For 25 years I raised my kids on a 42' Californian Tri-Cabin Trawler. 36 inch draft. A diesel Winnebago for the water. Many good designs in trawlers, which are slow and stable and huge inside. Huge engine rooms for storing and fixing things. Long cruising range.
You caught my eye on this one for sure folks. Subscribed. Any advice I might offer is already here, see the post by G. Elliott. Quote: "diesel only; fresh water history. Colder climates= low usage. metal hates salt." The difference in fuel mileage between diesel and gas will be HUGE in the favor of the diesel(s). If I went far offshore I would opt for 2 engines. Daddy wanna get home on a stormy night.......
Northern boats are stored under roof bc of the snow and they are in fresh water so salt damage in non existent even if they occasionally see salt water. 6 feet is the control depth for the loop. Radar masts can be made to hydraulically lower. Check out the Grand Banks and Fleming Trawlers.
Let me a little more specific about my previous post, My boat was a 50' foot Holiday Mansion Coastal Commander, Mine had a pair of 351ci with Volvo Out-drives, carried 450 gallons fuel, 12.5 Generator, 3 ac, 2 heads, full galley, panoramic views from inside, Certified for 50 miles Of shore (Ocean) , Bow Thruster! Modified deep V hull for Rough Seas ( Been in 8'waves) What also was great is that she carried Two Jet skis a 3 seater and a stand-up for fun and more.
Hey guys i would try to stay above the year of 1993 or really high 1990's as they changed how they made the fiberglass. You are looking at great models. You will also want to make sure that the boat you get has enough power to get going and stuff. You will be surprised how many can not get up to speed in a reasonable time and then they burn so much gas. Just a tip. Enjoy
Thanks for the tip on the fiberglass switch, not something we've heard too often. Most of the boats that keep making our criteria tend to be late 90s or early 2000s.
Yep if you say in that year you are good to go. Also watch out for the carvers as you may have noticed that they are cheaper then like the searays you are looking at.. For some reason they don't hold value as good and I am not sure why. Could be just the name or something but I am not sure. I have seen some 420 searays with diesel engines to. Might be something you would want. Good luck!
I've read a bunch on the loop and talked to some who have done it. Many said to get a sailboat around 25-30 feet. Update the engine, if needed, to a newer small diesel. Remove the mast, install a stub (or just cut the mast off) so it will clear the lowest height. Because a sailboat is designed to move with wind power the hull doesn't need a ton of power to move it you save a LOT on fuel. I actually thought about something like a 30 foot catamaran, Pull the mast and store it. Install a telescoping pole in it's place to hold the radar, radio and cell antennas and some lighting gear. Hard top for the main cabin with solar covering it (possibly add an electric motor drive as a reserve?). You get more storage room, stable hull, smaller engines and lower overall height than most V hulls. Something like a Gemini 3000 or 105 , they are a solid deck but only 14 feet wide so they fit into tight places. Or for better comfort and room a Maine Cat 30.
We contemplated a Gemini (our former sailboat crush).. but for a 3-5 year extending cruising home on water, we don't want to deal with the compromises of a sailing living space without the joys of sailing. After 10 years of living in small spaces, we're ready for something that feels more like a home.
Here's our experience. We own a 34' Airstream, which we love. On a whim, we bought a 30' 1967 Cal30 sailing yacht last year. It was just too cheap not to buy it, we paid $5000 for a boat that is, while old, in great condition. We played on that boat all last summer and we're pretty sure that we'll be selling the Airstream, sell the boat and buy a boat that will see us through the next 40 years. Whether that's sail or power is still being discussed. We're looking at Grand Banks, but then you're getting close to Selene, Diesel Duck and Nordhavn territory, all of which will take you around the world if that's what you want to do. Yes, the initial buy is more expensive, but the freedom you're getting in return is worth considering.
