When trawler hunting a few years ago, we looked at many makes, models, and features in detail. Having been a sailboater for years, we were planning on continuing our adventures in the same (and even expanded) areas in much the same way, minus the sailing part. Each person(s) will have varying needs, wants, likes, desires, etc. so it really is fairly personal, but sometimes by listening to the rationale of why others have done what they did, or stories about what they tried that "didn't work" so well, the new boater (maybe only new to that type of boating or even make) can avoid real issues that they did not even consider. I like the advice often given on this forum; "try to buy your last boat, first". Having to sell a "mistake" can be troubling and expensive.
One of my goals was to reduce what I call the "extra" work on a boat. Things like varnishing exterior wood, dealing with screwed down teak decks and the huge potential for leaks, etc. I wanted a single engine with bow thruster to save the expense and work of maintaining 2 engines. Plus, on most boats the size we looked at (around 40 feet) the engine rooms on twin engine boats (very cramped) would make working on the engines very difficult at best. I do most of my own maintenance, but I am relatively tall and not very flexible, and I am not skilled enough to accomplish much by "feel" alone.
Flybridges are a personal issue as well. I have never owned one, so I also don't miss it. I have many boating friends who have a flybridge, and they advised us they don't use theirs. At my age, I now do my best to avoid sun exposure, so underway I am much happier inside the pilothouse, and at anchor, I enjoy the covered cockpit. Flybridges also require additional equipment (cost and complexity) in radios, MFD's, steering, etc. and add windage to a boat (especially when surrounded with a full enclosure like many I see here in the rainy area of PNW).
So for us, as much as I like the look and respect the quality of Grand Banks, all the exterior wood, and especially the screwed down teak decks caused us to look elsewhere. There is enough work and maintenance needed on a mid size power boat, so I wanted to reduce adding any more like the forementioned workwork.We too, developed a "want" as far as pilothouse models are concerned. I like having a separate area with seating for at least 2 to be looking forward easily to help with watch. We have a large amount of flotsum (partially submerged logs and such) so a sharp lookout is in order.
Anyway, there is some of the background on what we were thinking and why we ended up (after much searching - probably drove our broker crazy) a Nordic Tug. Realize, all boats will have some compromises, and different people will have different ideas, likes, opinions, and importantly will use their boats in different ways. Matching the boat to YOUR needs, wants, desires, and "do not wants" and factoring in exactly how you plan to use YOUR boat will narrow the search and help you find the boat that will best fit your situation.
Good luck,
boat. steve
