Which command bridge boat?

magster65 · Dec 8, 2010

If I were in the market for a bridge model from 32'ish to 40' with a budget of about $140k max... what are the options?
I want diesels, generator... that sorta' stuff... and I much prefer dual station. The 90's 37 looks about right but the styling is a tad dated but not bad. Sea Ray styling has always been great. Is there anything similar to that model?

HUMPH · Dec 8, 2010

If you go that far backwards in style you will probably not be too happy. I would rather have my 2002 320DA than a mid-80's 40 footer. If my current boat was vintage it would be different but going away from the modern style is tough (especially for the Admiral).

That being said, a sedan bridge with diesels for $140K would have to be an early to mid-90's version. Do a search on yachtworld or boattrader and you can see where you stand.

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/cache/searchResults.jsp?cit=true&slim=quick&ybw=&sm=3&searchtype=homepage&Ntk=boatsEN&Ntt=&is=false&man=sea+ray+sedan+bridge&hmid=0&ftid=101&enid=0&fromLength=&toLength=&luom=126&fromYear=&toYear=&fromPrice=100%2C000&toPrice=150%2C000&currencyid=100&city=&pbsint=&boatsAddedSelected=

techmitch · Dec 8, 2010

magster65 said:
If I were in the market for a bridge model from 32'ish to 40' with a budget of about $140k max... what are the options?
I want diesels, generator... that sorta' stuff... and I much prefer dual station. The 90's 37 looks about right but the styling is a tad dated but not bad. Sea Ray styling has always been great. Is there anything similar to that model?

I've been leaning in the same direction but are you sure you want to go with the dual station? Although it is great for boating in foul weather it sure does subtract from the over all layout. The salon, galley and 2nd berth are compromised, not to mention all of the redundant controls, wiring gages ect.

Vince_nj1 · Dec 8, 2010

Going from a 29 dancer with stern drives to a 37 bridge boat with inboards is a big change. Your cruising speeds will be much slower and your fuel burn will be higher. Of course there will be plenty of positves that come with a bigger boat. Make sure you go for a ride on one before committing. Good luck

Carver370 · Dec 8, 2010

boughtabouy · Dec 8, 2010

Vince_nj1 said:
Going from a 29 dancer with stern drives to a 37 bridge boat with inboards is a big change. Your cruising speeds will be much slower and your fuel burn will be higher. Of course there will be plenty of positves that come with a bigger boat. Make sure you go for a ride on one before committing. Good luck

We did it. We were sad to lose the 290 for the first day. Then, never looked back.

magster65 · Dec 9, 2010

techmitch said:
I've been leaning in the same direction but are you sure you want to go with the dual station? Although it is great for boating in foul weather it sure does subtract from the over all layout. The salon, galley and 2nd berth are compromised, not to mention all of the redundant controls, wiring gages ect.

All true but my last bridge boat had dual station and I used them both... nice to be in the cozy cabin while you're cruising sometimes... not just in foul weather. I understand the drawbacks but think they may be worth it.

Vince_nj1 said:
Going from a 29 dancer with stern drives to a 37 bridge boat with inboards is a big change. Your cruising speeds will be much slower and your fuel burn will be higher. Of course there will be plenty of positves that come with a bigger boat. Make sure you go for a ride on one before committing. Good luck

Yes... the 290 is a great boat... I will definitely miss it. The cruise speed will be slower but that's ok... and the fuel... it all depends on the throttle setting. I don't mind going slow if I have the time... the journey is always as much fun as the destination (or more)!
A lot of my boat pals have bigger boats; a 47 sedan bridge and another a 60 Hatteras... 39 Carver... 45 Bayliner... 36 Uniflite to name a few. The biggest boat I've owned is a 32 but I'm comfortable at the helm of any of those boats.

2K WINGIN' IT said:
If you go that far backwards in style you will probably not be too happy. quote]

Your right... it'll be going backward in that regard.

jmunro123 · Dec 9, 2010

you should be able to get a 40DB in the 1998 to 1999 vintage for that money with diesels. They will be 3116's but that is a good engine from when I did my research, however it will not likely have dual station,

That is a classic boat.

Alex F · Dec 9, 2010

magster65 said:
If I were in the market for a bridge model from 32'ish to 40' with a budget of about $140k max... what are the options?
I want diesels, generator... that sorta' stuff... and I much prefer dual station. The 90's 37 looks about right but the styling is a tad dated but not bad. Sea Ray styling has always been great. Is there anything similar to that model?

If you're sure you need dual stations, then Azimut is something I would consider. If the primary reason for dual stations is the colder temps in your area why not look in to the option of adding bridge a/c and heat? I think that it's better option vs. loosing dinette area in the salon. But, everyone has different needs and I just gave you a different idea.

Here's a nice example that can be in your range:
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...rrency=USD&access=Public&listing_id=57289&url=

400DB is a great model, but I think it's extremely hard to find it with dual station.

tdschafer · Dec 9, 2010

Alex,
I love that Azimut!! When it's time for me to step-up I'll be adding them to my short list!

sbw1 · Dec 9, 2010

Carver370 said:
A couple options..... Besides a Sea ray. I think you will find that with that price and Diesels with the newer styling I think you would like Sea Ray does not offer exactly what you're looking for.

There are probably a few Tiaras around from the late 80's to early 90's that fall into your price range as well. Start looking for 36' and up. The 3600s are actually well over 40' and very stout boats that you could put some money into and still have made an economical decision. They are like the old Hatts and Berts. If you keep them up you get decent value from them.

magster65 · Dec 9, 2010

That Azimut looks great... it's a really nice boat! Looks like it has all the goodies too.
I wouldn't opposed to heading out for the holidays in that :smt001
That lower helm station is on the large side... so like most boats the helm replaces the seperate dining area.
Something to think about...

searay40dad · Dec 9, 2010

jmunro123 said:
you should be able to get a 40DB in the 1998 to 1999 vintage for that money with diesels. They will be 3116's but that is a good engine from when I did my research, however it will not likely have dual station,

That is a classic boat.

i'd agree. when i sold my '00 400db early this summer market was bearing 160-170k range +/- outright. I think you could get close to your target with some patience.

CKL · Dec 10, 2010

Go for it.

I bought a 1980 53' Hatteras this summer - just could not stop myself. I still have the 260, though I will probably list it (too many toys!?!).

You may be surprised at what is available around your price range. If you find a boat you like listed at a price higher than you want to spend, make an offer that suits you.

It is a great time to be a buyer.

Have fun and be prepared to negotiate.

magster65 · Dec 10, 2010

I did some more online dreaming... I'm going to make this happen. It won't be right away though. I have a boat (or 2) to sell first. Our economy isn't great either but things are selling if you price right. Moving up is only possible because of the deflated prices... so I'll keep that in mind with my asking prices.
I'll start advertising in the new year.

Which command bridge boat?

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