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1999 35 Cabo

Discussion in 'Cabo Yacht' started by Seaway19, Jan 5, 2020.

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  1. Seaway19

    Seaway19 New Member

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    Marshfield, MA
    Hi everyone. Just joined the Forum and I'm hoping you guys can give me some feedback.

    I'm looking for a used 35 Cabo Express. My friend's friend has one. He is the second owner and according to my friends, maintains it with an open checkbook. Approx 1900 hrs on Cat 3208's. Sounds great and I'm planning on going to look at it soon. My concern is, it's a 1999 hull

    Only selling it , because he doesn't go too far and never overnights on the boat, so he's switching to a large CC.

    I've read the posts on here about the design change in 2001 and most agree ( if not all ) that the new design a much better riding hull.

    Having said that, I do have a budget. The newer designed Cabos in my area , New England, seems to run $185,000 and up. The asking price for the 1999 is much less.

    So my question is , is there anyone on this forum that currently owns a 1999 or earlier 35 Express ?

    Would you guys buy one of the early hull designs ?

    Also concerned about resale if i decided to move on after 5 years or so.

    thanks in advance for any insight you care to share
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I've run many of them if that's any constellation. The 2001 and newer hulls do ride better and are a bit dryer, but are not dry. The newer 32' cabo express is also an option worth looking at and might be in your price range. Resale should be similar to what you bought it at minus a little.
  3. Seaway19

    Seaway19 New Member

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    Thanks for the feedback. I saw from an earlier post you've run almost every version. Was leaning towards the 35 because I'll be on a mooring and wanted a generator.
  4. PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    How do you use the boat? It’s up to you how fast and what heading you take, you have some control in terms of how things go u dressy.

    But in terms of resale, hands down the 2nd gen design will retain more value.
  5. Seaway19

    Seaway19 New Member

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    I’m located on the south shore of Boston. We had an older 41 Viking a 1988, bought her in 2009, kids went college, sold her in 2015. Used her to run to Stellwagon bank, whale watch and chase footballs. Did a couple Vineyard trips . Had a 30 ft Downeaster since then . Family wants more creature comforts and ability to travel a bit, ie., the Vineyard, Long Island
  6. PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    We fished one that was a charter boat in Cabo San Lucas, was a bit wet and would pound somewhat in a head sea when the seas kicked up in the afternoon - yes, but nothing that spoiled the trip. We did remark that everything felt solid and this boat had a lot of use and had no rattles or creeks or groans, that’s what made the Cabo reputation so much better than the other manufacturers of 35 footers built in the same time period. We have had many dock neighbors with 1st gen 35’s that ran them up to high hours (3000 plus) and never switched to the 2nd gen design.

    If the family is used to a 30’ Downeaster, it will be a step up especially in creature comforts.

    The main issue is to have a good CAT dealer in your area . As far as resale, it comes down to how well you maintain the boat, how current you keep the electronics and how well you can keep the cosmetics up, but the first thing is to buy it at the right price.
  7. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Have you considered a 35' FB? I know they made about 15 expresses to 1 flybridge boat. There was a time I was running 1-2 different 35's a week......
  8. Seaway19

    Seaway19 New Member

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    Thanks for the info, it's interesting to read about your dock mates staying with the first gen design for quite a while.

    My friend has had a first gen 31 Cabo for 17 years, it's a 1997 and he swears by it. Stays out in some ugly stuff.

    The boat I'm going to look at has been well maintained , with updated electronics, etc. I'm pretty crazy about maintaining equipment as well , and I have a great CAT mechanic right in my town.
    Thanks again for info, I'll let the forum know how it goes
  9. Seaway19

    Seaway19 New Member

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    I had the flybridge with my Viking, which I loved, but ready to try an express.

    And as you said, there are a lot more Expresses out there than FBs
  10. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The express is noisy in comparison and the FB offers a lot more interior space, so something to consider.
  11. NickSTT

    NickSTT New Member

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    Location:
    St. Thomas, VI
    Hello to Cabo 35 owners. New member. Have a 1999 Express, and have a quickly deteriorating fiberglass port muffler on the 3208 Cat. Anyone know where there might be a spare, or do I just have to have one custom made?
  12. Capt Maritime

    Capt Maritime Member

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    Seaway 19 - I sold my 1996 Cabo 35 Express earlier this year. Loved the boat. Yes it is a little wet in a head sea but still a very well built boat. I had the CAT 3208/435 HP engines. They ran perfect for me, however I am a Marine Engineer from up your way and did all my maintenance myself. Keep the heat exchangers clean and don't run them at full throttle and you will be fine. Reach out any time and I would be happy to to help in anyway. I just moved up to a 40 Cabo convertible with CAT's. Where is the 35 Cabo you are looking at...Scituate maybe? Timber St Pete Feb 2022.jpg