Those are all great brands... but at this point, we don't have aspirations for blue water sailing/boating. We're focusing on the Great Loop and perhaps Bahamas for the next 5 or so years. If we desire going further then, we'll adjust the sails as needed. :)
Looked into doing the loop fifteen years ago. A heart attack, bypass surgery and a round of cancer and associated expenses put a end to that idea. But before that I also had determined that an aft cabin cruiser would work the best. Loved the idea of a used Grand Banks, Kady-Krogan or even Diesel Duck with the ability to go offshore but the cost, complexity, and maintenance requirements turned me off of that idea. Decided that an aft cabin Sea Ray, Carver, or Mainship would work better with budget, clearance, and maintenance issues. Just have to make sure you have a thorough survey done.
So sorry to hear life put up blocks to pursuing your dreams (which is why we're not delaying ourselves). And indeed, we will absolutely be having a thorough survey done.
Thanks! It's currently on our top list to see more of.. the one we had just viewed before this video really surprised us. And it can be easily modified to our requirements for bridge clearance.
I came across your announcement video and decided to follow along. We have the same idea but are two to three years out because of kids. Definitely interested in where you end up on acceptable boat age. BTW: Two of the larger Finger Lakes are accessible by the Erie Canal. Cayuga will get you to Ithaca and Seneca will get you to Watkins Glen. It's not too far out of your way if you decide to take the Oswego Canal or Western Erie.
I agree with the diesel. I almost bought a carver aft cabin last summer. Then I checked the range on a full tank. With 8.1L 170 miles at cruise? 100 miles at 90%. Terrible economy. It performed worse with smaller motors. You can always look at the performance data online for newer models at www.boattest.com. It's free. Older models can usually be found in a google search. Right now I'm looking at Nordhavn's to do extended cruising. Some of the older models can be bought for less than $100k Nothing worse to me than looking for a fuel dock every couple days. Hope you find the perfect boat for you.
You should take a look at the Bluewater 510 which is about 56 feet long and 19 feet high. My father had one and the layout sounds like what you may be looking for. It was very spacious inside and had an upper deck that was partially covered. It also had a draft of around 3 feet if my memory is correct.
Technomadia - I should have been more clear, take a look at the different Bluewater Yachts because they start at 46 feet. The line is more of a coastal cruising type of boat because they have a flatter hull design than most boats of that size and draft less water. If anything, look at the layout because it seems close to what you described as a want. Good luck with your search and I look forward to seeing what you end up choosing!
Ah... ok. Just did a quick search on YachtWorld and found the 48' version. Not too bad, but doesn't seem to be any diesel ones currently on the market. (One thing we left out in the video - diesel is a given. Long sections of the Loop without gas. )
Done the loop twice. different routes. Wonderful experience if you don't get a trailer with a single diesel motor you will spend thousands of dollars on fuel I've done it in both
You need to look at an Elling E4 or E6.... Boat can flip and rights itself, 3 cabins, great privacy, semi displacement fiberglass and Kevlar hull. At least look at the YT vis
Wondering if you will need to run the generator (run the A/C at night) while you are trying to sleep and whether that will be noisy with an aft cabin setup. Thanks for the video. It will be fun following your progress. Best of luck.
All things we'll get to learn. We imagine we'll be mixing it up with anchoring out and marina stays with power (we hope to do a few month-long stays in cool cities.)
Boats without projects are probably quite mythical.. but if we can minimize them to things we can accomplish while cruising, that would be a nice balance.
a lot of boats have a radar ridge that folds down...but with all you are looking forward to having a 15 foot height may be hard to find...i have power boated all my life ... i hope you have lots of $$$ to keep it going...
Technomadia there are alot of boats in my hometown that are under the 15" 6 limit and that have the 4 foot limit as well there are many different styles of boats here but do not get the brand of boat called bayliner they are not made with good quality at all
It is a factor we're weighing amongst many... no matter how we look at it, unless we get a row boat or sailboat, it'll be far less economy than our motorhome. One reason we're approaching this adventure as a multi year adventure and not trying to rush all the miles into a short time span.
Technomadia It may be colder winters but bet you can find what your looking for at a great deal. There are so many of boaters in Michigan with great boats.
Galley Up, Fly Bridge, Pilot House, Take a look a the 4788 Bayliner/Meridian Pilot House Motor Yacht, Great Forum site for information too. www.baylinerownersclub.org/index.php/forum/motoryachts
We actually got aboard a 4788 a couple weeks ago, and absolutely LOVE it. It's a top choice for us currently. Thanks for the community link, love owners clubs!
