My first post after lurking quite awhile

[ageless]

I have been lurking the site for quite awhile, decided to register knowing I will need advise from the experts very soon. My wife and I have been in the market for over a year, starting with boats in the 40' range, but quickly realizing that wouldn't be large enough. After looking at several manufacturers and our budget we have decided we are #1, buying a Hatteras #2, looking in 45-48' range. The boat will be used for offshore fishing the Carolina's as well as weekend condo. We are not looking for a project but know 30 year old vessels will need some "love" and we are prepared to give just that. I have a few questions...

One issue that arose in the beginning was finding vessels that couldn't be financed due to age.
30 years seems to be the max but we have found two vessels a little older than 30 we REALLY like. Anyone have suggestions for MARINE financing, we don't want to carry a second mortgage, our credit union doesn't finance boats, a marine loan is where we are. I have done extensive searching and only found BOATUS that can get loans back to 1919 vintage. Please advise if you have actually done so or know for fact, I have looked at the obvious ones but have fallen short.

What hull differences might we find in a 45 vs 48 from mid to late 80's?

Has anyone made the twin bunk master stateroom into a queen/king berth?

Since the site wont allow me to search for 45 or 48 is there any information anyone would like to share about there personal experiences with either model?

Last.... budget is up to $150k, anyone have knowledge of any convertible Hatt's available out there that aren't on YW, THT, or BT?

 

[rwappleton]

We have handed off the care and feeding of "Slow an Easy" to a proud new owner. I feel sure he will be here shortly with lots of Questions.

He was able to finance the boat with Delta credit union. I am not sure of exact rate or terms maybe he will share that.

I do know that the process was easy. They did require a survey as did the insurance company.

 

[Bugsy]

Read the "Okeechobee" thread. Tim has a 45 C for sale. This is a popular boat.
My wife and I have had a 43C (1981) for 15 years. We have cruised this boat throughout the Bahamas and from Florida to the Great Lakes and back. We have been VERY happy with our choice of a "temporary" boat.
We obtained an insert to fit between the two master berths with foam cushioning. Presto! A king size. It restricts access to the drawers beneath the berths but since there are only two of us and there is a forward v....no problems.
We fish...once a year ( maybe twice) and apart from an occasional cruise, the boat is our winter "condo" with time split between home and the boat.
Bottom line, a 45-48 convertible is perfect in my opinion for your stated needs.
I have no information about financing but I am confident that a creative buyer and seller can find the " happy spot".

Best of luck.

 

[ageless]

We have handed off the care and feeding of "Slow an Easy" to a proud new owner. I feel sure he will be here shortly with lots of Questions.

He was able to finance the boat with Delta credit union. I am not sure of exact rate or terms maybe he will share that.

I do know that the process was easy. They did require a survey as did the insurance company.

Is that "Delta Credit Union" in Charlotte NC?

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Has anyone made the twin bunk master stateroom into a queen/king berth?

At some point, a previous owner converted the master cabin (55C, galley up, three staterooms) to a walk around queen. The original plans show twins. A bridging platform is the easiest way to go. But a walk around bed is a huge plus in just about anyone's book. If you decided to go that route, plan ahead. There may be access issues to be considered. I recently had to create a path to replace the dip tube in my starboard holding tank. Cutting in from the bed platform with a sawsalll was not the number one best way to go.