Opinions please - shopping for an ocean boat.

[HotRod82]

So my wife has been bugging me for years for an ocean boat (we live in San Diego) and I've been dragging my feet a bit, simply due to being busy with other things. We started looking at something trailerable, me obviously gravitating toward a 35' ish Cigarette or similar......but no, she wants a big cruiser for a more social experience with more room for more people. This conversation has logically turned into the realization that we need a bigger boat that stays in the water. I told her I refuse to own a big trawler that would take forever to get to Catalina or Newport, so we have been looking at Express Cruisers. I've never owned a slow boat before and the thought of cruising at 18 knots while guzzling more than 20 GPH worth of fuel makes my eye twitch. Anyone have any experience with express cruiser style boats? Are the stern drives better than the big v-drives?
All opinions and personal experiences welcome.

 

[StevieHops]

Diesel Stern drives or pods are going to be the most economical. Couldn’t talk her into a center console?

 

[DrunkenSailor]

I second the center console. My buddy has a new searay 400 that i have spent a fair amount of time on. It is really nice but doesnt have a whole lot of outdoor area. I think the center console with outboards is the way to go. That said the new formula 400 super sport crossover is the best express out there. Efficient outboard power. Tons of room and sleeping area below.

then there is one of my dream boats the nortech flyer:

There are lots of options depends on what ya wanna spend. Outboard power or diesel is the way to go.

 

[spectras only]

Any Formula 33 feet and up would do the trick. Here's one that's quite affordable

Formula 330 Sun Sport (SS) 2004 Used Boat for Sale in Huntington Beach, California - BoatDealers.ca

2004 Used Gas Formula 330 Sun Sport (SS) Cruisers Power Boat for Sale in California From POP Yachts International

www.boatdealers.ca

We have tons of Formulas here in the Vancouver area too. Check out the models and see which layout you like best.
I love the red 40 SS on this page https://www.boatdealers.ca/boats-for-sale/formula-boats?page=7

 

[HotRod82]

Any Formula 33 feet and up would do the trick. Here's one that's quite affordable

Formula 330 Sun Sport (SS) 2004 Used Boat for Sale in Huntington Beach, California - BoatDealers.ca

2004 Used Gas Formula 330 Sun Sport (SS) Cruisers Power Boat for Sale in California From POP Yachts International

www.boatdealers.ca

View attachment 852179

We have tons of Formulas here in the Vancouver area too. Check out the models and see which layout you like best.
I love the red 40 SS on this page https://www.boatdealers.ca/boats-for-sale/formula-boats?page=7

View attachment 852180
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That's one of my favorites, the Formulas seem to be a good quality boat with bigger power. I actually am going to try to see this boat this weekend.

 

[HotRod82]

I second the center console. My buddy has a new searay 400 that i have spent a fair amount of time on. It is really nice but doesnt have a whole lot of outdoor area. I think the center console with outboards is the way to go. That said the new formula 400 super sport crossover is the best express out there. Efficient outboard power. Tons of room and sleeping area below.

then there is one of my dream boats the nortech flyer:

There are lots of options depends on what ya wanna spend. Outboard power or diesel is the way to go.

Yeah, that's the big question - how much do you wanna spend?
I like the center consoles but this boat will double as a little condo on the water and most cc's don't have enough space to use as a weekender.
We're trying to keep it at 35' max and around $100K budget wise.

 

[BajaMike]

That formula looks nice. Searay Sundance is nice. Check with Dick Simon Marine in Dana Point and San Diego Those boat are great to cruise up and down the coast.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Realistic boats.. Without a doubt if i were looking for a cruiser and i could swing it, it would be one of these... https://www.boats.com/power-boats/2002-fountain-38-express-cruiser-6304535/

 

[boatpi]

40' Formula SS 2006 - boats - by dealer - marine sale

Beautiful boat with a beautiful price! This one has twin Volvo diesels with only 410 hours, Touch...

orangecounty.craigslist.org

You cant beat a Formula, I owned one, top quality.