So happy you have become familiar with the model. Shallow draft, low height and a solid boat. Good luck and I hope to see you on the upper Chesapeake when you start your adventure
We're not switching from RVing, just switching to part time boating and part time RVing. We plan to boat spring/summer and winter in the RV. And besides.. we're all sharing our lives, not creating RVing channels.
A word of caution concerning extremely shallow draft. As you know the Great Lakes are part of the Great Loop and the bottoms of those lakes are littered with wrecked boats and ships that got caught in storms. Think about The Edmond Fitzgerald. One other thing. I don't know how much experience you have with boats but many owners describe their boats as "Holes in the water into which you throw money." This is especially true of older larger boats like the ones you're looking at. Boats live in an extremely hostile environment. I've also known boat owners who have claimed that the two happiest days of owning their boat were the day they bought it and the day they sold it.
We appreciate the hard earned lessons of others, and we are going in eyes wide open. This isn't a whimsical idea we had one morning. It's been something we researching for many years, and very actively for the past 6 months. We've talked with many, and know these words have reality behind them. But we also feel life is too short to not pursue your dreams. We could find many sucky things to convey about RVing, owning a house, traveling, having a cat - but we don't regret those choices either.
I think I'll stick with my two inflatable kayaks, leave them in my RV then I'm set for water or land...After watching the Wynn's switch to the water and all the $$$$$$$$$ spent getting seaworthy, I have to assume only a nice trust-fund is needed to travel on water. But I do think motor power has less maintenance over wind.
+jay super In land cruising (us) versus round the world is also different requirements for seaworthy. Ours will be more than RVing, but not to the scale is what they have set up for.
I notice RUclips RV community are following the Gone with the Wynn route , people are buying boats and doing less RVing. The downside to wanderlust lifestyle, what else to do after traveling by car , bus , train , RV, plane , hitchhiking and boat.
Or.. you could look at it as people following their dreams and not confining themselves to just one decision. :) We've been full time RVing for over 10 years (and love it), and boating has always been a goal of ours.
No one is copying anyone. One of the reasons we clicked when we first met years ago, is that we both shared a dream of moving our adventures onto the water. We did some boat shopping (and moved to the Virgin Islands for a bit) in 2010, long before we met them.. or they had even hit the road in an RV .
For 25 years I raised my kids on a 42' Californian Tri-Cabin Trawler. 36 inch draft. A diesel Winnebago for the water. Many good designs in trawlers, which are slow and stable and huge inside. Huge engine rooms for storing and fixing things. Long cruising range.
I have been boating for fifty years and I believe you’re on the right track.
This sounds like an amazing adventure! I am looking forward to it all.
I'm excited for you two to start your new 🛳adventure! Thanks for sharing your experience thus far.
I'm so happy for you guys, good luck in your hunt.
You caught my eye on this one for sure folks. Subscribed. Any advice I might offer is already here, see the post by G. Elliott.
Quote: "diesel only; fresh water history. Colder climates= low usage. metal hates salt."
The difference in fuel mileage between diesel and gas will be HUGE in the favor of the diesel(s). If I went far offshore I would opt for 2 engines. Daddy wanna get home on a stormy night.......
Northern boats are stored under roof bc of the snow and they are in fresh water so salt damage in non existent even if they occasionally see salt water. 6 feet is the control depth for the loop. Radar masts can be made to hydraulically lower. Check out the Grand Banks and Fleming Trawlers.
Let me a little more specific about my previous post, My boat was a 50' foot Holiday Mansion Coastal Commander, Mine had a pair of 351ci with Volvo Out-drives, carried 450 gallons fuel, 12.5 Generator, 3 ac, 2 heads, full galley, panoramic views from inside, Certified for 50 miles Of shore (Ocean) , Bow Thruster! Modified deep V hull for Rough Seas ( Been in 8'waves) What also was great is that she carried Two Jet skis a 3 seater and a stand-up for fun and more.
