Please help us decide on some key questions regarding boats we're considering!

Thanks, it looks great but we're leaning towards a smaller single engine for better gas mileage -- though that axius system looks amazing!


If if you plan on mooring on lake union in a tight quarters dock, or using the locks a fair bit, and traveling the salt..... I highly recommend going with twin motors. The safety of an extra motor to limp home on if needed, and far better maneuverability make it a big advantage over a 26' single.

the difference in efficiency or additional cost is minimal compared to the benefits.

just some advice from someone who has been down a similar path, in the same area, making similar assumptions.
 
Like CougarCruiser said, the ability to limp home if one motor goes down is huge. Think if you are up river a good ways and only have one motor and it fails. Now you are stuck until a towboat can bring you home or to the closest marina. However, with twins you still have the ability to get back to your dock. Plus it makes docking so much easier.
 
Steve, one thing to keep in mind as you expand the boundaries of your search--if you happen to find a boat in a distant locale, don't hesitate to ask if there's someone on here who lives/boats in that are and would take a look at the boat for you.

Many boats on the internet are described as being in perfect shape. So you jump in the car and drive over there and find it's a piece of junk. Having someone in the area take a first peek at the boat might save you a trip.

Also, as far as one brand over another, they basically use the same engines, lower units, electronics, engine controls, etc. Where you may find a difference between brands (one low priced, one high priced) will be in the quality of the fittings, the carpet, vinyls, etc. Any ol' boat is going to last for a lifetime if it's cared for. As much as I like my Sea Ray (it's my third) and my two Boston Whalers, I wouldn't overlook any brand if I found lots of other things about it that fit my needs.
 
I second GFC's post. If there is a boat here on the Delta in Northern Cal I would be more than happy to take a look and I know a few really good surveyors.
 
welcome to CSR, now this may be more than you were looking for but....

Check this yachtworld listing out YW#2720900 (sorry I looked it up on My yachtworld iPad app so I couldn't paste the link). It's an '02 310 Dancer with twins on V-drive so no outdrives to worry about corroding, closed cooling system, genny, reverse cycle air/heat, tender and davits, decent electronics. Lots of room for you, your guests and gear. Save the costs of upgrading in a year by buying the next boat now! : ) and the way our CAD$ sits right now you've got great buying power... all this for less than $48k USD asking price. It's only a few hours away from you and you can still cruise it home.

good luck with your search and hope to see you in the Islands!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Thank you all so much for the great advice.

We made an offer on a boat today, will report back if the deal goes through.

Hope to see all of you on the water soon -

cheers,

Seattle "Chesapeake" Steve
 
Thanks, it looks great but we're leaning towards a smaller single engine for better gas mileage -- though that axius system looks amazing!

Good luck with your purchase. For the record, smaller engines in a boat don't necessarily give better fuel economy. Here is just one scenario. If you and your boat are cruising along at say 35 miles an hour a big block is just loafing while the smaller engine is working much harder and consuming more fuel than the bigger motor.
 
Agreed...we have found we use less fuel with our single big block. Get a full boat, and that small engine is going to have its work cut out.
 
Just reporting back. We purchased a 2007 290 Sundancer and are absolutely delighted with our new (used) boat. Really appreciate everyone's input.

We've taken it out through the locks into the Puget Sound a few times already and saw a humpback whale unexpectedly surface right beside us our first day out!
 
Steve, congrats on the new boat. I like the 290's. They're small enough to trailer around if you decide to do that yet large enough for four people to spend some time on.
 

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