 

[mesquito_creek]

Formula are great, but at 35 foot and 100 grand the tiny bit of extra speed the formula gives you over a sea ray or chapparell isnt worth chasing. It's all about finding the best planning speed vs fuel consumption. They all cruise in the 28-35 mph range to try to get 1 mpg.

I love our sea ray sun dancer even if it's a bit on the small side as a 290. My boat is the max you can trailer by yourself with just an oversized watercraft permit. 10 foot beam is is 2 feet over legal and anything over 10 foot needs pilot cars and more permits.

A partner of mine just bought a 10 year old crownline 340 for 120k. So in your price range my guess is you are looking at 10 year old boats of lesser performers than formula. I would check out sea ray/chaparell and look at rinker, crownline etc ...

 

[beerrun]

Go to YouTube and watch some of the Fresco channel videos he has a nice center console with a cabin that sleeps 5 it a hydrosport I think it runs 3 outboard and is trailerble

 

[steamin rice]

My parents had a Formula 330 SS in San Diego for about 15 years - It's a great boat to put a lot of people on, but it's not so big that docking, etc becomes a pain. It cruises nice at around 30 MPH or so, and can fit 15 people

 

[Looking Glass]

So my wife has been bugging me for years for an ocean boat (we live in San Diego) and I've been dragging my feet a bit, simply due to being busy with other things. We started looking at something trailerable, me obviously gravitating toward a 35' ish Cigarette or similar......but no, she wants a big cruiser for a more social experience with more room for more people. This conversation has logically turned into the realization that we need a bigger boat that stays in the water. I told her I refuse to own a big trawler that would take forever to get to Catalina or Newport, so we have been looking at Express Cruisers. I've never owned a slow boat before and the thought of cruising at 18 knots while guzzling more than 20 GPH worth of fuel makes my eye twitch. Anyone have any experience with express cruiser style boats? Are the stern drives better than the big v-drives?
All opinions and personal experiences welcome.

EYE TWITCH

 

[GRADS]

Any Formula 33 feet and up would do the trick. Here's one that's quite affordable

Formula 330 Sun Sport (SS) 2004 Used Boat for Sale in Huntington Beach, California - BoatDealers.ca

2004 Used Gas Formula 330 Sun Sport (SS) Cruisers Power Boat for Sale in California From POP Yachts International

www.boatdealers.ca

View attachment 852179

We have tons of Formulas here in the Vancouver area too. Check out the models and see which layout you like best.
I love the red 40 SS on this page https://www.boatdealers.ca/boats-for-sale/formula-boats?page=7

View attachment 852180
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I've been watching that one but in the end I don't think I want a boat that has been in salt water.

 

[Activated]

Not only are all of these good for big blue, they are also perfectly suited for Parker on a summer weekend.

🛳🛳

 

[BBC03]

started with a 35 Fountain,then a 38 Fountain, both too small for open ocean.Did the same thing went with formula 400ss, too slow, too much gas, no fun. bought a 42 Fountain loved that boat, but wifey wanted more plush. looked at Fountain 48 super cruiser super nice, fast. but before we bought we drove a 47 Fountain because I still wanted to tow. bought the 47. NO REGRETS!!!!!!!!! we often do the breakfast in North Carolina, lunch in New York challenge(look it up) very very happy.

 

[GRADS]

Go with a Formula SS they are a nice cruiser with some performance depending on motor size. A friend of mine had a 37 SS with 496HO's and it did 60 m.p.h. all while someone could be taking a dump in the bathroom or cooking up lunch in the kitchen.