I really like the direction that the wynns have taken .. looking forward to seeing your new boat and adventures. .
good luck on your searching.
Hey guys i would try to stay above the year of 1993 or really high 1990's as they changed how they made the fiberglass. You are looking at great models. You will also want to make sure that the boat you get has enough power to get going and stuff. You will be surprised how many can not get up to speed in a reasonable time and then they burn so much gas. Just a tip. Enjoy
Thanks for the tip on the fiberglass switch, not something we've heard too often. Most of the boats that keep making our criteria tend to be late 90s or early 2000s.
Yep if you say in that year you are good to go. Also watch out for the carvers as you may have noticed that they are cheaper then like the searays you are looking at.. For some reason they don't hold value as good and I am not sure why. Could be just the name or something but I am not sure. I have seen some 420 searays with diesel engines to. Might be something you would want. Good luck!
I've read a bunch on the loop and talked to some who have done it. Many said to get a sailboat around 25-30 feet. Update the engine, if needed, to a newer small diesel. Remove the mast, install a stub (or just cut the mast off) so it will clear the lowest height. Because a sailboat is designed to move with wind power the hull doesn't need a ton of power to move it you save a LOT on fuel.
I actually thought about something like a 30 foot catamaran, Pull the mast and store it. Install a telescoping pole in it's place to hold the radar, radio and cell antennas and some lighting gear. Hard top for the main cabin with solar covering it (possibly add an electric motor drive as a reserve?). You get more storage room, stable hull, smaller engines and lower overall height than most V hulls.
Something like a Gemini 3000 or 105 , they are a solid deck but only 14 feet wide so they fit into tight places. Or for better comfort and room a Maine Cat 30.
We contemplated a Gemini (our former sailboat crush).. but for a 3-5 year extending cruising home on water, we don't want to deal with the compromises of a sailing living space without the joys of sailing. After 10 years of living in small spaces, we're ready for something that feels more like a home.
very interesting hope to see more vids on this
After spending a week on Dale Hollow lake, I think a Houseboat would be ideal.. As long as you you stay out of ocean I guess..
Grand Banks Trawlers and great cruisers. Quality and comfort.
Look at the Holiday Mansion ( 50) I had one and it was great. Full of windows to provide great views.
Here's our experience. We own a 34' Airstream, which we love. On a whim, we bought a 30' 1967 Cal30 sailing yacht last year. It was just too cheap not to buy it, we paid $5000 for a boat that is, while old, in great condition. We played on that boat all last summer and we're pretty sure that we'll be selling the Airstream, sell the boat and buy a boat that will see us through the next 40 years. Whether that's sail or power is still being discussed. We're looking at Grand Banks, but then you're getting close to Selene, Diesel Duck and Nordhavn territory, all of which will take you around the world if that's what you want to do. Yes, the initial buy is more expensive, but the freedom you're getting in return is worth considering.
Those are all great brands... but at this point, we don't have aspirations for blue water sailing/boating. We're focusing on the Great Loop and perhaps Bahamas for the next 5 or so years. If we desire going further then, we'll adjust the sails as needed. :)
A great adventure :-)
Capt. Chris is a good source for training
I did the loop 2 years ago in a catalina 22. Hopefully slightly bigger next time
Looked into doing the loop fifteen years ago. A heart attack, bypass surgery and a round of cancer and associated expenses put a end to that idea. But before that I also had determined that an aft cabin cruiser would work the best. Loved the idea of a used Grand Banks, Kady-Krogan or even Diesel Duck with the ability to go offshore but the cost, complexity, and maintenance requirements turned me off of that idea. Decided that an aft cabin Sea Ray, Carver, or Mainship would work better with budget, clearance, and maintenance issues. Just have to make sure you have a thorough survey done.
So sorry to hear life put up blocks to pursuing your dreams (which is why we're not delaying ourselves). And indeed, we will absolutely be having a thorough survey done.
the sea ray 420 is a great motor yacht. I would recommend that for your journey. that one really starts to feel like home
Thanks! It's currently on our top list to see more of.. the one we had just viewed before this video really surprised us. And it can be easily modified to our requirements for bridge clearance.
