Feeling pretentious/snobby about boat brand/make

bajturner said:
Depends on the model. It took me over 2 years to find a good, reasonably close 44DB!
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Very true statement! They built a heck of a lot of 320s and 340s! Found that out when I bought my 318 and 358.
 
mrsrobinson said:
I just can't seem to get over "it's not a Formula/Sea Ray though". I hate that I feel that way, I feel like a snob. I am getting the Wellcraft for over $40K less than the Formula too. As a cash buyer that leaves a nice chunk of change in my wallet. I felt similar when I purchased my last Monterey, though I ended up loving the boat and never had any issues with it.
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I know the feeling since I went from Sea Ray to Carver. They both have their strengths for sure but the deal we got on a local boat almost makes up for it. In the end its all about how the boat performs and suits your needs and if you perceive that someone thinks less of you or your boat because of the badging let it be their problem. At least here at CSR everyone afflicted with boat owners syndrome is welcome:cool: I hope your deal closes with no hitches and you have a great ownership experience.
Carpe Diem
 
mrsrobinson said:
I am not sure my Subject is the right way of saying how I am feeling. I was under contract for a 2005 Formula 37PC. After learning more about the boat I ended up rejecting it. She was a beauty: https://www.marineconcepts.net/boats-for-sale/2005-formula-37-pc-portsmouth-virginia-7706392/

I looked at a 2002 Sea Ray 360 2 weeks ago listed at $106K. It was clean, showed well.

I've owned a Sea Ray and a Regal, both great boats. Under the covers, if you will, I am aware they are all mostly the same except for fit and finish.

I am now under contract on a privately owned 2002 Wellcraft Martinique 3700: https://richmond.craigslist.org/boa/d/hopewell-2002-wellcraft-martinique-3700/7306956092.html

I shared this boat with a reputable broker I trust (did I really just say that?) and he said "buy it, you got a good boat for a good price under $80K in this market". It's a private seller and so far the experience has been wonderful.

It's in excellent condition, well cared for, passed engine inspections last week, fits me well (I am 6'3"), seller reminds me of myself when it comes to maintenance, service, care etc.

I just can't seem to get over "it's not a Formula/Sea Ray though". I hate that I feel that way, I feel like a snob. I am getting the Wellcraft for over $40K less than the Formula too. As a cash buyer that leaves a nice chunk of change in my wallet. I felt similar when I purchased my last Monterey, though I ended up loving the boat and never had any issues with it.

I prefer the cockpit in the Wellcraft to the Formula, wider, more room, better upholstery and no steps. I prefer the open cabin, island queen and wood floor in the Formula. I do not like the upholstery in the cabin on the Formula, that fluffy look. I prefer the stainless steel windshield on the Formula. I like the height of the Formula, it looks tall, Wellcraft feels squatty. I prefer the molded in swim platform on the Formula to the "bolted on" look on the Wellcraft. The blue hull is gorgeous and I love the hardtop on the Formula.

But are these things really worth $$40K+. Logically, No. These model Formula's/Sea Rays are selling for $120k+ in as good a condition as this Wellcraft.

And yeah, it's probably all marketing, but the Formula/Sea Ray just feels better.

I guess I am just talking/sharing to see if others have had a similar experience.


Thanks
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I don’t know about their cruisers but I grew up around Mako, aqua sport, Boston Whaler, Formula 233, Bertram 28, Chris Craft, in Sou Fla.

My dad always spoke highly of Wellcraft. He captained a PT and could navigate us to Bimini in our 17ft Mako at night using charts.

Wellcrafts were highly regarded by offshore fishermen.
 
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My recommendation is buy what fits you and your budget and leave the brand out of the equation.

I'm mostly brand agnostic except for some because I can't get over their construction. With that said, I had a Larson that this site ripped on back in the day... Honestly it was in better condition than any Searay in the same category that I EVER came across. It was a great investment and it worked well until the tornado had other plans for it. Next boat was/is a Cruisers Yachts. Many turn a nose up at that brand as well. Guess what? Another great boat! More spacious than a similar Searay or comparable boat... 13' beam and roomy! It's in amazing condition and most think the boat is easily 10 years newer. I buy a boat for ME, not for others. Just about any boat will perform better than the Captain has the skill set for.
 
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I appreciate all of the feedback. I am feeling better about the Wellcraft. And my GF, who thinks I am crazy to buy another boat, even likes it and said "buy it" :)
 
douglee25 said:
My recommendation is buy what fits you and your budget and leave the brand out of the equation.

