Let the Fun Begin- It's Buying Time

[JLR]

Well folks, as of tomorrow, my 43 Open will be under contract. So, my search for a boat to replace it for use up North will begin. I hope to prevail upon the fine members of the HOF to assist in this effort and to provide the sage advice I have come to really appreciate. It also means I might be asking some dumb questions. My general goal is to get a mid 90's boat, preferably a Hatteras, Bertram, Viking or perhaps an Ocean for very light fishing and a lot of time relaxing. I hope to get an enclosed bridge and a full beam master in a Sportfish style boat. So, here goes with some novice questions since I have never owned anything but a MY.

Does an enclosed bridge offer the same allure if there is no inside stairway to it?
Does a recently overhauled boat offer more or less reliability than one with say 2K hours.
Is a CAT boat worth more to me for my 50 hours per year and their increased price tag than a Detroit or MAN boat?
And, given the light use I envision for cruising but substantial dock time, mean "lesser" brands like Oceans etc. are in play?

Thinking about the 55-60 ish size range.

As always, your help is most appreciated.

[Cricket]

Can we have a hint on what the budget is?
Is an enclosed bridge mandatory?

[Boatsb]

I've done significant work upgrading a few 50 oceans. 2 of them 2005 models that I upgraded electronics and AV systems. For a comfortable family friendly boat that's easy to run and maintain I'd suggest lower HP versions like c12 or even series 60. The c18 one I worked on was a bit harder to get around inside the engine room but it do do 40.

Overall it's not a hatteras but for value and the wife factor they seem great overall vessels.

[JLR]

Wife factor here is key. Almost dock condo or dock queen usage anticipated. Light cruising, inside waters, bottom fishing in Long Island Sound.

[Boatsb]

Call me if I can be helpful. One of my best friends is a local broker who is quite good at finding gems in a rough market.

I'm not a convert BUT I have to give credit to the designers of that 50 as it's one of the best layouts in its class.

My buddy bought this one earlier this summer.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2005...s#.Wd_vtp8pCBY

[JLR]

Thanks Scott. Working with the broker in North Palm who sold me my 74. He is great.

[JLR]

Can we have a hint on what the budget is?
Is an enclosed bridge mandatory?

Budget is flexible. Condition is not.