42 or 46 Post

all three are really nice boats for what you want to do.
There was also a 44.

The big difference is, the 46 has a master and crew S/R each with a private head.
The others have one head.

There were different hull and deadrise configurations during those years between 1980-1998. Older models did not do well in a following sea.

RT is right. All 3 are nice for your needs.
I would not rule a 50 out if you intend on having lots of guests.
The higher the Hp, the shorter the lifespan on Detroits.
Naturals last forever but the cruise speed suffers.
If you do consider a 50, make sure you read up on the different engines available because they can really effect your maintenance costs. ( actually read up on all sizes' engines. )
I happen to like 2 stroke Detroits but it is only my opinion based on what i've got. I have no experience with other brands.
Good luck and keep us posted ..... so to speak.

What were the differences in hull config?


I have been a post or an egg harbor guy forever. I have always heard that the earlier models of the post 42 43 46 where wetter and more squirrelly, but have no personal experience. There was definitely a hull redesign. There are a number of knowledgeable owners on this site that will respond given time. Good luck with your future purchase.

I have fished/crewed on several Posts from the 42 to the 50.

I liked the Post so much I ended up buying one, I currently own a late 80's 46 with DDs.


I have owned my current 46 Post for several years.
I am extremely impressed with the construction and performance of this boat and I would not hesitate to buy another Post.

I am not associated with Post nor brokerage in any way.
I am just a very happy and satisfied owner/operator.

The last boat I owned was an older 35 Viking.
I have also fished/crewed several Vikings (35-48's) and several Bertram's (28-54's)
Oh yea, I forgot, been on a few Hatts too.
And a 48 Ocean (limited experience)
And a 44 Hernriques (the best cockpit overall, and I like the semi-enclosed bridge)
(its hard to find an older 44 Henriques that hasn't been beat to death)

Back to the Post Topic:
'I have the later design 46 with the Galley in a Step-down on the Port side. This set up allows 2 heads forward.
Earlier 46's had the galley down and I believe one head. Also earlier 46's had the master to stbd and the crew forward.
The newer 46 has the master forward and the crew is to stbd.


It is my understanding that the 46 is a stretched mold of the 42.

It is also my understanding that the older 42 is less desirable than the 43, due to "hull changes", but im not sure if that is an urban tale or not.
I don't know exactly when the change took place.

The Post website used to have the production years.

It seems like around 87-89 there were some interior and deck changes.

The 44 is actually a rare boat, ive never been on one. The Post website used to have production years

Btw, There are a lot of similarities of systems between the 46 and 42.
My owners manual says 42/46 on a few pages.

My Post handles the head sea about the same as the other boats above, the boat is just about as wet as any SF of similar size and weight.
Funny, ive been on Viking and Berts that seemed wetter than my Post.

The big difference is the following sea handeling.
The Post has almost no deadrise and can be a handful in a following sea.
Most of the other boats mentioned above have at least some deadrise and perform better in a following sea.
You must compensate by adjusting tabs (tabs up all the way). and going light on anything on the bow (light inflatable), and trying to keep the weight in the rear tank. When going offshore don't load up the forward S/R with crew gear and provisions. Keep the weight and fuel to the rear.
Don't put 300 ft of chain in the anchor locker.

The trade off is that the post with no deadrise is much more stable at anchor, drift, and trolling.
A similar sized Bertram will rock you into seasick.

The Post with the flatter deadrise will take less fuel and power to push it at the same speed as a boat with a lot of deadrise.

So, the deadrise, following sea issue is somewhat of a trade off.


One thing I have been told is that the 46 with 6-92 and shorter gears handles better in a following sea because the engine and gear center of gravity is farther back, I have not been able to confirm that.

RE Power:
I guess the most desirable power in the DD configuration would be the 671 TIs for power and longevity.
I have the 671 TIBs and I am happy with the power and ease of maintenance, but I don't hammer the engines.
The major difference between the TI and TIB is the blower bypass and injectors.
The bypass puts more air into the air box at higher RMPs once the blower maxes out.
The TIB injectors add more fuel to burn the increased air volume.
I guess, you could put TI injectors in TIB to turn a TIB into a TI if you were concerned about longevity.
I think if you find a spot in the 2100-2200 rpm range, watch your EGT, and don't over prop, both engines will last a long time.

Something to consider, and often overlooked is the gears behind the engines.
I have capitol gears, they are very expensive to repair and difficult (but not impossible) to get parts for.
The capitols are also longer gears and require an extreme engine angle.
The longer gears push engine center of gravity forward and the extreme engine angle can impact engine performance and life.
In my Post I would love to have 4000 lbs 6-12 inches further back. (just saying)

The only thing don't like about my 46 Post is that it is not a 50 Post.

Any boat is somewhat of a compromise.

The bottom line, a well cared for Post is a great value that is an off shore capable SF and a comfortable family cruiser.

Beau has a late model 50 with Mans, sounds like he outruns the waves at 30kts!

[QUOTE="RT46, post:......The only thing don't like about my 46 Post is that it is not a 50 Post.........[/QUOTE]

Well Said !

Congratulations Island Hopper, POST a picture so we can decide how much we hate you... ;-)

HA !

Be sure to preform the appropriate renaming ceremony lest you invite Poseidon's wrath! Don't worry, we are a tolerant bunch....we'll still let you hang out here!

Post kids are cool. Ole Bertrams still rule.
Open a new thread and fill us in on your Bert.
,rc

I almost pulled the trigger on a Bertie before I found my current beast. You could do worse!