2012 or 2008, big versus small

[Zim]

so, there I am, minding my own business and cleaning my 2012, 310 that we just purchased, less than 6 months ago, when my broker approached me and said he has a fantastic 2008, 38 footer that he wants to put me into.

We hinted that our 310 was the smaller boat in the marina, but...wasn't ready to move up in size so soon.

So, the 38 is clean and looks enticing, but in the end, wife says she is just fine with the newer, smaller boat. We typically don't entertain or have people on our boat so needing the additional space is not important...and the additional cost for fuel and slip. But wow, she's a beautiful beast.in my world bigger is better...no wait, in her world...bah, you get the idea....

Price would be a wash as both are comparable financially speaking.

The 310 is our first boat....was hoping to cut my teeth with her this season and see how things go.
Reaching out to all you experienced boaters for thoughts....

Forgot to mention that the 38 has all the bells and whistles, with generator and few other things my 2012 was left without, but we don't mind.

 

[Strecker25]

man, that's a way different boat. I guess it would really depend on condition of the 38, maintenance records, etc. I wouldn't be worried about the jump in size in terms of handling, you'll get that down quickly.

Do you guys plan on staying aboard often either in the marina or out on the hook? The 38 should have the separate shower stall which is a game changer in my eyes. How about power in your 310, are they inboards? Going from I/O to inboards might also be worth it especially if you're in the salt.

 

[Stee6043]

I'd take that 380 in a heartbeat so long as you don't take a bath on the 310.

If your wife thinks the 310 is big enough now....just give it 3 more months.

Jump to the 380 now and save yourself the question of whether or not the 340 is "enough of a step up" for your next boat. With any luck the 380 will be good enough for a few years until you find that gem of a 420/440....

And last...if your 310 has I/O's I bet you'd find the 380 a lot easier to drive/dock.

 

[Zim]

man, that's a way different boat. I guess it would really depend on condition of the 38, maintenance records, etc. I wouldn't be worried about the jump in size in terms of handling, you'll get that down quickly.

Do you guys plan on staying aboard often either in the marina or out on the hook? The 38 should have the separate shower stall which is a game changer in my eyes. How about power in your 310, are they inboards? Going from I/O to inboards might also be worth it especially if you're in the salt.

We've been staying on our 310 every weekend so far, depending on weather... and we love going out and being on the hook in the ocean. As for power, the twin engine I/O , imo, do a great job, but this is my first boat so I don't have anything to compare it to. Docking it, especially in reverse is nail biting and I haven't gotten it down yet, I'm still bouncing of poles and boats....can't imagine a bigger boat being easier...in that aspect....lol

 

[dtfeld]

I went from a 25 single IO to a 410. I can put this boat anywhere I want with in a couple inches! I even got it into the slip in 25kts winds with gust and I’m 30 hours into it. You can do it no problem

380 is a sweet boat and I’d take the older 380 inboards over a 310 IO especially in salt water JMHO.

Shower onboard makes life very nice...my wife loves it

 

[Third Edition]

Did you both check out the bed in the 380? You might find it vastly superior to the one in the 310.

 

[M Prod]

380, hands down, in a heartbeat. If you like your 310, you are going to LOVE that 380. The inboards will be much easier to maneuver than your I/O's. I came from a 24ft I/O to my 340, and the 340 is a breeze around the docks in comparison. If the boat checks out, I'd go for it. You will never regret it.

 

[Zim]

I'd take that 380 in a heartbeat so long as you don't take a bath on the 310.

If your wife thinks the 310 is big enough now....just give it 3 more months.

Jump to the 380 now and save yourself the question of whether or not the 340 is "enough of a step up" for your next boat. With any luck the 380 will be good enough for a few years until you find that gem of a 420/440....

And last...if your 310 has I/O's I bet you'd find the 380 a lot easier to drive/dock.

He didn't talk numbers so I guess it's a topic we will touch on this weekend if he's around. I don't want to take a loss on the 310....I've installed teak, new gps, ( I wanted a bigger screen) led cabin lights, 3k watt inverter, but haven't installed yet, and few other smaller things just in the last two months...plus my down payment and all new zincs oh and a full detail, and, oh yeah all new canvas..I think that was 4K alone....I don't expect to get all my money back but would like a fair bit back ....

Like I said she is a beautiful beastly boat and I'm sure the wife and myself will adjust just fine in a more prestigious and bigger surroundings

 

[Zim]

Wow, so many going for the bigger boat... kinda figured it.

Just got off the phone with my broker, asked to see if I can break even on the 310, fingers crossed and let's see how this plays out

 

[JC3]

Going to play D advocate. The first boat we bought was a Glacier Bay 2685. I wanted a boat that knew more than me and was almost unsinkable. Went to beaufort SC picked it up drove to Key Largo and 2 days later crossed the Gulf Stream and went to the Bahamas. After that trip wife and I knew we needed a bigger boat. BUT, but decided to wait and go through the Bahamas that next year for 6 weeks to see what we really needed. We bought a 1998 SR 450DA 5 months later after that trip. Point is after we used the GB we knew what our needs/wants were and started looking. My advice to you is use that beautiful boat this summer. Get an idea how you boat and your true needs. I could go on and on.
Good luck and have a Great summer. GOD bless. JC

 

[dtfeld]

I calculated costs for newer/smaller vs older/bigger. Fixed costs were within $100-200 month for something in the 32-41 ft range

With that i opted for older/bigger. But I like F***g with boats!

Loving it.

 

[JVM225]

If you like sleeping over on the boat and plan to do it more often, then hands down, go for the bigger boat.
I came from a 300 Sundancer with twin I/O’s to my 410.
The separate shower stall and generator were a must for our next boat, and we appreciate having them now even more than we thought we would.