Suggestions on choice of boat

[mbowen]

Hello all,

I am retiring in 3-5 years (in my mid 50's at present) and want to go on more adventures by boat. I have lived, boated and fished in the mid-atlantic area all my life so boating in general is not new to me, i have had plenty!

I love to boat and fish and HOPE that i will enjoy the adventures of cruising as well along with my lady and two dogs. Given that i endeavor to have fishing as a key component, i am considering a CONVERTIBLE style rig over a TRAWLER.

I am considering buying a mid 90's convertible style sportfish (like a hatteras or viking) to cruise the ICW, offshore as needed, spend time in FLA and the BAHAMA's and maybe beyond as i ease into full time retirement.

Given that i want to fish and cruise, i seem to think this would be the boat to get but would love to hear any ideas of an alternate, any thing that i maybe overlooking or other as i make this decision.

Any advise, affirmations or other are much appreciated!

[ranger58sb]

We run a (diesel) convertible, often at trawler speeds when cruising. Our fishing is fairly lightweight; trolling the Chesapeake for "rockfish" (striped bass) is generally easy although traffic can get a bit voluminous sometimes.

We've had big dogs onboard; for us, a swim platform is essential, given that boarding over the side at floating docks isn't so easy for 120-lb dogs. We've also moved to a boat with stairs (not a ladder) to the flying bridge, so dogs can get up/down.

Works for us, better than many other options. The only upgrade we've been thinking about now is a boat large enough to have a full-beam master or at least a master with a fully walk-around normal-height household size mattress. Our current master berth is only about 2/3rds walkaround, and it's a big step up to the platform; works well enough, but of course we have to have something to dream about.

Maybe don't start with brands. Decide up front what specific features you need/want/would like to have... then go find a boat like that.

-Chris

[mbowen]

Thanks Chris, great comments and i agree about the platform as well, i figured this would be a potential initial upgrade if we buy a boat without. I am just excited to give it a go, been dreaming about it forever, time to make the leap!

[rsn48]

Try asking your question here which is the trawler forum which actually hosts more boat types than just trawlers, but the majority owners are trawler people:

Trawler Forum

[murphini]

Maybe consider a semi planing Flybridge motor yacht. 44-55’. Can cruise economically at 8kts, but also go 20kts to cross Gulf Stream in good weather. Full beam master. Swim step for dogs; agree ladder won’t work for dogs: Mbbe steps