Hi there,
I have been on this forum for 2 years. We are looking to switch from sail to power in the near future. Currently, have a 42' blue water cruising sailboat we have owned for many years. I've been lurking about for some time. Lot's of interesting people and reads. We have sailed up and down the CA coast and up into the Sea of Cortez. And back which is of course up hill for those who sail. I suppose the same for a power boat but with more options for hull speed. On Power vs Sail, or what size boat you have.... Were all on water! Hopefully, with the topsides up.
In a power boat were looking for:
1. 36-45' feet. Looking to stay 45' and under.
2. Twins or single with a bow thruster.
3. Capable of going up and down the CA coast, BC Alaska, Gulf Coast and MX. Also to do the Loop.
4. Aft cabin preferred of a 2 cabin boat.
5. Minimal teak exterior. Possibly a cap rail and an eyebrow is ok. (I have lots of teak and am an expert varnisher. Epiphanes is my choice for exterior.
6. Labrador friendly. Hoping to find a vessel which will allow my seaworthy girl to access most of the boat including upper bridge. So steep 6-7' ladders are out. She can climb up and down our 6 steps into and out of the sailboat. However, getting onto the sailboat with a 6' gunwale from the water and transferring her to from is a real challenge. She is 65 lbs.
7. At least one midship sliding door.
8. Upper flybridge and lower bridge.
9. Swim Platform and transom or side access.
10.Prefer dinghy stored on vessel with crane or hoist vs on the stern swim step. Aft davits would be ok.
11. Ability to run at displacement speeds or at 12kts minimum. (I've run 5-6kts sailing and have a lot of places I want to go to.
12. Need an aft cockpit area for my girls and I to hang out. My wife and our Lab.
13. Walk around, SS handrails. A teak cap rail is ok. No exterior teak is even better.
14. Year 1995 or newer. Price hoping to stay under $150K, depending on the boat could go $200K. I'll just put that out there and see what comes back. We could go older, however, we currently have a ship shape sailboat, but I would like less to minimal exterior teak to maintain. 3 coats of Epiphanes every 9 months takes lots of time.
Looking at the following thus far:
1. Albin North Sea Cutter 40 2005-2008 (really liking this one.) Primarily East Coast. Twins, fast trawler. 15-22kts. Prefer 1st Cummins or Cats, 2nd Yanmar or (Volvo's not preferred.)
2. Albin 36.
3. 2000 Mainship 430. Not much aft deck area.
4. 1996 Ed Monk 36. Nice vessel. Quite seaworthy. Single diesel, bow thruster.
5. 2001 Rosborough44.
6. 1992 Sabreline aft cabin fast trawler.
7. 2007 Island Pilot 395. Nice, fits most req. however, I'm not sure on the I/O Volvos dual props. Do you consider this power set up to stand the test of time and ocean use? Certainly the US Coast Guard among many other agencies use them in the SF Bay area. I just know that outdrives get eaten alive in salt water. (eventually.)
Thanks in advance for your ideas.