Moving to Treasure Coast- what boat?

[El Capitan]

Hello mates,

After 20 years here in Chicago area of the chain of lakes and enjoying the benefits of fresh water effects vs salt on io’s we’ll be moving back to Fl.

Originally from Miami/Ft Lauderdale area. I used to slip my Sea Ray at Dania Boat Club. Unfortunately I lost my Bravo drive due to electrolysis. Tried everything but the whole marina was “hot”. I even hired an electrician to test my slip and vicinity and found the whole place was hot.

Now we’re thinking about what our next boat will be. I hate to slip an io in salt but we like to cruise.

Not really into fishing. The wife and I enjoy cruising and laying on the hook, lounging, swimming and diving. We might plan a crossing to Bimini.

The admiral wants the creature comforts and not get beaten by rough waters and I want a trailer-able beam - my rig is rated at 8900lbs max.

What are the recommendations from you folks in salt life? Any models that are more suitable for inshore/offshore cruising found in Fl? The one feature I dislike on many SR’s is the seating layout of SD’s. I prefer the lounge style w semi circular passenger side w captain helm station and a non dog house transom deck.

Thank you ... I can’t wait to get back.

 

[JPGator]

Oye Capitan. Bienvenido a casa otra vez.

We just jumped up from center console to 340DA and love it. Moved up from FLL ourselves about 10 years ago. Used to put in around 14th street. Best move EVER!

Welcome home amigo. No matter what you choose it’s a good life up our way.

 

[Third Edition]

Walkaround with twin outboards. Can get nice cabin amenities & outboards let you get into the shallows. Also great for offshore. But if you don't fish much why go there? Sadly, SeaRay doesn't make walks. The downside of a walk is some brands have bad cockpit layouts.

 

[Ididntdoit]

are you going to wet slip again or rack store or trailer all the time? id say a 240 or 260da or even an '09 up 270/280 if trailering a lot - otherwise the '01-'08 280 with twins is a great boat

 

[Golfman25]

I'd go with a walk around or open style. Outboards that you can get out of the water would be a plus.

 

[El Capitan]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies.

I’m not going to do much fishing if any really. More cruising w the admiral and anchoring. Some longer cruises w overnight slipping at marinas.

The walk arounds aren’t comfortable for how we want to lounge in the cockpit and helm area. Besides outboard setups are mucho dinero and at time to repower it’s an arm and a leg.

I am partial to SR’s because of the great experience I had w an old 242cc w 454 mercruiser. That was a 1980 vintage and was rock solid in open seas. Center console boats would follow my wake because my boat cut a smooth path in choppy seas. My wife slept through a monsoon on the return to Miami from Key Largo. Boat handled great in that storm.

I also like the layout of the Bayliner Ciera series. I know they’re not SR’s but I like the passenger lounge seating w open aft and flat deck no engine dog house. At least the same company makes Bayliner if I am not mistaken. I am aware of the quality not being high end like SR’s.

We found a pic of a 260 or 270 that has that semi circular lounge seating on port side and flat deck aft but lost it and can’t find it now. Not sure my Expedition will tow it a260/270. My rig maxed out tows 8900lbs. I prefer to trailer rather than racking and I’ll never wet slip an io in salt again after my experience at Dania Boat Club Marina w electrolysis.

 

[KevinC]

Go a little bigger and get into v-drives. Compared to IOs they are virtually maintenance free. Plus since your plans are for cruising you will enjoy the added amenities.

-Kevin

 

[Ididntdoit]

look at a searay 280ss (sun sport) i think they had a couple of int layout options and could be had with single bb power or twin sb

also the 270se and 215 express cruiser from similar era (late 90s - early 2000s)