Downsize

We've actually debated this and have not come back with a good answer. I like the 48/50DA and the newer 510DA without pods, but my wife isn't sure she could get used to the smaller spaces. I might just have to keep boating in my 58 to keep the Admiral happy. To be honest, we've also debated going bigger too. Whatever we do, it will likely be our last big boat move. My second retirement is just less than 4 short years away.
 
Probably some kind of single Diesel engine trawler style.
 
After I upsize for ten years, I'll consider down sizing and it will likely be a 30'ish trawler for day use so cabin accommodations won't be such an issue. That is if we even stay into boating.
CD
 
Our next boat will look something like this. Beachcomber is for sale and I've been talking with a potential buyer.

After the sale goes through we'll be looking for a land yacht.
5bd8b089d5d9af533709036b.jpg
 
We are thinking of going down in size however we have been spoiled with the room, beam and diesels on the 460 and the master head.
Everyone we boat with are in the 34ft to 37ft range and are able to move faster and can get into camping spots that we just cant get the 460 into.

Our average trip we are spending $1,200.00 for fuel to cover the lake like we want. That puts us at about 15k a year in fuel.Its not so much the consumption of fuel it is the cost on our lake of fuel. So maybe thinking of going down to a 360 or 340.

The 340 with out drives " or a boat with out drives" is really the best choice for our lake as you can move on the water quicker and get into all the tight canyons we like to stay in. The shaft drive boats draft a little more and we have lots of underwater obstacles to watch for.

I like the cabin room of the 37 PC Formula and that boat comes with outdrives but I don't really like the cockpit or the fit and finish.

Also Cruisers Yachts have some good choices and lay out.

One of the funny things we have as a list of wants is a head with separate shower and that isn't the case on a SR 340.

I don't really want to walk away from Searay.
 
It seems to me that getting a separate head in a Sea Ray requires a really big boat. For some reason they seemed to stick with the integrated head / shower situation. Having the shower separated from the rest of the head IS really nice.

I'd think that outdrives in your situation would be not bad, being in fresh water. It seems like it would help you accomplish your other goals of getting into shallow water, faster speed, and less fuel consumption.

A little surprised on the Forumla comment. I had the impression the their fit and finish was very good. The ones I've seen at boat shows have been good.
 
Joint Custody said:
We are thinking of going down in size however we have been spoiled with the room, beam and diesels on the 460 and the master head.
Everyone we boat with are in the 34ft to 37ft range and are able to move faster and can get into camping spots that we just cant get the 460 into.

Our average trip we are spending $1,200.00 for fuel to cover the lake like we want. That puts us at about 15k a year in fuel.Its not so much the consumption of fuel it is the cost on our lake of fuel. So maybe thinking of going down to a 360 or 340.

The 340 with out drives " or a boat with out drives" is really the best choice for our lake as you can move on the water quicker and get into all the tight canyons we like to stay in. The shaft drive boats draft a little more and we have lots of underwater obstacles to watch for.

I like the cabin room of the 37 PC Formula and that boat comes with outdrives but I don't really like the cockpit or the fit and finish.

Also Cruisers Yachts have some good choices and lay out.

One of the funny things we have as a list of wants is a head with separate shower and that isn't the case on a SR 340.

I don't really want to walk away from Searay.
Click to expand...
The SS formula on my dock has a very nice fit/finish. The engine room is complete finished gelcoat....
 
b_arrington said:
It seems to me that getting a separate head in a Sea Ray requires a really big boat. For some reason they seemed to stick with the integrated head / shower situation. Having the shower separated from the rest of the head IS really nice.

I'd think that outdrives in your situation would be not bad, being in fresh water. It seems like it would help you accomplish your other goals of getting into shallow water, faster speed, and less fuel consumption.

A little surprised on the Forumla comment. I had the impression the their fit and finish was very good. The ones I've seen at boat shows have been good.
Click to expand...


