Hi all, I'm currently in a Viking 33. I am 6'-0" tall and I cannot stand up in most of the boat and I'm tired of hitting my head. The wife and I are starting to cruise more and find that after 3 days on board we NEED to get off. I love how this boat sails! she handles beautifully and has a very slippery hull, deep keel and points like nobody's business! However we really want some creature comforts. Like, at least a swim platform, I think this can be added to the right boat, A stand-up shower and a usable galley. A large cockpit is also on the want list for entertaining.
We don't race but we like to go fast. My thoughts are to either buy a suitable older boat and have her modified to what we want or go for a new boat. We like the Jeanneau 349 but my fear is the quality of the new boats and the composites they use. I love the solid hull on my viking. The wife really loves the light open feeling of the newer boats and I'm only even considering them for her sake. I'd like to start a conversation on this and hopefully come to a conclusion. I feel that a new boat will depreciate quickly and a refurb of an older boat will offer a better quality built boat overall and the value will remain largely the same. I have, until now, rehabbed 2 boats from the brink of the crusher. Although I enjoyed the process and have a strong sense of accomplishment, I don't want to do it again. I want to find a boat, have the work contracted out by a reputable yard and end up in a turn key situation. I'm getting a bit older and just want a boat, in great shape, that I can simply maintain and sail more than work on. I'm considering looking on the great lakes for a nice freshwater boat. I think and older freshwater boat will potentially be in better shape than a newer saltwater vessel. I think the added cost of the shipping or extended cruising vacation could really be worth it!! I'm looking forward to all the tips, suggestions and insights!! I guess someone is going to get a really nice V33 in Lolita! