Switching Gears!

[Still LauCo]

The local SR dealer had a little boat show today, so we took our boat over there to enjoy a ride and check out the new boats.

We were able to climb aboard a brand new 55DA, what a boat! I absolutely loved it...

Unfortunately, I'm a little short on funds, so that one is going to have to wait.:lol:

My bride also informed me as we were checking out a 36 Meridian that our next boat will in fact be a bridge boat. :wow:

I've never really considered one, other than my Dad's Silverton I haven't really had much experience with bridge boats.

My wife really doesn't like the "cave" feeling of the cabin of express boats, and as the kids get bigger she is more interested in useable space. She likes the openess, larger galley and and more storage of bridge boats.
Who else has been in this predicament? Also, any recommendations on what to look for would be helpful... Somewhere in the 34 to 36ft range.
Thanks

 

[fwebster]

Bridge boats definitely have their place depending upon how you use your boat, but you really need to consider all the pros and cons, not just the "cave theory".

My wife and I occasionally move some boats for our dealer and the one complaint I always hear is "I hate having to do all the lines". On a "borrowed" boat at a dock I'm not familiar with, I'm not leaving the helm until the boat is secure, so that means my wife does the lines.

I see kids in your signature photo.......have you considered how many out of sight hiding places there are on a bridge boat for small kids? Somebody is going to have to watch them all the time because you can't see very much of the boat from the bridge.

BTW, I hear the "cave " description frequently, but when you look at someone's boat after hearing that comment, the blinds and curtains are always closed. You can always try opening them.....................

 

[Kameroo]

We have a growing family, and switched to a 37' Silverton. It's been outstanding. I know what Frank's saying about the curtains, but there is no comparison to being on the anchor with windows on all 4 sides taking a nap on the sofa. We got the boat, a convertible flybridge, because of all the space it provided. The view from the bridge is incredible, especially on busy weekends, and the cockpit area in the back is a great place for socializing. Our kids and older parents have an easy time getting in and out due to the way the cockpit floor is even with the docks. We looked at several aft cabin boats, but got tired of climbing over the cabin every time we wanted to get in.

Something else we noticed with a larger boat is that we use less fuel. The boat is much more comfortable, and has become the destination. When we had our 280WE (which became the 300 in '92), we cruised a lot to stay cool in the summer. Now, we hang out more and run the AC when it gets blazing hot.

On the dock lines, Frank is right. Our slip, for example, is a lay-along, and we park facing north with the pier to the left (west). If the winds are North, East or South, I can manage things myself, but with a crosswind from the west, the wife has to help with the lines out front. Fortunately, most bigger boats feature large, flat surfaces to walk on.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Still LauCo]

Thanks for the feedback! Frank, you bring up a good point about the safety of the kids. Our kids have both been boating since birth, and they are both very good about the rules. I have no concerns taking them out by myself, they both know they can only sit on the helm seat with me when underway, and that is the law. When we are all onboard, they can be in the cabin underway but never behind me where I can't see them. I'd imagine something similar with a bridge boat. Either on the bridge or in the cabin with my wife.

As for lines, my 7 yr old and my wife are both good with helping secure the stern lines when we dock, although I can see single handing a bridge boat will be something to consider.

My 4 yr old decided she liked the Meridian 341 Sedan last night, as she wanted to read the brochure as her bedtime story... She's been trained well!

 

[Gunn]

My 4 yr old decided she liked the Meridian 341 Sedan last night, as she wanted to read the brochure as her bedtime story... She's been trained well!

Now that is funny! :smt001

Tom

 

[Petep]

OK Dave, Looks like you need to get on the upgrade list for a bigger well huh?

Reading Boat Brochures to the kids at night- sounds like an expensive book!