 

[GRADS]

So my wife has been bugging me for years for an ocean boat (we live in San Diego) and I've been dragging my feet a bit, simply due to being busy with other things. We started looking at something trailerable, me obviously gravitating toward a 35' ish Cigarette or similar......but no, she wants a big cruiser for a more social experience with more room for more people. This conversation has logically turned into the realization that we need a bigger boat that stays in the water. I told her I refuse to own a big trawler that would take forever to get to Catalina or Newport, so we have been looking at Express Cruisers. I've never owned a slow boat before and the thought of cruising at 18 knots while guzzling more than 20 GPH worth of fuel makes my eye twitch. Anyone have any experience with express cruiser style boats? Are the stern drives better than the big v-drives?
All opinions and personal experiences welcome.

How much are you looking spend?

 

[Tank]

If you’re leaving it at a slip, don’t NOT buy an I/O boat. Do NOT buy gas motors.

Diesel shaft drive only way to go if leaving in ocean full time.

The formulas are cool and would be a great choice if you stuck with the idea of trailering it, H2otoie had a 40ss he kept in the water but also trailered it to havasu and that was a PITA. the 33 would be doable. But you really don’t want gas and out drives sitting in the ocean. Outdrives get eaten to shit, too many book and crannies to really keep clean and gas on the water is stupid expensive and big boats burn through gas quick.

I’d look at a sea ray, or older sunseekers, lots of options there. Or look at sport fishers as they will get you there faster - older Vikings, ocean yachts, Trojans etc.

Good friend has one of the coolest express cruisers I’ve ever been on. A Monterey 400. Thing is PLUSH!! Like amazingly well thought out. Two heads and two state rooms. But they’re quarter mil and up for one 10 years old.

If you’re looking for best bang for the buck I’d strongly recommend the 90’s
40' SEA RAY 400 EXPRESS CRUISER. They came with diesel and gas motors so search for diesel but the layout of this boat is awesome. Large aft area for lounging? Big swim step the cabin is large with two state rooms. A master and a second state room that has double bunks. Buddy had one and I always loved it. They can be bought for well under 100k.

 

[Shane Skolil]

Freeman 42LR or 47LR
Worldcat 400DC-x
Any Viking Sportfish boat.

 

[spectras only]

Formula, Searay is my pick before all the other cruisers. If the slow poke speeds bother you, look no further, pick a Cobalt 343 with 525's
We ran a buddy's in Vancouver at 68 mph loaded. Here is some listed all over the country. It's trailerable with a one ton.https://www.smartmarineguide.com/L52420614

Cobalt 343 Boats for sale

32 new and used Cobalt 343 boats for sale at smartmarineguide.com

www.smartmarineguide.com

 

[QC22]

I've been watching that one but in the end I don't think I want a boat that has been in salt water.

LOL. HE'S GOING TO RUN THE BOAT IN SAN DIEGO! Fresh water around there is pretty much a 14 ft Tinny.

For the diesel decision, always do the long math. Hard to get the premium back unless you run commercial. Resale is part of that discussion of course, but I'd build a spreadsheet before I jumped off that cliff. (BTW, 40 year career, all diesel)

30 MPH is almost all you want in the Catalina Channel. Very rare that you can run a big boat faster comfortably.

 

[Cobalt232]

Formula, Searay is my pick before all the other cruisers. If the slow poke speeds bother you, look no further, pick a Cobalt 343 with 525's
We ran a buddy's in Vancouver at 68 mph loaded. Here is some listed all over the country. It's trailerable with a one ton.https://www.smartmarineguide.com/L52420614

Cobalt 343 Boats for sale

32 new and used Cobalt 343 boats for sale at smartmarineguide.com

www.smartmarineguide.com

We love our Cobalt! Wish it had a blue motor though. Note that supposedly, Cobalt quality has gone down since it was acquired by Malibu Boats in 2017.

 

[wallnutz]

Check out Cruiser Yachts. My buddy has one that we have made several trips from Newport to SD. Pretty comfortable ride in 3’to 4’ spread seas. Lots of options to choose from. Kind of what made us want to do more destination water trips. Like the idea of going up and down the coast. His I believe is 39’ and is on a trailer, he doesn’t keep it in the water. But also doesn’t tow it anywhere.

