Model Decision Dilema

[Bajan]

If cost is not a factor, and you have decided to move up, going from 30 to 32 will satisfy you for about 15 min...then your'e going to want a bigger boat.

Go for the 34, at least this way...you can enjoy it for 30 min...before you want a bigger boat!

 

[Aerobaticflyer]

Yes but. . . will the insurance cover named storms if you don't move your boat. I remember last year when Gary (Four Suns)in VA was paid/reimbursed something like $1500 for haulout by his insurance company in advance of a storm moving up the coast.

Mine does cover the named storms but it does carry a seperate, higher deductible. Owners are expected to make all "reasonable" precautions to protect the boat. Now there's a term the lawyers will have fun with!

 

[sprink56]

I keep mine in the water and in my area I could keep it inside a Cat 5 Hurricane withstand building for about $100 more/month. I like it in the water. As John Hampton said, it's great to just go to the boat and hang out...even if you don't go out. If you go for the 34 think about the idea of driving to Sarasota and spend the night on the boat like on a Friday. get up Saturday morning do your 3:S's..have some coffee and head on out.:thumbsup:

I have an advantage because I'm only 15 min from mine but in your case I think that you will enjoy the boat more in the water.

If you go out once a week at least in the summer while the water is warm you probably won't have to dive the boat any way.I had a diver under mine yesterday and he told me mine did not need cleaning. I've been in that slip 8 weeks. Yet the 480 Sedan Bridge next to me that hasn't moved since I've been there needed cleaning twice in 8 weeks.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Bridog]

Thus, in conclusion, as John had mentioned, I would keep your 300 until you decide to keep boat in water full time and take advantage of what this change will provide as well as going to a bigger boat. The jump from 260 to 300 was a nice jump and you felt that you got much bigger boat, however, jumping from 300 to 320/340 is very different. You already learned some mistakes you've made. So, we're here to help avoid very expesive mistake.

I agree with Alex and John. Keep the 300DA until your ready to leave the boat in the water full time. Then I would suggest a 340DA or larger.

 

[Hampton]

John......I think you nailed it. In a year or so after getting a 320 I'd probably feel like I do now with my 300 after moving up from my 260 two years ago. "Why didn't I go bigger?":smt021

Now for the matter of selling my 300 in this market!:smt101

You mention you'd keep your 340 longer if it were diesel...is that due to their inherit longevity or is it due to any regrets you have from going with gasoline to begin with?

Thanks!

Bon Dia nailed it. Absolutely no regrets for me. I extended myself as far as I possibly could have, or would have wanted to. At the time, I wasn't ready for diesel. My marina still isn't able to take larger than a 340 (Except where Jason (Aarrh & Aarrh) and I modified the docks for his boat). I'm not saying that I would want a diesel 340 either. Frank W advises against that.

I the boat we had was diesel, it's plenty of boat for my wife and I. I would like to go diesel for longevity, economy, and long range cruising. I plan to start getting our marina modified to take up to about a 420 in my current slip. I'll need to plant new pilings, and with the libs around here, that could take a couple of years of planning.

 

[Chris R]

I think the whole diesel aregument is somwhat moot when discussing boats of this size. Even if you found a 340 with diesels (rare), it will cost you. The return on investment with a diesel 340 is probably minimal. Now, once you start going larger then gas is a detrement to resale.

 

[Nacho Boat]

Boat's at Marinemax in Sarasota. No trailer. If I get a 340 I'd keep it either at Marina Jacks, Twin Dolphin or a private dock.

Great Spots to have a boat!!!! I love the West Coast and especially the Sarasota Area. We have a timeshare on Long Boat Key, and love to go there every year.

Do you belong to a club or do any organized events? Our cruise club is doing a week long trip from Clearwater to Marco Island and back this June. Drop me a PM if you want to join...