Ideas on an upgrade when ready...

W

Wet Dogggg

Member
Jul 17, 2013
390
Rockford, Michigan
Boat Info
2000 410 Express - SOLD
Boatless
Engines
3126 CATs
In the next year or two my wife and I plan to make the next jump. We like the 320, but we will out grow it soon. We have 3 kids, 7 and twin 5 year olds. My question is if anyone has three or more kids, where do they sleep and what would be the next logical jump? We are just starting to look and get ideas. Sizes would be in the 40 - 44 foot range and will stay under the $200k area. Not sold on express or bridge. Just want the best way for us to all sleep comfortably. Not looking for a floating condo. We do take the boat out every weekend weather permitting and do two week long cruises each summer. Any and all opinions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Mark, I'm guessing that L would really like to have some separation from the kids if you're doing more than an overnighter and to get that you should look at a sedan bridge boat. Once you get around 44'-48' you start to get into 3 stateroom boats. One suggestion would be to not consider how big your kids are now, but project 5-7 years in the future because that's probably how long you'll have your next boat.

Moving up to one that size will give you the additional staterooms but also give you areas where the kids can get away from each other if they want. That will become more important as they get older. Especially if they want to bring a friend along on the boat.

You will find that as you move up in size the boat becomes easier to handle, but also a bit more expensive to moor, maintain and use. As I look back on our purchase of Beachcomber I have never regretted going as large as we did, even though this size was larger than what we originally were looking for. The deal was right, the size worked in our world, and we've never been happier with a boat.

If you have any specific questions about having a boat this size and want to PM me, feel free. BTW, we'll be in MI in 2.5 weeks. Wish I could see you but it's not likely in the cards.
 
Mark , you are in luck , I had a 320 with two kids sometimes four with the step kids .... The 320 wasn't big enough plus there NO separation besides a curtain. We made the move to our 480 sedan bridge and don't regret a single thing . We have three bedrooms and two baths and a huge salon . The bridge boat even in the rain gets us up and out of the cave . Plus having twin diesels is awesome , we have MANS diesels .... The best there is IMO ... You won't regret a bridge boat ever.


Boltman
 
Mark,
I'm still struggling with what to buy even as I try to sell my 320, 42 Sundancer or 42 Sedan Bridge, but diesels are a must. May depend on what is available when my boat sells.

Jeff
 
Mark we are in a similar situation with our 330. We are also around your budget too. So what I have found is we really would like a 480SD as boltman said it is ideal. But at your budget you are dealing with the 3196 cats. Nothing wrong with them as long as you have all the records and the work was performed to them. I have come to realize if I ever get to pulling the trigger this will be an added expense onto the survey. Good luck!

Sent from my Galaxy S3
 
Appreciate all the info and insight. As much as I would absolutely love a 480SD I am not sure it is in the cards. But not for the reason you expect. I need/want to stay in the 44' range because I don't want to move docks at my marina. We have a wonderful group of people on our dock. Moving for a 480 would require us to move to the next size dock. I have met all those folks. Not saying they are bad by any means. But do not want to move. I also like the location of our dock much more. That being said...a 44' boat is all I am allowed.

Anyone ever look at the 410 Sundancer built in the early 2000 era with the bunk beds? I thought I saw a picture where the lower bed filled into a queen with the top bunk above?
 
Thanks Mark, Now you've made me start looking too. Kids are 18, 12, 10, 8, 8. The 18 year old is out, but the other 4 stay cozy. I will need more room.
Mike
 
Mike - no problem :). By the way, where do your 4 kids sleep in your 320? How do you sleep 2 of them on the dinette area?
 
2 in aft berth, 1 on dinette, 1 on floor depending on weather. If not too hot/humid, she gets the playpen up on deck. If weather is too bad or hot, my youngest daughter gets in the v berth with us. I'm 6'4", so it's a sleep on your side and spoon night if that happens. Not perfect, but works now at their ages. I tried to sell down this spring since we don't use the boat enough, but the kids were adamant about making it work. I can't say I'm disappointed. They love the water like their Dad.
 
The 410 looks like it might work for a family of 5. Not as much privacy/separation as in a bridge boat, but pretty good for an express cruiser.
Slip size wants, 3 staterooms, really limits the choices.
 
Yep given your criteria the 410 looks to be a strong candidate. Well within your budget. You might want to consider the 420 Sedan Bridge. They are slightly above your price range I've seen some nice mid 2000 range for around $250K asking price.

Sent from my Galaxy S3
 
If couch/ settee is a viable option for one sleeping area, that opens up a lot of possibilities for a future boat, both in an express and a flybridge.
 
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