Look at the Ranger Tug line. Absolutely one of the most economical boats on the water.
I came across your announcement video and decided to follow along. We have the same idea but are two to three years out because of kids. Definitely interested in where you end up on acceptable boat age.
BTW: Two of the larger Finger Lakes are accessible by the Erie Canal. Cayuga will get you to Ithaca and Seneca will get you to Watkins Glen. It's not too far out of your way if you decide to take the Oswego Canal or Western Erie.
Exploring places like the Finger Lakes is precisely why we've decided to slow down the pace :)
Sounds good.
Great chat!
I agree with the diesel. I almost bought a carver aft cabin last summer. Then I checked the range on a full tank. With 8.1L 170 miles at cruise? 100 miles at 90%. Terrible economy. It performed worse with smaller motors.
You can always look at the performance data online for newer models at www.boattest.com. It's free.
Older models can usually be found in a google search.
Right now I'm looking at Nordhavn's to do extended cruising. Some of the older models can be bought for less than $100k
Nothing worse to me than looking for a fuel dock every couple days.
Hope you find the perfect boat for you.
You should take a look at the Bluewater 510 which is about 56 feet long and 19 feet high. My father had one and the layout sounds like what you may be looking for. It was very spacious inside and had an upper deck that was partially covered. It also had a draft of around 3 feet if my memory is correct.
Oh gosh... 56' is way too big. We're looking at boats closer to 40' :)
Technomadia - I should have been more clear, take a look at the different Bluewater Yachts because they start at 46 feet. The line is more of a coastal cruising type of boat because they have a flatter hull design than most boats of that size and draft less water. If anything, look at the layout because it seems close to what you described as a want. Good luck with your search and I look forward to seeing what you end up choosing!
Ah... ok. Just did a quick search on YachtWorld and found the 48' version. Not too bad, but doesn't seem to be any diesel ones currently on the market. (One thing we left out in the video - diesel is a given. Long sections of the Loop without gas. )
diesel only; fresh water history. Colder climates= low usage. metal hates salt.
Done the loop twice. different routes. Wonderful experience if you don't get a trailer with a single diesel motor you will spend thousands of dollars on fuel I've done it in both
I believe it was meant to be 'trawler' not 'trailer.
You need to look at an Elling E4 or E6.... Boat can flip and rights itself, 3 cabins, great privacy, semi displacement fiberglass and Kevlar hull. At least look at the YT vis
suggest walk around decks...you will find in locks makes life simplier
Wondering if you will need to run the generator (run the A/C at night) while you are trying to sleep and whether that will be noisy with an aft cabin setup. Thanks for the video. It will be fun following your progress. Best of luck.
All things we'll get to learn. We imagine we'll be mixing it up with anchoring out and marina stays with power (we hope to do a few month-long stays in cool cities.)
for resale and comfort the Nordhavn is THE boat but Price may be an issue.
I agree with your method. project fixing, boat with no project cruising
Boats without projects are probably quite mythical.. but if we can minimize them to things we can accomplish while cruising, that would be a nice balance.
yes i seen you tubers spend years on projects no sailing
a lot of boats have a radar ridge that folds down...but with all you are looking forward to having a 15 foot height may be hard to find...i have power boated all my life ... i hope you have lots of $$$ to keep it going...
We've found a few options... and the 15'6" is a goal we're wiling to let go of.
Technomadia there are alot of boats in my hometown that are under the 15" 6 limit and that have the 4 foot limit as well there are many different styles of boats here but do not get the brand of boat called bayliner they are not made with good quality at all
Hi So you didn't talk about fuel economy is that a factor in the process??
It is a factor we're weighing amongst many... no matter how we look at it, unless we get a row boat or sailboat, it'll be far less economy than our motorhome. One reason we're approaching this adventure as a multi year adventure and not trying to rush all the miles into a short time span.
How are your adventures going? I just found this video. Liked and subd.
When are you going back in the water?
Floating right now.
cool Idea, i was just in Kingston, ON this summer. you must check it out!... R U selling your bus to purchase a boat?
No, we're keeping the bus - it'll be our winter home.
