newbie help with 270da-300da

N

Nephrin

New Member
Jul 15, 2015
5
Cleveland Ohio
Boat Info
boatless
Engines
boatless
Let me start off by saying I know this is supposed to be in the Newbie thread but I cant post there for whatever reason. I am a Veteran of the USMC who is a little broken and I have a service dog. I am interested in getting a sport cruiser like a 270-300 sundancer. My budget is about 20k and I an wait until next year to increase it 25k if it really makes that big of a deal. I grew up the boat world and am familiar operating sport boats. I want something that I can hop around the great lakes and camp at a beach or get a slip for the night. I am asking for advice about the different sizes and different years. I could spend months reading here and still not come close to what someone who has had these boats for a couple of years know. So any years I should stay away from if I can help it? Would it be unreasonable to operate a 30ft boat by myself or with people who know nothing about boats? Any other advice you think will be of value in my search would be greatly appreciated.
 
With that budget, you're probably looking at a low to mid 90's model. A 300 with twins would be my first choice. It is not unreasonable to operate a 30' boat by yourself (depending on your physical challenges). Do you plan to trailer or will you slip the boat?

Thank you for your service and welcome to CSR!
 
Nephrin said:
Slip the boat. Why would recommend the 300 or a 270/80/90? Also why twins over a single? thank you
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IMO... Always buy the biggest boat you can afford! Twins improve handling around the docks plus provide backup propulsion in case of a single failure.
 
Semper Fi. Thanks for your Service. I appreciate the maneuverability when equipped with twins. Launching and loading our 270 while alone keeps you in shape. Docking alone in a swift crosswind teaches patience. I highly recommend fuel injected over carbs. I may know of a boat that may interest you, but won't be available till next season.
 
JimG said:
IMO... Always buy the biggest boat you can afford! Twins improve handling around the docks plus provide backup propulsion in case of a single failure.
Click to expand...
I agree....but make sure you've planned for the slip, the insurance, the maintenance, and the unexpected, especially since your current budget puts you at the 20+ range on age. Have you priced haul-out/transport? Being on the Great Lakes with lots of options, you may not have to haul for purchase, but it can get pricey for you to take delivery if it's coming from elsewhere, and then to pull it periodically for maintenance. I ended up with I/O so have to do it more frequently than some.

As for twin engines--absolutely. I had extremely limited piloting experience prior to getting my 300DA and it's been a dream learning to maneuver it. We've had a few occasions when we had to cross our (small) lake on a single engine, too, and I was grateful for the confidence that V8 could do the job without huffing and puffing too much. I haven't slipped it by myself yet (threading the needle, as the beam is 11' and the slip is 12'), but I've launched, docked for gas and rafted with friends with no mishaps; I've taken some friends out who don't have deep experience but are level-headed and will listen/follow instructions too.
 
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