 

[QC22]

I actually had built a simple calculator for diesel vs gas years ago. It does NOT take resale into account, so the premium is considered never returned except by fuel savings. Enter your numbers in the yellow cells. Nothing's locked, fuck up as you wish.

Edit: apparently you can't attach Excel Spreadsheets here? DM your email addy if anyone wants a copy.

 

[sirbob]

A lot of great boats here - however the first decision is if it will be in a slip full time.

I have always liked Tiaras (36?) if slipped full time - you can fully enclose it and have a huge indoor space or just use a bimini and use it as an open boat with a nice size cabin for 2 for weekends.

Obv it would not be new, but there are some well kept ones that are in that 100k range

Tiara Yachts 3600 Open for sale | YachtWorld

Find 20 Tiara Yachts 3600 Open for sale on YachtWorld Europe's largest marketplace for boats & yachts. We connect over 10 million boat buyers and sellers each year!

www.yachtworld.com

 

[HotRod82]

Thanks for the input ! As far as gas vs diesel goes, I'd certainly prefer diesel or 4 stroke OB power over gas I/O but the simple fact is the availability and price of the gas I/O's makes them often half the price in the 35 foot range. We don't want a fishing boat which eliminates many of the Viking and Tiarra style boats. We will be keeping the boat in the water full time so the wider beam boats like the sea ray 340 can be had pretty reasonable.
In this market, you can go from 100K to 200K in a heartbeat.

 

[rivermobster]

So my wife has been bugging me for years for an ocean boat (we live in San Diego) and I've been dragging my feet a bit, simply due to being busy with other things. We started looking at something trailerable, me obviously gravitating toward a 35' ish Cigarette or similar......but no, she wants a big cruiser for a more social experience with more room for more people. This conversation has logically turned into the realization that we need a bigger boat that stays in the water. I told her I refuse to own a big trawler that would take forever to get to Catalina or Newport, so we have been looking at Express Cruisers. I've never owned a slow boat before and the thought of cruising at 18 knots while guzzling more than 20 GPH worth of fuel makes my eye twitch. Anyone have any experience with express cruiser style boats? Are the stern drives better than the big v-drives?
All opinions and personal experiences welcome.

Shoot me a PM if you wanna buy into a solid dual diesel v-drive ocean boat. It's in Dana Point. It had three owners, but one guy dropped out. They have been looking for another party.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Any pleasure boat under 40' is just a boat which can go on the ocean, some days. Yes, on the ocean diesel is the way to go. Select your intended use. For many, trawlers aren't bad. And they're great at the dock and within the Harbor. Where most private ocean boats spend most of their time.

 

[JB in so cal]

Any pleasure boat under 40' is just a boat which can go on the ocean, some days. Yes, on the ocean diesel is the way to go. Select your intended use. For many, trawlers aren't bad. And they're great at the dock and within the Harbor. Where most private ocean boats spend most of their time.

any pics of some of your "ocean boats"? Lol

 

[DrunkenSailor]

This one has twin 500s https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2002-fountain-38-express-cruiser-6324221/

 

[DaveC]

How big we talking here? I was just in San Diego looking at big cruisers last weekend

 

[HotRod82]

How big we talking here? I was just in San Diego looking at big cruisers last weekend

Spent all day looking again, 30 to 40 foot express cruisers. We looked at a convertible and a couple aft cabins but they just don't suit our needs right now. There is a spotless Maxum we like but it's only a 30 footer and is a little cramped. Lots of boats out there for sale, too many choices!

