Has anyone here gone up in size and regretted it?

The happiest day in our boat lives was the day we sold our trailer (with a 250 on it). The trailer was more mx than the boat, and the outdrive was more maintenance/cost than a second engine, so the 340 didn't cost us any more to maintain. Now, with the 44, the boat costs quite a bit more to own, but it doesn't cost any more to operate, and probably less. It uses just a bit more fuel, but because it's diesel, the cost for the fuel bill is almost exactly the same. Also, we tend to cruise around at 9 mph a lot more, so we save quite a bit due to that - not so worried about engine hours with the diesels.
 
My first boat was Chaparral Signature 31. Great boat except forthe out drives and it was a gaser. Now we are in a 1997 400 DA diesel. The costof operation and mooring is a break even deal. Moving up in size meant a fewplaces we could no longer squeeze into. Then again we are now able to jump intothe Gulf or take longer trips with much more comfort and confidence. I would not go back in size.
 
I had to think about this one...

When went from a 175 to a 250 to a 300 then we missed our little boat and bought our 190 SD... We moved to a more expensive house, and had children, so we sold our 300 and kept our 190... 5 years later we bought our 340...

But to answer your question, no regrets... I would like to have mo money, and be able to afford a bigger boat... Over the years that we have owned our boat, the cost of gas has become more a driving factor in how we use our boats. The sweet spot on large sundancers is 410 DA with diesels... They are big and get good fuel economy... If you are going large, and you plan to go on long trips, the 410 is not a bad choice...
 
Moving from a new 280 to an older 450 has been an eye opener. Operating the boat is about the same cost, basic maint is actually less than the 280. But fixing all the little crap is a huge amount of work and expensive. pull handles here, carpet there, hinges over there, hoses everywhere... I have a running list of things to fix and replace and it never seems to get smaller. Granted a lot of the things could be left alone and just look faded and ugly. Some items like a fridge are a PITA to find and expensive when you do find a replacement. Washing and waxing is a lot of work, the 280 was nothing compared to the 450. It's so big that I have to do it in sections over time. I have to set reminders to check parts of the boat because I completely forget that they are there. After 2 years, I'm still finding things on the boat that I didn't know I had. Last weekend I found a bicycle pump and a work light that the previous owner stashed away in a remote area. Sometimes it's easier just to buy something even though you know you have it but you can't find it on the boat.
 
Saint Max is a perfect weekender. The 330 is as large as I would want to deal with singlehanded. My Regal 2465 was a perfect overnighter.

I enjoy my 330, however for the amount of time I have to use her I would be just as pleased to have the Regal. IMHO, the operations and maintenance costs are more than double when you go from single to twins.
 
I went from 16 to 23 to 27.....I still have all three! They are like golf clubs....a different use for each one. The 270/290 is as big as I can go unless I move closer to big water. Until I retire, I would not have the time to take care of a bigger boat. I would also have to buy a larger truck....I'm maxed out at 12,000. I chose the '90 270 because of it's value and size for the year and an awesome Loadmaster trailer came with it, Mike.
 
Turtlesboat said:
Moving from a new 280 to an older 450 has been an eye opener. Operating the boat is about the same cost, basic maint is actually less than the 280. But fixing all the little crap is a huge amount of work and expensive. pull handles here, carpet there, hinges over there, hoses everywhere... I have a running list of things to fix and replace and it never seems to get smaller. Granted a lot of the things could be left alone and just look faded and ugly. Some items like a fridge are a PITA to find and expensive when you do find a replacement. Washing and waxing is a lot of work, the 280 was nothing compared to the 450. It's so big that I have to do it in sections over time. I have to set reminders to check parts of the boat because I completely forget that they are there. After 2 years, I'm still finding things on the boat that I didn't know I had. Last weekend I found a bicycle pump and a work light that the previous owner stashed away in a remote area. Sometimes it's easier just to buy something even though you know you have it but you can't find it on the boat.
Click to expand...
So is your answer 'sometimes'?
 
"Every time" I wash and wax the boat.
 
Turtlesboat said:
Moving from a new 280 to an older 450 has been an eye opener. Operating the boat is about the same cost, basic maint is actually less than the 280. But fixing all the little crap is a huge amount of work and expensive. pull handles here, carpet there, hinges over there, hoses everywhere... I have a running list of things to fix and replace and it never seems to get smaller. Granted a lot of the things could be left alone and just look faded and ugly. Some items like a fridge are a PITA to find and expensive when you do find a replacement. Washing and waxing is a lot of work, the 280 was nothing compared to the 450. It's so big that I have to do it in sections over time. I have to set reminders to check parts of the boat because I completely forget that they are there. After 2 years, I'm still finding things on the boat that I didn't know I had. Last weekend I found a bicycle pump and a work light that the previous owner stashed away in a remote area. Sometimes it's easier just to buy something even though you know you have it but you can't find it on the boat.
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Hey Mike, I'm sure this goes without saying but, keep good records, and pics of necessary stuff. Put them all in a nice binder, as sort of a operators/users guide to the boat. Then when I'm ready to retire, and your sick of, or ready to move up. I can buy your old tired boat from you. haha Sounds like a good idea to me!

