This forum of questions and answers is a continual education on boats for us as we delve into the boat world in the possibility of making a purchase in the near future. So much valuable info. and everyone has their own preferences and dislikes!
We want to live aboard for at least a year or two to try it out in fairly comfortable surroundings down south during our winter(s) and in the north during our summers. We are in our mid 70's and on our bucket list is doing "The Loop".
We raised our family and our 5 Grdkds.(the youngest turned 18 today) are in university and two are apprenticing, if we are ever going to do it, now is the time.
We are able to afford a boat in a price range of up to $3 hundred-thousand.
We are confused about what would be a good purchase based on:
The best manufacturer, best engines, hull type, comfort, handling and a variety of other factors..... disregarding our personal preferences which to be honest at this point we also don't really know!
Is there a chart or guide of any type that compares boat manufacturers, engine types, displacement styles, good and not so good features, reviews, etc., that one could look at to sort through to at least get to a level where a potential purchaser is able to narrow it down to one or two manufacturers/engines/fuel economy/history of defects, etc. and then able to look at boats with these best features for sale or am I wishful thinking?
We want to live aboard for at least a year or two to try it out in fairly comfortable surroundings down south during our winter(s) and in the north during our summers. We are in our mid 70's and on our bucket list is doing "The Loop".
We raised our family and our 5 Grdkds.(the youngest turned 18 today) are in university and two are apprenticing, if we are ever going to do it, now is the time.
We are able to afford a boat in a price range of up to $3 hundred-thousand.
We are confused about what would be a good purchase based on:
The best manufacturer, best engines, hull type, comfort, handling and a variety of other factors..... disregarding our personal preferences which to be honest at this point we also don't really know!
Is there a chart or guide of any type that compares boat manufacturers, engine types, displacement styles, good and not so good features, reviews, etc., that one could look at to sort through to at least get to a level where a potential purchaser is able to narrow it down to one or two manufacturers/engines/fuel economy/history of defects, etc. and then able to look at boats with these best features for sale or am I wishful thinking?