places to look at boats in Sandusky, OH area?

[boatman37]

Me and wife are both off tomorrow and our boat has been pulled for the winter so we may take a ride to the Sandusky, Port Clinton, Marblehead area tomorrow. Found a couple of boats online at a few dealers but looking for ideas.

BTW-it won't be a Sea Ray. We are looking at about a 2000-2001ish area 29-31'ers and 2 requirements are walk through windshield and she would like the 'queen seat' on the port side. Sea Rays of this era do not offer either of these so we have ruled these out. Top of the list right now is the Four Winns Vista and Rinker Fiesta Vee but would consider others that offer these 2 requirements.

 

[northshore]

I'm not sure what they currently have in inventory but the crew at Marine Tech Concepts is awesome.
Formula dealer primarily but they broker all others as well.

 

[Buckeye Boater]

South Shore Marine in Huron.

Castaway Yacht Sales on Rt 269 (off of Rt 2)

Skipper Buds located at Marina Del Isle on Rt 163

if you just drive around the area you should see plenty. Take Rt 53 North on to Catawba Island - Marine Max, Pier 53 Marine, Boaters Point among others.

 

[boatman37]

Thanks guys. Will jot those down. Coming from the Pittsburgh area. I have already been on the FW 288, 298, and 328, which are the FW models we would be considering. Still haven't been on any Rinkers that we would be looking at (290, 300, 310, 312). Not sure about that rear seat on them. I think it would be hard to have a conversation or socialize with no face to face seating. The queen seat on the Rinker is nice though.

 

[Lazy Daze]

What about the Sea Ray 280 DA? It is 31' overall and has your two requirements. Whatever you choose, really check it out from a fit-n-finish standpoint, along with how much "thought" was put into using the boat on a daily basis.

Just out of curiosity, why limit to just two model years? You can sometimes get a heck of a deal on a 2004 (for example), and sometimes a '99 will be in nicer shape.

 

[Z-Worthy]

Clemon's in Bayview is a hidden treasure as well. They're predominantly Boston Whaler and similar runabouts, but they have some pretty impressive inventory. They're just off Rt 2 so you'll drive right past it.

 

[Strypes]

South Shore Marine in Huron.

Castaway Yacht Sales on Rt 269 (off of Rt 2)

Skipper Buds located at Marina Del Isle on Rt 163

if you just drive around the area you should see plenty. Take Rt 53 North on to Catawba Island - Marine Max, Pier 53 Marine, Boaters Point among others.

+1

Can't argue with that!

 

[Mikemapva]

You should add the Chaparral 300 Signature to your list too.

 

[eric_b]

For boats with walk through bows, also consider Formula. All of the ones NorthShore and Buckeye Boater listed are good, you might also look at Harborside Boat sales. Mike Simonis has a lot of boats for sale and is great to work with.

 

[boatman37]

Year isn't the concern, it's budget. Trying to stay under about $40k so that puts me about 2000ish. I would definitely consider newer if it is in my budget and in good condition.

Considered the Chap but that queen seat is pretty small and just doesn't look comfortable but haven't been on one yet.

The SR 280 looks like a pretty small rear seating area and a 280 would be at the very small end of what I am looking for.

Here is my list, in no particular order:

MUST HAVES:
-walk through windshield
-A/C
-extended swim platform
-windlass
-pump out head
-water heater
-generator
-radar arch

PREFERRED:
-permanent v-berth with separate seating/table area
-trailer (will buy one separately if need be)
-twin engines
-rear seating that converts to sunpad
-heat

Probably more but thsat's all I can think of. Sounds like I am being picky but plan to keep the next one for awhile so want to be sure it has what we want.

So far the only one that seems to have everything we want and that we are happy with the layout is the Four Winns Vista 298. The Rinker looks like it might fit the bill but haven't been on one yet.

Would definitely consider others if we like the layout.

