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Convertible, 30-38' length, 20+ knot cruise, headroom 6'1"+

Discussion in 'General Sportfish Discussion' started by Notonshore, Nov 11, 2019.

  1. Notonshore

    Notonshore New Member

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    Hey all,
    I know people ask similar "what boat should I get" questions on a regular basis but I've never seen these specific parameters so I'm asking my own version of the question.

    I want a boat for the Channel Islands (Catalina, etc.) in SoCal, mooring up as a liveaboard in various harbors and coves for 2-7 days at a time, frequently solo but occasionally with girlfriend or other friends, something seaworthy offshore in the Pacific, something relatively quick and fun (20+ knots cruise), have a generator, AC/heat, watermaker, etc. (some of these systems could be acquired later). I think an upper and lower helm would be ideal so I could be in the salon while underway as an option, but I know most modern convertibles don't offer that.

    I've been considering Riviera 33, 34 and 36 convertibles, Lindell 36, and Mediterranean 38 for their upper and lower helm options. And more generally Luhrs 32, 34 and 36 convertibles, Skipjack 30, Cabo 35 (mostly above my pricepoint). Any others I should consider?

    I'm happy to consider other sedans, downeast, maybe expresses etc. that fit my needs but I'm finding that slightly older small-to-medium convertibles are hard to beat when it comes to seaworthiness, speed, and useable cabin/salon area for cruising in an affordable (less than $170k) package.
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Skip Luhrs, their quality is low. I'd go for the Cabo 35'.
  3. Robertoman

    Robertoman Member

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    Look at a well cared for Californian or Navigator. Exactly what you want.
  4. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Both were builders of primarily trawler/pilot house boats. Navigator never made more than a handful of convertibles in that size range. Californian will be 30+ years old - and I would not expect the ability to cruise above 20 knots.

    And to the OP you mentioned 35’ Cabo is above your budget. As is your +20 knot cruise speed. It will be difficult to achieve that in an older inexpensive convertible.
  5. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I think if he looks hard enough. Perhaps an Ocean SF?
  6. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Perhaps his best shot ...three models in that size range with some built into the late 1990's and with Cummins power.
  7. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Older Viking or Hatteras?

    Newer Silverton? Latest convertibles were drawn by Blount...

    -Chris
  8. Mark Martire

    Mark Martire New Member

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    Capt j have to ask you a question why you say luhrs quality is low there hulls are solid the fit and finish could be better but for the money it’s a great boat and running against a ocean Yacth .I’ll bet on the luhrs any day of the week running. Ocean has a Beautiful Interiors. Ride can’t compare to luhrs Just so tied of everyone shitting on the luhrs . who never owed one im not picking a fight just expressing the truth
  9. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Er, Ah Well, Oh;
    That lil T28-29 was a POS all day long. Could not deal with wake from other boats in the ICW.
    On twin SBCs, Sucked that fuel like no tomorrow and you would die to try and stay on top of any slop.
    Lil diesel struggled also and just a lil better MPG & speed at WOT.
    The trick was in later years, much better with 4 stroke outboards, way after market and heavy mods.
    Shame, It was a promising top side design.

    Yes, My old hood (Trout River 32208) was full of them.
    I installed low profile LBCs in one, The gas CID really helped out. Just to much wet surface and hull weight to even stay on a swell.

    Following the same Tournament/Light Express design, the longer the keel, the better the boat became. The 38/40 was still hard on some older backs but did run quite well.
    IMO, This would be the target open Luhrs (with out a tower).
  10. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I've been involved with a 2006 36' that had a soft front deck when it was 6 years old, now the tower floor is soft. The cockpit as well as many of them hold water. Quality is average.
  11. Mark Martire

    Mark Martire New Member

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    SoundS like maintenance Neglect, I’m sure it’s a corking issue that it started from I had four of them never had a water issue had some stress cracks but that about it.
  12. Blowncar

    Blowncar New Member

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    Phoenix SFX can pick up mid fifty k , awesome boat for what your seeking to do, much better than the rivs and med 38. Lindell 36 are great but only 1-2 for sale at a time and 3x the cost of a Phoenix.
  13. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    What neglect? The owner bought the boat new. Everything is as it came from Luhrs. There should not be anything that needs to be re-bedded or re-caulked in 6 years. It has to do with how the boat was built.
  14. Rick Brach

    Rick Brach New Member

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    We had the 34x.....It was a great boat, although slow with the J&T 260 diesels, but ran through pretty nasty weather.
  15. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Have you considered an aft cabin? It might be easier to find something that gets you the speed, space and 2 helms. You'd also have more options if you can get over 40'.
  16. incoming

    incoming Member

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    Not sure you how old you are willing to go or what your budget is.

    I recently sold an 80’s Bertram 38 that had been refit and repowered with Cummins in 2001 that would have been great for what you are talking about. You can get them with original 3208’s that can be rebuilt in place for a pretty good price, deal with Detroits, or find a repower. Just have to find one in good condition or be willing to put some work in, but it was a good sea boat for its size and definitely a 20+ kt cruise at ~0.8nmpg.

    there are also Bert 35’s and even 33’s, repowered (look for b series Cummins) that might fit the bill.

    agree with looking at hats as well. For 80’s and 90’s sportfish, it’s all about the original build quality, the current condition, and the iron pushing the props.