ksanders
Moderator Emeritus
Ksanders, you nailed it. Sorry if my question was ambiguous. However being so, the replies received went beyond what I was asking and turned out very helpful.
Best of luck on your search!
Ksanders, you nailed it. Sorry if my question was ambiguous. However being so, the replies received went beyond what I was asking and turned out very helpful.
Yes, we on TF are polite when referring to lesser quality vessels as it is so much budget, care and mission related. The best of vessels (yes there are best vessels) in uncaring hands becomes an albatross. Lesser quality vessels (these exist too) in the right hands can be gems.
I agree!I'm guessin' he is referrin' to the newer all electronic engines as compared to the older mechanical diesels. As a firm believer in KISS, I'd stick with the all mechanical engines.
I think it's a huge mistake to start equating quality and price. Price can be geared to features. .
Please note, I said nothing about price, you did just now.
But while on that subject, an out the door price on a SeaRay 40 footer rivals that of an American Tug. Check the market value after 5 years. Stunning reversal of fortunes. This is an interesting conundrum and oft repeated dilemma in the boating world. Or how about resale of a steel hulled 70 footer vs an FRP vessel of same size and age? And horror of horrors, a 115 foot Al Broward vs the same year and size FRP OA?
The list of yacht economic disasters is quite long, especially when buying new.
Aesthetics and creature comforts are on the list but not a priority, seaworthiness/safety is. Although I do not intend to cross oceans, I do intend to do a lot of coastal cruising with occasional jaunts to the Bahamas. There is no debate I will confront a weather situation that was not forecasted or an unfriendly inlet that I need to get into. So for example with a unavoidable following sea do I want aft sliding doors to the salon or doors that look like those on a destroyer? I would think the latter and I have seen both on trawlers. Just one of many things that cross my juvenile boating mind when looking at trawlers. Honored to have the advice that is shared here and plenty of time to do my due dilegence.
Am I being overly cautious?
What a about entering a shallow inlet with an outgoing tide and easterly onshore winds (on the east coast). Just trying to prepare for worse case scenarios. And yes I understand if you plan properly you can avoid these situations but what if it's an emergency (ie medical). I want the right boat for this even though it may never become reality. Am I being overly cautious?
What a about entering a shallow inlet with an outgoing tide and easterly onshore winds (on the east coast). Just trying to prepare for worse case scenarios. And yes I understand if you plan properly you can avoid these situations but what if it's an emergency (ie medical). I want the right boat for this even though it may never become reality. Am I being overly cautious?
There are so many tradeoffs that can be made. A trawler with a displacement hull might be better in rough seas but a faster boat might avoid them, etc.What a about entering a shallow inlet with an outgoing tide and easterly onshore winds (on the east coast). Just trying to prepare for worse case scenarios. And yes I understand if you plan properly you can avoid these situations but what if it's an emergency (ie medical). I want the right boat for this even though it may never become reality. Am I being overly cautious?
Lots of experience behind that post.....Here is a starter and debate making teaser in my 15 second quality look - are the air intakes on the side of the hull vs inboard away from salt spray. The list goes on to include 30 second things like beefy rub rails, is the cabin top tied to the cabin sides screwed and glued or a seamless joint, are deck hand railings stout, do the decks have good sized scuppers? After 45 seconds does the boat appear top heavy with all sorts of crap up top? At 55 seconds I have by now noted noted the anchor and windlass.
In one minute my mind starts to sense builders intent and presumed quality. But, not necessarily owner's care which as oft mentioned becomes really important as doors opened and innards exposed.
The quality issue is quite simple if one remembers a Supreme Court justice saying, regarding the legal definition of pornography, "I will know when I see it."
That is the tradeoff. Some will say that if you are undecided about leaving the dock (ie weather conditions), don't leave the dock. But the more confidence in your boat the more you will be swayed to leave that dock. I want that boat that will give me that confidence within reason of course. Ah i think I'm may be over thinking this whole thing, I need to digest and rethink. Thanks again to all with your comments. Who knows I may end up in a pontoon boat in a lake. This journey can make you seasick before even leaving the dock. Forward I go................
What a about entering a shallow inlet with an outgoing tide and easterly onshore winds (on the east coast). Just trying to prepare for worse case scenarios. And yes I understand if you plan properly you can avoid these situations but what if it's an emergency (ie medical). I want the right boat for this even though it may never become reality. Am I being overly cautious?
True but I posted before or inferred...design has nothing to do with cost...it would be all about design...I agree there is no substitute for experience but you cannot tell me for example that some boats aren't less susceptible to broaching in following seas than others. This should probably be discussed as a separate threat but my point is there are some boats that are easier to handle in rough seas than others.
True but I posted before or inferred...design has nothing to do with cost...it would be all about design...
Try and find a nice coastal cruiser that even faintly resembles a US or any other country's Coast Guard motor surf boat.
Ran breaking inlets towing boats as an assistance towing captain for the last 14 years in NJ...look up Corsons Inlet, Townsends Inlet and Hereford Inlet. None are charted inlets...yet that was my area. (From just north of Sea Isle City to Just south of Stone Harbor).
I agree there is no substitute for experience but you cannot tell me for example that some boats aren't less susceptible to broaching in following seas than others. This should probably be discussed as a separate threat but my point is there are some boats that are easier to handle in rough seas than others.
PSN
You sit near the head of the class for TF skippers with knowledge experience and boating skills fitting the types of vessels we lust after or own. This preamble aside, what motor vessel in the 40 to 50 foot range would you select given the following criteria:
- Cost, used, around $500 K tops
- FRP or cold molded
- Single or twins doesn't matter
- Suitable instruments already onboard
- No material upgrades required
- Cruise speed and resultant hull type up to you
- Blue water capable and range not necessary but would be OK if so typed