 

[Lazy Daze]

The only reason I mentioned the SR was that it is similar in size to the smaller FW and Rinker you mentioned. Obviously, your best bet is to go physically look at the boats - as you mentioned. There was A LOT of 280DA's sold between '01 and '09 as it was very popular - there's a good chance there might be one for sale, currently, near where you will be. It will either tell you "Nope, it's not what we want" or "Hmmm... this one is one to keep on our radar". But, enough said about that.

Another curious question... and please don't think I'm being nosy (although I am just a bit)... Why do you want a walk-thru windshield? Most would rather the walk around (myself included) as it's easier, rather than messing with opening/closing a door (or dealing with very small, built-in steps that are easy to fall off and down into a big gaping hole if the door is open) and messing with the front visor curtain. Of course, that doesn't mean you should change your mind - I'm just curious of the reasoning.

Your list looks pretty reasonable, though - I think you should easily be able to find a boat that suits you and your wife. I don't see anything on the list that is out in left field. The only one that might make you hunt a little more is the generator - especially on the smaller end of the boats and whether the boat was originally sold up North or down South. 15+ years ago, a genny wasn't as much of a "must have" item in this category. AC/Heat should be pretty common, though. But there will definitely be boats out there with genny's.

But, yeah, definitely go look at them all. Be sure to look at them through an "owner's eye", not a "buyer's eye", if you know what I mean.

 

[Mikemapva]

Year isn't the concern, it's budget. Trying to stay under about $40k so that puts me about 2000ish. I would definitely consider newer if it is in my budget and in good condition.

Considered the Chap but that queen seat is pretty small and just doesn't look comfortable but haven't been on one yet.

The SR 280 looks like a pretty small rear seating area and a 280 would be at the very small end of what I am looking for.

Here is my list, in no particular order:

MUST HAVES:
-walk through windshield
-A/C
-extended swim platform
-windlass
-pump out head
-water heater
-generator
-radar arch

PREFERRED:
-permanent v-berth with separate seating/table area
-trailer (will buy one separately if need be)
-twin engines
-rear seating that converts to sunpad
-heat

Probably more but thsat's all I can think of. Sounds like I am being picky but plan to keep the next one for awhile so want to be sure it has what we want.

So far the only one that seems to have everything we want and that we are happy with the layout is the Four Winns Vista 298. The Rinker looks like it might fit the bill but haven't been on one yet.

Would definitely consider others if we like the layout.

Regarding the Chap, you're probably right about the queen seat compared to what I just saw of the Four Winns 298. The Chap does have all of your must haves listed above and also the permanent v-berth and twin engines.

Good luck with your search.

 

[boatman37]

Thanks all!

As for the walk through windshield, we boat on the Ohio river and going through locks and rafting up usually requires somebody to get up on the bow. The wife will not walk around the outside, and I don't blame her. I have done it several times but not comfortable with it and having her pull up next to a boat to raft up while I am out front probably isn't a good idea. She can drive it but not that precisely...lol. I did notice a FW 318 had a much bigger 'DUI checkpoint' to walk on...lol. The walk through windshield is more her requirement than mine.

Generator isn't a deal breaker as I doubt we will use it much but figuring better to have it and not need it....

 

[eric_b]

There is a Formula 31 PC for sale in our Marina (SkipperBuds), I think Marine Tech Concepts has it listed. we know the owners and they are meticulous with it. There is also a 2002 34 PC for Sale by owner at our marina. It is also in very good condition.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Close quarter maneuvering... other boats nearby... slimy, concrete walls... yeah, that can be a little unnerving!

Good luck with your search! Sounds like you have some fun times ahead of you (looking at boats).

 

[boatman37]

Definitely. Our timeframe is by the end of next season (or beginning of 2019 season at latest). Would like to buy before winter so 1) should get a better deal 2) our marina is full so if I reserve a spot for our 25'er in January then buy a bigger boat in April or May then I might not have anywhere to keep it. No hurry as ours is in great shape and I have done quite a few upgrades to it so happy if we keep it another year.