Looking for the next boat

[Newbie]

Well, after only a few months of owning our 260DA, we would like a bigger and more suited to our needs boat. We are a family of four with kids presently being 3 and 9. I am about 6'7" tall and my 9 yr old son already at 5 + ft. One of our biggest needs is larger sleeping areas because of my height. My other "want" is fishability along with cruiseability, like amberjack or sportsmans. Being able to stay aboard for a week is also one of the major priorities to be able to take longer trips. My wife and I both love the 340DA and think it would be ideal for us but I have yet to see one with the sportsmans package in person. I know you lose tons of seating but does anyone know if there is room for one or two deck chairs in the back for cruising? My other want is diesel power but is very rare in the 340DA. 340AJ's seem to be quite common though with cats and a few w/7.3's. Never seen an AJ in person either but from pics you can tell the rear cockpit is very large and seating layout is great with all four of us being forward facing while underway. But down below, there is no mid-berth, just a convertible dinette. Appears to sleep four at the max but how about tall people like myself? I'm also not afraid to (gasp!!) look outside the SR line so if there is other boats I should look at too, let me know what (really like the Albin 35) Sorry for stupid Q's like these but in order to see either of the 340's, I'm gonna have to travel since there never seem to be any in NC. Would be nice to know a few things before planning out trips. TIA SB

 

[barryg]

You might want to plan to come to the Miami Boat show in Feb..It's one of the largest (You missed the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show the end of October which is the largest), where you can check out not just a 340 but pretty much every type of cruiser you'd want to look at.

Barry

 

[Newbie]

I actually came to the Lauderdale show. Was really hoping to see a 340 with the sportsmans package but none there. Didnt even have one at any Marine max in FL at the time I was told. I think we may have a really tough time finding what we want, maybe I'm asking for too much from too little boat :huh: I probably will come to Miami in Feb though to see stuff again. Thanks SB

 

[barryg]

Welcome...let us know when you come in...there are a few CSR members that end up going to the shows so maybe we can all meet there..Nothing like a great boat show and South Beach together!

Barry

 

[Sea Ray 300]

I also recommend the boat show.

Not sure if you'll find a cabin cruiser that will accomodate your 6'-7",
either in cabin height (mine is 6'-3") or berth length.

Perhaps a bridge boat...

 

[ghuskin]

Newbie,

I share some of your concerns. It is becoming rather apparent that boats are a series of comprimises.

A boat that is good for long stays is not very well suited for fishing, and vice versa. What i am finding out, from CSR and recent experience, is that you should find a boat that fits with most of your activities, then fit the others around it, knowing that it's not the best for that "sometime" activity.

Looking at new boats is always fun...

good Luck!

Gregg

 

[bbarquilla@gmail.com]

well coming from a 290 AJ owner, I can rule the 290 AJ out for you. You are much too tall to sleep comforably!
I was interested in the new 340 sportsman too, but couldn't find one. I think they may be pretty rare.