 

[C08H18]

Having boated in the San Juans and Gulf Islands for almost 20 yrs on trawler type boats I enjoyed the relaxation of 10-15 knots and the comfort while onboard. At 20 knts, shit in the water comes at you quickly and its stressful at the helm. Remember the boat is the destination. once you figure this out, you'll enjoy the journey much more. when the water is shit, stay on the dock with friends and drink. When it summer and flat, head out for a day or a month. toss out the hook and enjoy a night on the water. 'Downeaster' style boats like the Eastbay 39 would be an interesting option for San Diego. One of the first boats i bought was a Californian 38 out of San Diego. A fast trawler that could run up and down the coast and still offer tremendous comfort and entertainment.

 

[spectras only]

^^^
Now that you mentioned , I remember a Californian trawler in Vancouver BC that was pretty fast given its planing hull design. Old friend had a Cheoy Lee 46 I had lots of good memories on it. Excellent seagoing and laid back style boating.

 

[SJP]

We run a Midnight Express CC. It has a head and small cuddy in the front. I like being able to shoot out to Catalina for breakfast. Price of gas on the water is not optimal but we do enjoy being on the water. I would rather be able to go 60 plus MPH and give up creature comforts of the larger cruisers.

 

[C08H18]

Tiara 3100 is nice. 33’ and 39’ too


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Fountain 38 Sport Cruiser Review - WIDE-TRACK ATTACK

The new, beamier Fountain should have broad appeal. Holding the world speed record for the fastest V-bottom (142.946 mph), Fountain Powerboats has long been synonymous with high performance. Over the past 20 years, the builder has parlayed that reputation into a line of fast, narrow-beam sport...

dicksimonyachts.com

Over 70mph at wide open throttle with twin 500s and a cruise speed of 55. I'm a big fan of the fountain. The diesels are better but they push the cost up. The one I posted above is a reasonable example with less than 300 hours.

 

[Taboma]

We run a Midnight Express CC. It has a head and small cuddy in the front. I like being able to shoot out to Catalina for breakfast. Price of gas on the water is not optimal but we do enjoy being on the water. I would rather be able to go 60 plus MPH and give up creature comforts of the larger cruisers.

Yeah, but running to Catalina from Newport or LA is a lot different than from San Diego Bay. It's a lunch or breakfast run for you, it's an overnighter in Avalon or the Isthmus from SD Bay on anything but an extremely rare weather day.
In the late 60's I was running my 17' Formula Jr from Newport to Cat, ski over have lunch and ski back. Although I must confess, many return trips in the afternoon were pretty wet and wild.
Besides, he won't have a house behind his dock, so most weekends with a slipped boat in SD Bay will be using it like a 2nd vacation home --- just like the vast majority of them are. Also most of the time he's got guests will be spent harbor booze cruising it, with short romps outside. A boat with some degree of passenger protection from the wind and spray is certainly prudent and a comfy cabin for those Catalina overnighters or stays in Dana Point or Newport for those multi-day getaways.
Personally I'd also avoid I/Os unless it's going to be on a hoist. Maintaining outdrives immersed in salt water 24/7/365 got expensive. Once we graduated to straight inboards, I perform most all of the maintenance other than re-paint haul outs.
Made a lot of Catalina trips and vacations in small cuddys, but those trips were a lot more comfy once we got up to the larger 30' range with progressively more spacious cabin.
Our best times when we finally had the creature comforts, to cruise up comfortably and just spend a week or two, harbor hopping and mooring.

That's my $ .02 after having spent 20 years plying the local eastern pacific waters --- then sold it all and went to Havasu, those many years ago when Havasu was a still a "Small Boaters Paradise".

 

[TITTIES AND BEER]

Call over to some of the boat storages at lake Powell Page / Big Water and ask about big boats for sale, lot of big ocean boats stored up inside 35-48’ ran in fresh water just need to get transported to SD .

