I’m in the market, and have been for the last 2 years, for a 36 to 40 foot cruiser (or small yacht, however you define this size class). I don’t know how it is in warmer climes, but here in New Jersey I begin getting reminders and updated brochures in the mail from dealers around this time of year. And every year I make myself crazy, comparing prices, features, financing deals, resale values, offseason drydock promotions, maintenance programs, dock/pier fees, and on-board components (eg:, depth finders, GPSs, radios, etc…), until, ultimately, I end up doing nothing…well, besides crying that I let another year go by.
My Questions
I’ve finally whittled manufacturers down to Sea Ray, Cruisers Yachts, and Regal. Do any of you have experience with these brands you can share? I’m looking for your assessment of construction quality, post-sale customer support, happiness with brand/model, deficiencies, etc…
Many manufacturers offer the MerCruiser line of engines, usually a base model and two or three upline models. In your opinion, does the engine model matter so much if speed is not an issue? I know adequate power is important, but I don’t see ever needing to go above 35-40 knots.
Generators. A necessity? If so, what am I looking for as far as brand and features? Yes, dock parties and overnighters are part of the plan.
The Head. Are Vacuflush the be-all, end-all at this point, or is there something better/more convenient?
And finally, can someone recommend a good boating course? It turns out just about any shmo is allowed to be on the water with very little instruction. Color me surprised by this revelation. I, for one, would like to actually know what the heck I’m doing when I’m out there.
This is going to be my first boat, and although I asked a lot of questions the two times I went to the Atlantic City boat show, and at various dealer showrooms, I’d like to hear stories from average boat owners who are not trying to see me something.
You have no boat experience? How old are you? That is a lot of boat to learn in. I would recommend a hired captain for a year or so to get you up to speed. If you are anywhere near Annapolis, I know a very experienced guy you really need to talk to.
Nope, no boating experience whatsoever, other than as a passenger. I’m 44. Yeah, the boat I want is a pretty good size, but going smaller just because I’m a newbie is not an option. I’m in New Jersey, so going to Annapolis for training would be somewhat less than optimal because of the distance, although I would consider it in the right circumstances.
I’m a sailor, not a power boater, but I can offer a little insight.
3 - Generators - unless you plan to spend a lot of time at anchor or you intend to do serious cruising where you can’t be assured of getting into a marina with shore power, I think these are unnecessary. We’ve owned 4 boats 30’ and longer over the years, and never had a generator. We mostly stay in marinas when we cruise, but there’s no problem staying at anchor with just your house batteries, unless you want to run air conditioning or a microwave. To my mind, it’s just one more thing to maintain.
4 - I don’t know a lot about different heads, but I do know that you definitely want a decent size holding tank. Nothing worse than needing to go and not having the tank capacity to accommodate it. Dumping overboard is a Bad Thing.
5 - Find a local USCG Auxiliary or Power Squadron. They teach boating safety and they’ll do free safety inspections of any boat. Another resource is to hang out in a marina that has boats similar to what you want. Talk to the various owners - boaters love to offer opinioins and assistance. They may also be able to suggest yacht clubs that offer training.
Personally, I think hiring a long-captain is a bit over the top, especially for a boat in the size range you’re considering. But getting some one-on-one training from an experienced boater, licensed captain or not, is an excellent idea. Too bad you don’t live on the Chesapeake - my husband is a captain and he loves to teach boating, whether sail or power.
I’m glad to see you’re taking a smart approach. There are far too many stupid, dangerous people on the water these day.
Sustainable power at anchor is one of my concerns.
I thought dumping overboard (a disgusting thought) was illegal. Good tip on the tank size. Thanks. I’ll factor that in.
I would like to hear opinions from others on head options.
The Marina closest to me (about 15 miles) is small and doesn’t have many of the amenities I’m looking for, especially for off-season care, so I’ll probably have to go farther than I’d like to for a home. I’ll look into your Coast Guard tip for training. Thanks.
I plan to make frequent trips down through the Delaware to the Chesapeake when I get my baby :). What does your husband charge? How long would it take for someone to learn the ropes who knows bupkis, like me?
It sounds like you’re considering buying a brand new boat? You might consider looking for a used model. This time of year is a good time to buy as people would rather sell than have to rent yard space and winterize. And with the way gas prices have been this year, people have extra motivation to dump their power boats.
Obviously, you’d have to get a marine appraiser to check out the boat before buying it, but it would be considerably cheaper and someone else would have foot the bill for all the extra bells and whistles.
I too, know someone who sells boats. He is the regional sales manager for the southeastern states. He works for Four Winns and I’d be happy to give you his contact info if you’d care to e-mail me. The more info you have going in the better, even though Four Winns wasn’t on your list.
And he isn’t just someone I know, he’s been my best bud since we were kids.
In fact, he just bought a Vista 378 series for himself. Not too shabby.
I’ve considered this as well. However, the savings on a preowned 2006, and even 2005, over a new 2007 is not significant enough to forego some of the amenities of the new models, IMO. For example, although I’m looking for something slightly larger, the Regal 3760 (both the IB and IO models I presume) have a door on the master stateroom instead of a curtain, and lots of standard features you either couldn’t get on previous years’ models, or only as a pricy option.
My current choices are between the Sea Ray 40 Motor Yacht, the Regal Commodore 4060 or 4080, and the Cruisers Yachts 390 Sports Coupe or 395 Motor Yacht.
First, Sea Ray is the boat to have in that list. Second, a used boat is a much wiser investment. Thirdly, the boat can be financed as though it were a second home, and the interest is deductable like interest on a mortgage. There are other tax benefits you should pounce on, very similair to owning a second home.
Way to much boat to buy into with no experience.
Where do you live in NJ? I frequent the Jersey Shore in North Wildwood and know the waters from Avalon south to Cape May like the back of my hand. Boated there for 30 of my near 40 years of existence.
On what do you base this opinion? I’ve price-shopped, and the savings really don’t seem to be significant. Are the other factors I need to consider?
Yes, I know this, but thanks.
Heheh. I hear that a lot as well, but I want what I want, and really have no desire to compromise at this stage in my life. 80 hours a week with no breaks and no fun for the past 20 or so years to get where I am. I deserve my toy. . . DAMMIT!!
I’m right off the Delaware river (about 15 miles) in Burlington, so I’m on the other side of the state. But I’m definitely not opposed to trekking across to the eeeeevil side of the state to meet a fellow doper boater
Another question I have is about mechanics. Is it important for me to know how to personally service my boat?
I heartily second the recommendation to find a local chapter of the US Power Squadrons. Take their general safety course, and become a member. My husband and I were members for a few years before we sold our boat and took several of their member courses as well. Along with the courses, you get great tips and stories from the members. They often have weekend cruises and monthly dinners with guest speakers, stuff like that. Fun group of folks that will definitely provide you a wealth of knowledge.
There’s a local USPS chapter 10 miles from me in Bensalem Pennsylvania. After reviewing their website it seems they’re kind of like the Porsche Club of America. . .but for boat owners! Great! Thanks again for the info!
If I were going to have a boat that size I would definitely prefer diesel power. The initial cost is higher, but engine life, maintenance and economy would make up for that in the long run. Also much safer and more reliable to operate.
Have you looked into David Pascoe’s website about surveys and yacht purchasing? He has some interesting insight, and IIRC a few articles about issues when buying SeaRays. He also has some rather heretical opinions about diesel vs gas when used on small inshore yachts.
More info is always good, and I thought you might enjoy his articles and reviews. Good luck with your purchase
