Window shopping...options for an express/flybridge hybrid?

importmonkey

Opinionated Member
Jul 9, 2015
1,056
Space Coast, FL
Boat Info
2005 260DA (sold)
2007 44DA (sold)
1989/2015 Hatteras 65c
Engines
12v92TA
The words I've been longing to hear..."Honey, I think we need a bigger boat." :smt119

Yup...she wants to move up from our 260DA. Love it! She wants something with more "living space" and a boat that's a little more stable in rougher/bigger seas. Our 260DA can get tossed around in the Chesapeake pretty easily.

So, we're going to start looking around to find the right style of boat. I love the dancers, but I'm not sure we can get what we want out of a cruiser. Here's where we're starting:

  • 2 enclosed staterooms (3 would be ideal)
  • 2 heads would be nice, but at least one must have a separate shower (no more warshing up while sitting on the can)
  • generator/AC
  • Cockpit air/heat

I'm not sure I'd like a fly bridge. I like to take the boat out on occasion by myself, and I think it would be too hard to do that from the bridge. Thoughts?

We both like the layout of the flies, but could do without the "second story." Do they make a hybrid? All of the newer models have much better layouts than older boats, but probably won't get one that fits the budget (<$125,000).

Some I like...
  • The Rinker 400 Express isn't bad. We like the layout
  • Fairline Targa 43 (especially if it comes with a jetski!)
  • Cruisers 405 Express Motor Yacht

Thoughts?
 
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The words I've been longing to hear..."Honey, I think we need a bigger boat." :smt119

Yup...she wants to move up from our 260DA. Love it! She wants something with more "living space" and a boat that's a little more stable in rougher/bigger seas. Our 260DA can get tossed around in the Chesapeake pretty easily.

So, we're going to start looking around to find the right style of boat. I love the dancers, but I'm not sure we can get what we want out of a cruiser. Here's where we're starting:

  • 2 enclosed staterooms (3 would be ideal)
  • 2 heads would be nice, but at least one must have a separate shower (no more warshing up while sitting on the can)
  • generator/AC
  • Cockpit air/heat

I'm not sure I'd like a fly bridge. I like to take the boat out on occasion by myself, and I think it would be too hard to do that from the bridge. Thoughts?

We both like the layout of the flies, but could do without the "second story." Do they make a hybrid? All of the newer models have much better layouts than older boats, but probably won't get one that fits the budget (<$125,000).

Some I like...
  • The Rinker 400 Express isn't bad. We like the layout
  • Fairline Targa 43 (especially if it comes with a jetski!)
  • Cruisers 405 Express Motor Yacht

Thoughts?
410DA? There is one ready to sell on this forum (not mine!)
 
Looks like those older 410DAs are the only ones with cabin doors. Nice. Just don't want a project boat. Thanks.
 
The "captain" said the same thing to me early last year. Wound up with a 2006 44DA 2 staterooms, 2 heads, bow thruster, cockpit AC and sleeps 5 comfortably. I take it out by myself and find it easy to handle alone
 
The one I am thinking about is in New Jersey and not a project boat...
 
Monkey, one thing to consider with fly bridge boats is that in a beam sea the bridge is going to be rocking more than you would be on your 260.....unless you move up to a boat with a much wider beam and more weight.

Bridge boats do offer a lot more living space, but if you routinely boat in choppy waters and/or in nasty weather you may want to look for a boat with two helms. You usually don't get dual helms unless you move up quite a bit in size. Now, that being said, I've only driven from our lower helm 2-3 times. It doesn't matter to me what the weather is, I want to be up above where the view is much better. That's also the place where guests congregate, and that's because of the view.

Before you buy a boat, see if you can find someone you know that has a boat with a bridge and ask them to take you for a ride. That will really open your eyes to what a different boating experience you get with a bridge boat.
 
Great advice! Thank you! We will certainly tour the boats in our marina before making a decision. I thought 44DA would be too big, but I'll look into to them.

NJ? Want my 260?
 
125k seems like it could buy a pretty nice 1996-2001 400DB. One of our forum members has a 1996 listed for around $95k, I believe. Think it's in Maryland somewhere also.

Edit: found it...look for mjmason1. He's in Massachusetts.
 
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Look into a 450 express bridge - It has the "Hybrid" style and I believe was built on the same hull as the 450DA - Probably in your price range too
 
Look into a 450 express bridge - It has the "Hybrid" style and I believe was built on the same hull as the 450DA - Probably in your price range too
Not bad. Definitely worth taking a closer look at. I like the 3 berths. Thanks!
 
I'm selling my 2001 410DA, which should be listed on the Classifieds section within the next week or so (just need to get time to do it). VERY clean boat, not a project boat. Everything has been updated that needed updating. PM if you are interested...
 
My wife and I purchased a 1998 450 DA last year and could not be more pleased. Lots of room, Handles great and averaging 10 gal. per hr. on the 3116 cats. Everything we looked at it was the most bang for the buck.
 
Not to derail the thread too much, and I'm sure there are a few I haven't read yet, but how does everyone feel about diesel v gas? I feel my boat is underpowered and should have held out for the bigger motor. What's the minimum pounds/hp ratio?

Sad we can't get two staterooms in something smaller. Guess I shouldn't be worried about "having" to get an extra 6-10 feet of hull.
 
Latest update: "I don't want a white boat." Nice. I like colored hulls (especially the blue one we have now), but it limits the pool of options and requires us to look for something newer. Normally, I hear, "get a 40' boat with everything, but you can only spend $35k."
 

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