40' to 45' SF Convertible - Riviera? - Silverton? - (Luhrs ?) - Any Others?

You might also look at Ocean Yachts. I've owned a '82 55' and a '97 53'. They are a nice boat for the money. If they were a car they'd be the equivalent of maybe an Oldsmobile or Buick, nicer than a Chevy, not a Caddy. I think it's a better boat than a Luhrs.

Hi,

With long tuns in your program would it not ne prudent to look at boats that can run at a good cruising speed.

If you can do 25 kts 100 miles will take you 4 hours each way, if it's only 20 the travel time slips to 5 hrs each way - 10 hrs of travel for a 2 - 3 day weekend.

The novelty might soon wear off.

Not a prticularly great lover of the Silverton, especially in a quartering sea, nor their quality. Don't count on those calm seas carrying the full 100nm. You could easily run through multiple weather systems in that distance. Other than that it sounds like you're heading in the right direction on all counts.

NewSouthSailor

Take a look at the newer 42 posts (even though they just went out of business. avoid 1998-2002?). Solid, fast, economical boats because of the low dead rise at transom and sharp entry. Not as comfortable in heavy seas as say a Viking but handles pretty darn well nonetheless.

My 53' Ocean with the 820hp Mans had a 27.5 kt cruise at 1950 rpm. I don't remember actual GPH numbers, but it was efficient. The 1000 hour service on the Mans was expensive, but they ran flawless. Due to the market dropping so drastically I paid $525,000 for it in '04, and sold in '09 $219,000 so there are deals to be had.

I wouldn't even CONSIDER a Silverton for the type of cruising you're looking to do. I would look at a 40 Cabo. I would definately take an older 43' Cabo over what you're considering and not worry about the year. There is a 2000 45' Cabo at National Liquidators that can be had pretty cheap. The newish Post's are another consideration. Viking is another great choice. I would go a few years older and for a good quality boat if I was doing 250nm round trips on a regular basis.

Agree with Capt J 100%.

I would rather have a well maintained, quality "older" boat than a cheaper new one. There are deals to be had on older boats that have not only been maintained but seriously upgraded.

I agree with what everyone else is saying. I think most of us know that we get what we pay for, but sometimes we don't want to believe it. I thought my Oceans were good boats, but they weren't a Hatteras or Bertram. One of the good things about Ocean Yachts is they are good at fuel consumption, but they get the performance by building a lighter boat that rides good, but not as good as Hatt/Bert. For me, I got my money's worth.

I haven't seen a Luhrs in awhile so I don't know if they have improved on the build quality or not. The older ones did not have a very good reputation. I was at the boatyard the other day and they had an Ocean hauled out and setting in front of a comparable sized Bertram. The difference in the size of the running gear, ie the shafts, struts, and rudders was considerable. In my opinion, any of the Jersey area boats would be a step up from what you are looking at. Like the previous person just stated the Oceans pick up their spped with the flat aft section and lighter weight. If you understand what you have and run it appropriately its not a problem. It's been my experience that the average mariner gives out long before the boat does. If you don't have to run in rough water there isn't much reason to beat the boat apart. I don't think there is much to fear in buying a 10 year old boat. if you could find a 45' Hatteras with a pair of Cummins or Cats would be ideal. About two months a guy hit the jetty in a 40' Cabo and hauled the boat out to the rudders. He hit it hard enough to yank the gears off the engines but, you wouldn't believe the lack of damage to the hull and the running gear. Apparently they build a very stout product. If I can find a scanner I'll post the picture of it sitting high and dry. I was curious - how much is fuel in your area?

Well said dsharp

I was never an Ocean fan but my experience was limited to the older pre 1990's boats. I recently had an 84 46' that had an extensive refit, still not to excited about the boat, but for the money you couldn't beat it. I just got a 1999 60 Ocean which is a whole different boat (buildwise) than the old 46. It's got a lots of things on it that I'd have done different, but for the price you can't beat it. Regardless, I'd take an Ocean any day over a Riviera, Luhrs, Silverton, etc.

Ditto on what you said and the Luhrs & Silverton. I like the Rivieras so I wouldn't rule them out, but there are issues.

NSS

In re-reading your post, If it is just you and your wife. (the Capt Has to go). Maybe a Tiara express would serve your purpose??

Carl, if I am not breaking rules , can we send him to ************** to look around?

[QUOTE

The Tiara 39 Convertible looks very nice and close to what I'm looking for. What can you tell me about it's ride? Seakeeeping? (Or any other aspect you particularly like or dislike ...)

Cheers.[/QUOTE]

There is a newer 40 at our marina. Very solid well made production boat. Deep vee, probaly would handle like a Viking of similar size