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Boating Newbie

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by A-Yo Kev, Feb 3, 2020.

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  1. A-Yo Kev, Feb 3, 2020
    #1
    A-Yo Kev

    A-Yo Kev New Member

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    Hello, I’ve never never owned a boat and have zero experience. I will be retiring soon and plan on purchasing a boat. Looking at 39-44 foot. The Mrs only requirement is two heads and diesels. I was stuck on Sea Ray. Recently came across a 1997 39’ Cranchi and a 2003, 42’ Maxum on the net. Thinking that the Cranchi may be too old and parts hard to find and can’t seem to find much info on the Maxum. Cranchi $119,000, Maxum $139,000. Yes, I’ve been told that I’m crazy for buying a boat but we’re going for it. Located in Southern California where the market is somewhat limited. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. You guys are the experts. Thanks
    Max Budget 150k.
  2. Pascal, Feb 3, 2020
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Back in 99 I bought a new Maxum 37, which was part of the maxum “sports yacht” line along with the 41 and 46.

    despite being significantly cheaper than the equivalent Searays, they had a number of better features. I kept it for 5 years or so and never had to contact maxum or the dealer for warranty work. Only issue I had was with the Vee Drives, mercruiser has a bad batch... I ve known people who had the 41 and 46 and were very happy with them

    now, these are 20 year old boats so how they were maintained is used is as important as initial quality.

    Around 2004/2005 or so US Marine / Brunswick or whatever the corporate office was called decided to merge the Maxum Sportsyacht line into the the newly created Meridian brand. Many back then thought Maxums were a better value and boat than Searay (also part of Brunswick US marine ) so something had to be done...
  3. spreda, Feb 3, 2020
    #3
    spreda

    spreda New Member

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    I've had a Maxum 4600 SCB for the past 10 years. Like Pascal says it's all in how well they were treated. Most of the 4600 SCB's came with Cummins 450 Diamond diesels. They are very dependable motors with over propping potentially causing internal failure the only major issue I'm aware of. The only systems we've had to replace were the 2 16K BTU AC units.

    Steve
  4. Oscarvan, Feb 3, 2020
    #4
    Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    So the biggest problem is that you don't know what you don't know. In essence you're asking us to explain the universe in 25 words.

    I HIGHLY suggest that you find a charter outfit locally that will bareboat (rent) too. Take some lessons to become competent enough to go out and play by yourself. Model boat not too important. the go out and play. Go to a few boat shows. Read a few magazines. Join a bunch of forums and read ALL of it.....

    The questions you're asking are questions only YOU can answer.
  5. gr8trn, Feb 3, 2020
    #5
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    When you have a budget, hopefully a maintenance and repair budget as well, and a boat need, you may be better served to start really thinking about why you want a boat. What do you want to do with it? Where do you want to go with her?
    Are you day boating, overnighting at marinas, cruising over to Catalina, fishing for yellow tail and on and on and on?
    By the way, the above list will change as you start boating, so you really can't answer it for the future.


    39 to 44 diesels for <$150K is searchable in a radius.

    The boats you are looking at are both too old for parts for the boat. You will be looking for parts for systems on the boats anyway.
  6. Dobeck, Feb 3, 2020
    #6
    Dobeck

    Dobeck New Member

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    Call some insurance companies before you go much further in your planning... You may find that they won't insure something in that size range as your first boat without a captain at the helm.
  7. A-Yo Kev, Feb 3, 2020
    #7
    A-Yo Kev

    A-Yo Kev New Member

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    I knew I came to the right place. I’ve been going to boat shows for the last Five years. Been to so many, the vendors actually remember me. Subscribe to multiple boating mags and pubs. Have taken a couple of coast guard safety courses and have a few pals with 30’ to 40’ boats. Day trips and Catalina trips are the plan. Also plan to take a actual three day, on the water course prior to any purchase. Trying to touch as many bases as possible.
  8. gr8trn, Feb 3, 2020
    #8
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    You have been bitten by the boating bug for sure. Time to go boating.
    You are correct in that your search criteria, 39-44', $150K max, diesels, two staterooms, and in SoCal does not give you a whole lot to choose from.
  9. Oscarvan, Feb 4, 2020
    #9
    Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Ah, you didn't tell us all that. OK, yes.... you are "one of us" now. Welcome aboard! And indeed, it's time to start asking specific questions about specific boats. Can't help you with the ones you mentioned. Good luck!
  10. Capt Fred, Feb 4, 2020
    #10
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    Just a counter point, while I do agree a 22 year old boat can hold lots of secrets, I do not agree that it is too old. Typically you do not go back to the manufacture after the warranty has expired, you go get parts for the equipment sites. In other words you go to a Cummins dealer or mechanic or replace a hatch from Bower or Lew-Mar. My boat is 32 years old and still able to maintain. That being said look for a boat that has installed mostly top of the line or at least popular equipment. I highly recommend you have the boat thoroughly surveyed before you purchase and be prepared for additionally maintenance cost after purchase and a part of ownership. Likely you will need to be trained for insurance purposes but that training can be purchased from a captain in So Cal.
  11. gr8trn, Feb 4, 2020
    #11
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    Great advice Capt Fred.
    Consider too, that a survey is only one persons checklist. It is a vital checklist to be sure. I don't know if this is accurate but there are likely to be items missed on any checklist in a day or half days work. I don't see that as a fault, just that marine survey is not the last word. I say this to be aware and to not think a surveyed boat has no hidden faults. I don't think this should stop anyone, but it is good to know what you may not know.
  12. cleanslate, Feb 5, 2020
    #12
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    It's been said on here before to others, but charter a boat or different boats first perhaps before you buy. That may help make up your mind on what you really want to buy. Also a good way to see how you both do on a boat for a day or two to see how you really like it.
  13. Capt J, Feb 5, 2020
    #13
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I delivered a 46' Maxim from City Island, NY to Baltimore, MD. It performed fairly well, cruise was around 25 knots, it rode fairly well, build quality seemed ok.......not terrific but not horrific either about even with Searay I guess. His price point and requirements are going to limit his choices. I'd be looking at a 45' Searay sedan bridge, early 2000s boat, that's in the price range or equivalent Searay express.
  14. cleanslate, Feb 5, 2020
    #14
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Two very nice boats that meet all your requirements are 1990s era Carver 44' Aft Cabin; Lots on the market...And the better boat all around in my opinion is the Tollycraft 1980s/90s era also 44' which is made on the west coast . You should be able to find both on the west coast for sale.
  15. Boomer, Feb 10, 2020
    #15
    Boomer

    Boomer Senior Member

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    Our boat is a 1984 and in great shape...all depends how it was taken care of...just a thought...have you ever thought of looking north of you and piloting it south? Buy on in the gulf and trailer it over? We ended up purchasing ours in the carolinas and drove back to west coast of florida...