live aboards, especially for down south. The bridgedeck salon is roomy, light and airy (unlike mono-caves). One of my kids lived aboard their Lagoon 380 (owner's version) for a while south of Tampa and really liked it.
Catamarans are excellent live aboards, especially for down south. The bridgedeck salon is roomy, light and airy (unlike mono-caves). One of my kids lived aboard their Lagoon 380 (owner's version) for a while south of Tampa and really liked it.
MArk, did you move?
You were in Texas a year ago, yes? Hope you are well, and that your boat is to your liking. r.w.landau
You were in Texas a year ago, yes? Hope you are well, and that your boat is to your liking. r.w.landau
Scuba Stay with a 30' to 34' footer
I think the fellow is right in that 30 to 34 feet is a good size boat for maintenance, slipping, etc. Like yourself, I am in the process of refitting a 1968 Morgan 30. A well build boat with no laminated haul. Straight layed up glaas. At the thur haul fitting the glass is about 1 1/4 thick. The only issue I have is the rudder. It is a spade. Which for blue water is not the most desirable. But other than that the boat is strong. I sail Lake Superior. And I have been caught 14 -16 footers, not by desire and handle well. I think sticking with a 30 to 34 footer will help you with your cursing kitty in that the money used in maintaining the boat will be less than a larger boat. I lived on a Morgan 30, 30 years ago in South Fla. and sailed many miles and the Morgan proved to be capable in all weather conditions that I have experienced. Check the Morgans out. They make a nice 38 footer if you are bent on a larger boatand want the additional space. Also, search for a boat in the Great Lakes region. Start with a fresh water boat less initial problems than a salty for refitting. Good luck.
I think the fellow is right in that 30 to 34 feet is a good size boat for maintenance, slipping, etc. Like yourself, I am in the process of refitting a 1968 Morgan 30. A well build boat with no laminated haul. Straight layed up glaas. At the thur haul fitting the glass is about 1 1/4 thick. The only issue I have is the rudder. It is a spade. Which for blue water is not the most desirable. But other than that the boat is strong. I sail Lake Superior. And I have been caught 14 -16 footers, not by desire and handle well. I think sticking with a 30 to 34 footer will help you with your cursing kitty in that the money used in maintaining the boat will be less than a larger boat. I lived on a Morgan 30, 30 years ago in South Fla. and sailed many miles and the Morgan proved to be capable in all weather conditions that I have experienced. Check the Morgans out. They make a nice 38 footer if you are bent on a larger boatand want the additional space. Also, search for a boat in the Great Lakes region. Start with a fresh water boat less initial problems than a salty for refitting. Good luck.
r.w., yes I moved
Although we have had energetic discussions here in the past, I'm not sure if I'm the Tx Mark. Actually, I moved from New Orleans (birth place) where I sailed my 74 Venture on Pontchartrain... http://www.stphilipneri.org/teacher/pontchartrain/section.php?id=168 (the light house in the first picture still looks the same today after 105 years!) to Ocean Springs, MS (on east bank of Biloxi Bay) in 2001. The other Gulf Islands! http://www.phototour.com/echtml/hornbeach.html In 2003 we moved to Lakeland, FL for career (industrial control systems engineer) and semi retirement (the 3 hurricanes last summer were lagniappe). Mostly lake sailing and fishing now, but less than an hour from Tampa Bay. I sold the O'Day. Looking for a good deal on a 26C/S/D plus a hobbie for the beach. (see attached Siesta Key photo) Happy sails *_/), MArk
Although we have had energetic discussions here in the past, I'm not sure if I'm the Tx Mark. Actually, I moved from New Orleans (birth place) where I sailed my 74 Venture on Pontchartrain... http://www.stphilipneri.org/teacher/pontchartrain/section.php?id=168 (the light house in the first picture still looks the same today after 105 years!) to Ocean Springs, MS (on east bank of Biloxi Bay) in 2001. The other Gulf Islands! http://www.phototour.com/echtml/hornbeach.html In 2003 we moved to Lakeland, FL for career (industrial control systems engineer) and semi retirement (the 3 hurricanes last summer were lagniappe). Mostly lake sailing and fishing now, but less than an hour from Tampa Bay. I sold the O'Day. Looking for a good deal on a 26C/S/D plus a hobbie for the beach. (see attached Siesta Key photo) Happy sails *_/), MArk
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