I have been boating on inland lakes most of my adult life, starting from 16ft bow-riders 30 years ago, to my last boat which was a 28ft twin engine Four Winns. As I am now within a few years of retirement my wife and I are looking to make big changes, most notable to sell our house and the Four Winns to move up to a larger boat that we could live on comfortably.
Our retirement plan is to spend as much time as possible on the new boat cruising the Caribbean during winter, and perhaps head up the ICW and do the loop during hurricane season.
I find myself drawn to European style cruisers, that have large sunroofs that open and stern garage for tender or PWC. However I admit, I don't know if they are suitable for liveaboard months at a time.
Would be just the 2 of us most of the time, however our 2 grown children may visit if we are anchored at a warm island. So ideally 1 larger master cabin with ensuite, and 2 guest cabins.
My requirements:
- Budget would be max $500K CDN or $400K USD
- I would like to cruise slowly and efficiently as possible, but able to hit WOT if needed to get somewhere quick (storm/emergency etc).
- Engine(s) have to be newer or rebuilt, I am comfortable with electronics and computers, but know next to nothing about engines.
- Older electronics is fine, I most likely replace all electronics anyhow
- as self sufficient as possible (watermaker, solar, etc)
- Air compressor for scuba diving (or at least the boat should be suitable enough that I can have one added)
- large swim platform and rear cockpit area
My wife's requirements:
- Newer style boat, she doesn't like the look of older commercial boats
- Separate shower from head, she wants the boat to be as comfortable as possible.
- large master stateroom, with queen island bed
Would you have any suggestions for brands or models that I should consider?
Our retirement plan is to spend as much time as possible on the new boat cruising the Caribbean during winter, and perhaps head up the ICW and do the loop during hurricane season.
I find myself drawn to European style cruisers, that have large sunroofs that open and stern garage for tender or PWC. However I admit, I don't know if they are suitable for liveaboard months at a time.
Would be just the 2 of us most of the time, however our 2 grown children may visit if we are anchored at a warm island. So ideally 1 larger master cabin with ensuite, and 2 guest cabins.
My requirements:
- Budget would be max $500K CDN or $400K USD
- I would like to cruise slowly and efficiently as possible, but able to hit WOT if needed to get somewhere quick (storm/emergency etc).
- Engine(s) have to be newer or rebuilt, I am comfortable with electronics and computers, but know next to nothing about engines.
- Older electronics is fine, I most likely replace all electronics anyhow
- as self sufficient as possible (watermaker, solar, etc)
- Air compressor for scuba diving (or at least the boat should be suitable enough that I can have one added)
- large swim platform and rear cockpit area
My wife's requirements:
- Newer style boat, she doesn't like the look of older commercial boats
- Separate shower from head, she wants the boat to be as comfortable as possible.
- large master stateroom, with queen island bed
Would you have any suggestions for brands or models that I should consider?
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