I guess what I meant to say on the fit and finish it is more cosmetic. to me SR have lots of nice stainless features and things like that and that just makes the SR brand stand out to me. Formulas are very nice boats there cockpits just aren't as sexy on the PC model the SS model is way sexy however you have no cabin room.
 
Gofirstclass said:
Our next boat will look something like this. Beachcomber is for sale and I've been talking with a potential buyer.
After the sale goes through we'll be looking for a land yacht.
Click to expand...
I did that 3 years ago. We spent two years traveling the country all summer and visited most of the national parks. Traveling via highway vs. waterway isn't so enjoyable for me so after the 2nd year without the Sea Ray, I was shopping. Campgrounds are generally less social, less clean, every bit as expensive as marinas in many cases. It was worth getting out as seeing the national parks, but the RV isn't anything I want to just spend the weekend in. It all just verified that I prefer a boat. My 330DA is the size that fits my needs. I'll have that boat until I'm no longer boating.
 
I thought the 46 would be my last boat, lost the 46 in a fire, moved to a 40 Cabo, only been 3 weeks , but so far so good, easier to maintain, clean and a lot faster.
 
PlayDough, I agree that RV'ing ain't for everyone. I was a manager for one of the largest RV dealers in WA and got to use many different sizes/makes/models at no charge. Your city is one of the places we definitely visit. I grew up in Saginaw and visited MC and MI many times. Tina has seen the island and MC once and is dying to go back. We'll park in MC and take Sheplers to the island.

Many, many places to explore in the northern part of the lower peninsula. Then it will be north across the bridge to the UP and, if Canada is open by then we'll come back down on the east side of the lakes. Can't wait!
 
Gofirstclass said:
PlayDough, I agree that RV'ing ain't for everyone. I was a manager for one of the largest RV dealers in WA and got to use many different sizes/makes/models at no charge. Your city is one of the places we definitely visit. I grew up in Saginaw and visited MC and MI many times. Tina has seen the island and MC once and is dying to go back. We'll park in MC and take Sheplers to the island.

Many, many places to explore in the northern part of the lower peninsula. Then it will be north across the bridge to the UP and, if Canada is open by then we'll come back down on the east side of the lakes. Can't wait!
Click to expand...

I would love to have a diesel Class A, but my wife has drawn the line at an RV. But, if it ever gets to the point where I’m looking to get out of boating, we might have to battle that one out.
 
I haven't decided yet if I'm looking at gas or diesel. Gas rigs are less expensive but don't get quite as good mileage. Given the cost difference between gas and diesel fuel I think it probably come close to balancing out.

Diesels are quieter going down the road because the engine is in the rear, and that is a real plus. Just don't know yet.
 
I have a 36 with a 14’ beam and would have trouble either downsizing or upsizing.

I sometimes think I’d prefer the 39 for the peninsula bed but I’d miss my T-Top/Hardtop.

This is my first Sea Ray and I was never really a fan, but the longer it owns me the more I like it.
 
Gofirstclass said:
I haven't decided yet if I'm looking at gas or diesel. Gas rigs are less expensive but don't get quite as good mileage. Given the cost difference between gas and diesel fuel I think it probably come close to balancing out.

Diesels are quieter going down the road because the engine is in the rear, and that is a real plus. Just don't know yet.
Click to expand...
See if you can get a Cat engine in the RV and you'll be more at home. ;)
 
Gofirstclass said:
I haven't decided yet if I'm looking at gas or diesel. Gas rigs are less expensive but don't get quite as good mileage. Given the cost difference between gas and diesel fuel I think it probably come close to balancing out.

Diesels are quieter going down the road because the engine is in the rear, and that is a real plus. Just don't know yet.
Click to expand...
We got our RV itch scratched before we got into boating. I often wonder however if at some point we don't get out of boating and back into the RV but my guess by the time we get out of boating we wont be in shape to be running down the road in an RV, Probably just travel in first class and spend the difference in fine hotels instead.
 
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