I'm mostly brand agnostic except for some because I can't get over their construction. With that said, I had a Larson that this site ripped on back in the day... Honestly it was in better condition than any Searay in the same category that I EVER came across. It was a great investment and it worked well until the tornado had other plans for it. Next boat was/is a Cruisers Yachts. Many turn a nose up at that brand as well. Guess what? Another great boat! More spacious than a similar Searay or comparable boat... 13'6" beam and roomy! It's in amazing condition and most think the boat is easily 10 years newer. I buy a boat for ME, not for others. Just about any boat will perform better than the Captain has the skill set for.
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Doug, good to "see" you again. I love the 3575, looked at a few, they were in bad shape. Came close to buying a Cruisers 370 last year but my gut told me it had taken on water at some point. Looked at a few 340 Express last fall as well, loved them. Wish I had bought then :-( they were selling for upper 50s low 60s pre COVID.
 
I would buy the Wellcraft, save some money and don't look back. Just enjoy. You can "upgrade" the Wellcraft if you want to improve the cosmetics. A nice teak floor, new teak tables, and updated electronics might be just the ticket. Invest $5k to personalize it and really set it apart from other similar boats. If everything else is solid, including the deal, that's what I would do. You'll enjoy having it "your way", and will likely reap the benefits when you sell it too.
 
Steve in Minneapolis said:
I would buy the Wellcraft, save some money and don't look back. Just enjoy. You can "upgrade" the Wellcraft if you want to improve the cosmetics. A nice teak floor, new teak tables, and updated electronics might be just the ticket. Invest $5k to personalize it and really set it apart from other similar boats. If everything else is solid, including the deal, that's what I would do. You'll enjoy having it "your way", and will likely reap the benefits when you sell it too.
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Well said. I was actually already thinking how easy it would be to build wood table tops myself and install a vinyl/wood floor. And I am guessing after 3-6 months using the boat neither will matter anymore though.
 
Interesting, I bought my 2008 Larson 370 in October (tried to find a clean SR 380) and it is identical to the Wellcraft 3700. Did Larson buy Wellcraft in the early 2000s?
cockpit.jpg
 
Genmar used to own Larson, not sure about Wellcraft.
 
The Dark Side said:
Interesting, I bought my 2008 Larson 370 in October (tried to find a clean SR 380) and it is identical to the Wellcraft 3700. Did Larson buy Wellcraft in the early 2000s?View attachment 103953
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Genmar owned Wellcraft and Larson. The Wellcraft Martinique became the Larson Cabrio line when Wellcraft switch to only fishing boats... They are essentially identical. There may be some transitioning years on the delta conic hull. My memory escapes me on the exact details.
 
mrsrobinson said:
Doug, good to "see" you again. I love the 3575, looked at a few, they were in bad shape. Came close to buying a Cruisers 370 last year but my gut told me it had taken on water at some point. Looked at a few 340 Express last fall as well, loved them. Wish I had bought then :-( they were selling for upper 50s low 60s pre COVID.
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Crazy how the market has changed. Glad to see you getting back in the game!
 
With the combination of markets SR has abandoned and the wealth of knowledge many members here have other brands than SR. I would put my Cruisers Yachts up against a 2000ish 400 or 410. I notice no difference in build quality over my previous SR and can run well with friends with diesels. (Using a barge full of fuel to do it. LOL)

With all the turmoil in the boat market, even in these roaring times, CSR will see more non-Sea Ray owners than ever, so enjoy your boat...
 
MonacoMike said:
With the combination of markets SR has abandoned and the wealth of knowledge many members here have other brands than SR. I would put my Cruisers Yachts up against a 2000ish 400 or 410. I notice no difference in build quality over my previous SR and can run well with friends with diesels. (Using a barge full of fuel to do it. LOL)

With all the turmoil in the boat market, even in these roaring times, CSR will see more non-Sea Ray owners than ever, so enjoy your boat...
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I have had three searay as two Cruisers.
One thing I think Cruisers does really well is use of storage areas around the cockpit and cabin. It always felt to me like the design department must have had some husbands and wife's working there as both cabin and cockpit met most of the needs of men and women.

Then on the other hand I like the hardware searay use, fit and finish and gel coat.
 
Joint Custody said:
I have had three searay as two Cruisers.
One thing I think Cruisers does really well is use of storage areas around the cockpit and cabin. It always felt to me like the design department must have had some husbands and wife's working there as both cabin and cockpit met most of the needs of men and women.

Then on the other hand I like the hardware searay use, fit and finish and gel coat.
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Agreed. Most of my hardware was similar but the cabinet push buttons were the plastic base, not the brass and the cabinets are matte finish (I prefer, no fingerprints) and doors are not cut as tight to the openings. I am excited to see the difference in the gel coat as my neighbor (400 DA) and I both use the identical products and this will be the first time we get to see them very near after full winter clean up. That said my gel coat cleaned up very nice, that and logo updates and folks think it is a 5 years old not 20 years old.

BTW, these comments only apply to my 20 yo boat.
 
I would agree with the Cruisers use of space 100%. Was looking at 42 searay and found an 05 440 express for less than the 2 year older searay with 2 staterooms. If you are really into boating you cannot be brand loyal. Each one has certain advantages so what are you looking for?
 
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