I'll be your friend for a week or two.
I have to ask... was this filmed at Bradley Creek Marina in Wilmington NC?
Actually answered my question at the very end. I can see my boat there in the background! Small world.
You need to be in Michigan where's there more rest. boats than anywhere in the USA.
You mean where it's cold in winter (the time span we're doing our shopping?) and most contender boats are winterized? Yeah.. no.
Technomadia It may be colder winters but bet you can find what your looking for at a great deal. There are so many of boaters in Michigan with great boats.
watch Shaun and Julia sailing
Galley Up, Fly Bridge, Pilot House, Take a look a the 4788 Bayliner/Meridian Pilot House Motor Yacht, Great Forum site for information too. www.baylinerownersclub.org/index.php/forum/motoryachts
We actually got aboard a 4788 a couple weeks ago, and absolutely LOVE it. It's a top choice for us currently. Thanks for the community link, love owners clubs!
So happy you have become familiar with the model. Shallow draft, low height and a solid boat. Good luck and I hope to see you on the upper Chesapeake when you start your adventure
Look at trawlers 👍👍
What's your budget...endeavor trawler cat..40'
Yeah, we've looked at them (44') online. A bit out of our price range.
What are you going to do with your bus?
It will go in storage during the summer, and be our winter home while we put the boat in storage.
Are you keeping your RV?
Yup, RV will be our winter home, boat our summer home.
I GETTING A aria3901 AND A YACHT NEW 2018 ARIA 3901
Seems to be a thing after RVing life. I guess I lost more good info. First the Wynns now you two.
We're not switching from RVing, just switching to part time boating and part time RVing. We plan to boat spring/summer and winter in the RV.
And besides.. we're all sharing our lives, not creating RVing channels.
A word of caution concerning extremely shallow draft. As you know the Great Lakes are part of the Great Loop and the bottoms of those lakes are littered with wrecked boats and ships that got caught in storms. Think about The Edmond Fitzgerald.
One other thing. I don't know how much experience you have with boats but many owners describe their boats as "Holes in the water into which you throw money." This is especially true of older larger boats like the ones you're looking at. Boats live in an extremely hostile environment.
I've also known boat owners who have claimed that the two happiest days of owning their boat were the day they bought it and the day they sold it.
We appreciate the hard earned lessons of others, and we are going in eyes wide open. This isn't a whimsical idea we had one morning. It's been something we researching for many years, and very actively for the past 6 months. We've talked with many, and know these words have reality behind them.
But we also feel life is too short to not pursue your dreams.
We could find many sucky things to convey about RVing, owning a house, traveling, having a cat - but we don't regret those choices either.
Are you keeping your motorhome?
You`re keeping your bus... got it. Sounds like a great trip.
Watching it right now. ;-)
Glad you found the answer... for sure, keeping da bus! It'll be our winter home as we split up the Loop into sections over many years.
I think I'll stick with my two inflatable kayaks, leave them in my RV then I'm set for water or land...After watching the Wynn's switch to the water and all the $$$$$$$$$ spent getting seaworthy, I have to assume only a nice trust-fund is needed to travel on water. But I do think motor power has less maintenance over wind.
+jay super In land cruising (us) versus round the world is also different requirements for seaworthy. Ours will be more than RVing, but not to the scale is what they have set up for.
I notice RUclips RV community are following the Gone with the Wynn route , people are buying boats and doing less RVing. The downside to wanderlust lifestyle, what else to do after traveling by car , bus , train , RV, plane , hitchhiking and boat.
Or.. you could look at it as people following their dreams and not confining themselves to just one decision. :) We've been full time RVing for over 10 years (and love it), and boating has always been a goal of ours.
Good luck sailing. P.S Thanks for the Amtrak rail pass tips.
GH N37
LOL are you guys copying "Gone with the Wynns" RV to boat? You guys have met them and now doing the same thing, kind of.
No one is copying anyone. One of the reasons we clicked when we first met years ago, is that we both shared a dream of moving our adventures onto the water. We did some boat shopping (and moved to the Virgin Islands for a bit) in 2010, long before we met them.. or they had even hit the road in an RV .