Actually Mr. Frank Websters boat would do too! hahaha
 
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We keep thinking of moving up. A 41DA and 42DA came through this summer and got my wifes attention, she says "when I retire". My two granddaughters are always with us, they say they'll always want to go boating because I'm the "coolest gramps ever". In a few years they'll have guys following them around:smt089, maybe I can make those pimply faced bums wax my boat.:grin:
 
If that doesn't keep them in line, you can always give them portable generator duty.
 
Turtlesboat said:
If that doesn't keep them in line, you can always give them portable generator duty.
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Just tell them to be alert for: slight headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, then let you know so you can turn off the gennie. If they can't survive that they were not good enough for your greandaughters. MM
 
Thanks a lot for all the input, guys. I love hearing the opinions & experiences of other diehard boaters and SR fans. I absolutely WILL move to a larger Sea Ray one day. Just not anytime soon. Truthfully, my 290 suits my needs and income level very well at this time. I'm 40, have an active 8 yr old son in private school, and a wife that likes to do a lot of other things other than the boat. Vacations & home improvements are always on the priority list right there with the boat. The 290 is actually great because I can haul it around myself if needed, and fill it with fuel and use it without going broke.

I just can't help thinking and dreaming of moving up. Going to the Annapolis boat show doesn't help one bit.

I really like the idea of a 40' ish SR sport yacht with diesels. Small draft, not hard on fuel, can be handled by 1 person if needed, and easily by 2 people. And super comfortable to cruise on. As long as I wait until the time is right, I know I won't regret getting one of those.
 
YES! My first boat is a 41 footer. I bought it knowing that I would be living on it. Now after about a year of living on it I know what I need and what I don't. For a single guy with my needs I'm going to move down to a mid to high 30 ft cruiser after my next deployment. I'm pretty handy, but getting a bit fed up with all the work that must go into a older 40+ foot boat. I also wish I would bought something with diesels. Don't let me scare you away, just wasn't exactly what I needed.
 
Woody, I thought I would have built in workers when my daughter started dating. Only one came to do some work one weekend only for me to spend time teaching him how to do it. I could have done it quicker by myself. I guess I cannot believe the current 18 to 24 year olds who do not even know how to turn a wench, tie a knot, put on a layer of paint, or even how to wax.
 
Tell me about it. I don't know any who even own a screwdriver.
 
Hey

Just want to say I went from a 27' to a 34'. Although I love the extra space the costs doubled for me and I have to pay for a slip year around. Be cautious moving to a bigger boat.
Cheers
Martini
 
Ka1oxd said:
Woody, I thought I would have built in workers when my daughter started dating. Only one came to do some work one weekend only for me to spend time teaching him how to do it. I could have done it quicker by myself. I guess I cannot believe the current 18 to 24 year olds who do not even know how to turn a wench, tie a knot, put on a layer of paint, or even how to wax.
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James,
You can't expect a pimp to get his hands dirty!:grin:
 
MonacoMike said:
Just tell them to be alert for: slight headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, then let you know so you can turn off the gennie. If they can't survive that they were not good enough for your greandaughters. MM
Click to expand...

Turtlesboat said:
If that doesn't keep them in line, you can always give them portable generator duty.
Click to expand...

I'm hearing the bad voices again. Make it stop!:smt089
 
raymondcmartin said:
Hey

Just want to say I went from a 27' to a 34'. Although I love the extra space the costs doubled for me and I have to pay for a slip year around. Be cautious moving to a bigger boat.
Cheers
Martini
Click to expand...

I went from a 270 to the 350 (almost 40' LOA) and just love it. When low water at the locks would not allow us to come back up the river from Lake Winnipeg to our slip on the Red River we threw it on the trailer, slapped on the Oversize Load signs and headed south, splashed in at the club and enjoyed the rest of the year.
Not really any extra costs (since the 270 was also equipped with twins) but would not be able to give up the extra room that came with the upgrade. The unbelievable amount of space that I have in the engine compartment alone made the upgrade worthwhile. I am not a small guy but I can get in and do all the maintenance and winterizing without incurring any medical expense.
 
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