 

[RodnJen]

So my wife has been bugging me for years for an ocean boat (we live in San Diego) and I've been dragging my feet a bit, simply due to being busy with other things. We started looking at something trailerable, me obviously gravitating toward a 35' ish Cigarette or similar......but no, she wants a big cruiser for a more social experience with more room for more people. This conversation has logically turned into the realization that we need a bigger boat that stays in the water. I told her I refuse to own a big trawler that would take forever to get to Catalina or Newport, so we have been looking at Express Cruisers. I've never owned a slow boat before and the thought of cruising at 18 knots while guzzling more than 20 GPH worth of fuel makes my eye twitch. Anyone have any experience with express cruiser style boats? Are the stern drives better than the big v-drives?
All opinions and personal experiences welcome.

Thank you for this thread. All though we are a few years out, we’ve been having the exact same conversation.

 

[HotRod82]

Call over to some of the boat storages at lake Powell Page / Big Water and ask about big boats for sale, lot of big ocean boats stored up inside 35-48’ ran in fresh water just need to get transported to SD .

Yes, been looking at the big lake boats from there and even up in the great lakes. Transport really isn't too expensive. Unfortunately flying back there to check things out is a little sketchy with the damn kung flu virus.

 

[HotRod82]

Yeah, but running to Catalina from Newport or LA is a lot different than from San Diego Bay. It's a lunch or breakfast run for you, it's an overnighter in Avalon or the Isthmus from SD Bay on anything but an extremely rare weather day.
In the late 60's I was running my 17' Formula Jr from Newport to Cat, ski over have lunch and ski back. Although I must confess, many return trips in the afternoon were pretty wet and wild.
Besides, he won't have a house behind his dock, so most weekends with a slipped boat in SD Bay will be using it like a 2nd vacation home --- just like the vast majority of them are. Also most of the time he's got guests will be spent harbor booze cruising it, with short romps outside. A boat with some degree of passenger protection from the wind and spray is certainly prudent and a comfy cabin for those Catalina overnighters or stays in Dana Point or Newport for those multi-day getaways.
Personally I'd also avoid I/Os unless it's going to be on a hoist. Maintaining outdrives immersed in salt water 24/7/365 got expensive. Once we graduated to straight inboards, I perform most all of the maintenance other than re-paint haul outs.
Made a lot of Catalina trips and vacations in small cuddys, but those trips were a lot more comfy once we got up to the larger 30' range with progressively more spacious cabin.
Our best times when we finally had the creature comforts, to cruise up comfortably and just spend a week or two, harbor hopping and mooring.

That's my $ .02 after having spent 20 years plying the local eastern pacific waters --- then sold it all and went to Havasu, those many years ago when Havasu was a still a "Small Boaters Paradise".

Great post, thanks. This is really boiling down to big, slow heavy cruiser with lots of comfort and amenities vs. smaller faster cruiser able to zip from SD to our friends place on the water in Newport and back in the same day when the weather permits. All good points from everyone and in a few years we probably will go towards an aft cabin or convertible when we have more time to harbor hop and run up the coast further. Right now with the shorter trips we plan on taking, I want to be able to move along a little quicker.

I'm definitely going to go shaft drive instead of I/O which eliminates at least half of the express cruisers available. It's too bad the 4 stroke outboard equipped express cruisers are so damn expensive, they are exactly what I want right now.

 

[lIQUIDATEDdAMAGES]

33 ft 1987 Crystaliner 33 Express

Find the best 33 ft 1987 Crystaliner 33 Express boats. Explore our wide range of high-quality Contact California Hatteras dealer kusler yachts or call (619) 831-1330 or [email protected] for pricing and availability

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Here is what you want. This is a friend of mine’s boat and same brand as mine. Mine is a 29 this is a 33. Best mid size ocean boat you can get in my opinion. Huge v berth, brand new yanmar diesels and you can run to Catalina comfortably at 23 knots in the worst weather the channel can kick up!

Here is me passing a 35 Cabo on the way to a fishing tournament in Catalina on a really shitty Friday after work...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DrunkenSailor]

There are a couple of cool battlewagons on oc craigslist just to muddy the waters a bit...

