34-40ft boat options for the GOM/ Carribean

[k9medic]

Hello all,

I am in the pre planning stages of purchasing a larger boat. Currently we have a 23' bowrider which we have taken to the Bahamas as well as down the west coast of FL to KW. We have come to realize that these trips would be better if we had a bigger boat.

I stopped in since this forum appears to be focused more on what I am looking to do rather than some of the other boat forums I am active on.

My family consists of my wife and our two sons ages 6 and 8. The time frame to purchase will be within the next year if all things go as planned financially.

It will be used as a weekend boat docked at a marina on the west coast of Florida and will probably see a few week long trips to the Bahamas or the Keys. I'd like to be able to run it up the Suwanee river as well (very familiar with that river)

Specifically, I am trying to locate what manufactures I can look into that will provide the following:

1. price less than $60K used
2. year between 1985-2004
3. max. draw of 3'
4. max. height of 14' (want to get under some fixed bridges on a river)
5. able to sleep 2 adults in a master stateroom and 2 kids in bunks in separate area
6. molded steps (no ladders) to a fly bridge if it has one
7. gen set installed or able to be installed
8. cruise speed of 15 kts.

Thanks for the pending dialog

[avb3]

Just in case your not familiar with the site, you may want to start your search here.

[Cheechako]

hmmm.....15 knots for $60k... I guess you are probably looking at a planing powerboat, like a searay?

[k9medic]

avb3, I have been all over that site the past two weeks. It seems as though every time I get closer to what I want I find something else that interests me.

As for powered planing, you are correct. The front runner right now for me is the Silverton 362 sedan cruiser, but I know there are many other makes and models out there that have similar features.

Life would be nice if it was a diesel, but I don't think I will find any in that price range.