This is a ton of boat for the money: https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bod/d/newport-beach-53-hatteras-convertible/7076504469.html

So is this:

46' Hatteras Convertible Restored - boats - by dealer - marine sale

Beautiful Hatteras Convertible Restored with many custom features. Fresh paint in cockpit &...

orangecounty.craigslist.org

 

[Ouderkirk]

So my wife has been bugging me for years for an ocean boat (we live in San Diego) and I've been dragging my feet a bit, simply due to being busy with other things. We started looking at something trailerable, me obviously gravitating toward a 35' ish Cigarette or similar......but no, she wants a big cruiser for a more social experience with more room for more people. This conversation has logically turned into the realization that we need a bigger boat that stays in the water. I told her I refuse to own a big trawler that would take forever to get to Catalina or Newport, so we have been looking at Express Cruisers. I've never owned a slow boat before and the thought of cruising at 18 knots while guzzling more than 20 GPH worth of fuel makes my eye twitch. Anyone have any experience with express cruiser style boats? Are the stern drives better than the big v-drives?
All opinions and personal experiences welcome.

What you are looking for is a Bertram or Egg Harbor in the 58' to 60' range. Diesel (Caterpillar preferred) straight drive, Dual Station with double salon. 1985 to 1995 are affordable.

 

[Mandelon]

Price Reduction!! - 1990 Novatec 44 CPMY - boats - by dealer -...

Rebuilt Detroit 6v92s (150 Hours) Interior Modernized Great Condo on the water that you can Fish...

sandiego.craigslist.org

The Devil's Advocate is here to rain on your parade:
Zip the boat up the coast to visit your friends? That's what the freeway is for. 7 hours and $1100 in fuel.... you'll make that trip once.
Think about the costs...you thought a river boat got expensive... wait til you have a salt water boat.
Monthly dock fees, insurance utilities, bottom paint, bottom scraping......everything wears out and fast!
Plus all the bird shit. LOL

On the other hand, you'll have lots of jealous friends who will want to come along....

 

[Tank]

Price Reduction!! - 1990 Novatec 44 CPMY - boats - by dealer -...

Rebuilt Detroit 6v92s (150 Hours) Interior Modernized Great Condo on the water that you can Fish...

sandiego.craigslist.org

The Devil's Advocate is here to rain on your parade:
Zip the boat up the coast to visit your friends? That's what the freeway is for. 7 hours and $1100 in fuel.... you'll make that trip once.
Think about the costs...you thought a river boat got expensive... wait til you have a salt water boat.
Monthly dock fees, insurance utilities, bottom paint, bottom scraping......everything wears out and fast!
Plus all the bird shit. LOL

On the other hand, you'll have lots of jealous friends who will want to come along....

true fuckin story!

Take everything you thought about boat costs and quadruple that shit to start. Ocean / slipped boats. Another level of Money spent from a weekend / lake boat.

Just buy a cigarette like you wanted to in the first place and thank me later.

 

[Shlbyntro]

That's one of my favorites, the Formulas seem to be a good quality boat with bigger power. I actually am going to try to see this boat this weekend.

The Formula SS boats are great for what you both want. I work on a lot of them. Also a smaller <34 ft Formula PC or Searay Sundancer with sterns are great options too and though not slow, the SS will probably still outclass them by about 20mph with only slightly less room

 

[RodnJen]

Yeah, that's the big question - how much do you wanna spend?
I like the center consoles but this boat will double as a little condo on the water and most cc's don't have enough space to use as a weekender.
We're trying to keep it at 35' max and around $100K budget wise.

I would take this over any CC in that size range. But the money thing is an issue. That being said, the used express market is softer than the CC market, but only a little.

Pursuit

The Pursuit OS 355 is an offshore fishing boat designed to provide a yacht quality experiance everytime to you step foot on its deck. Choose between triple or twin engine power and prepare to explore the open oceans.

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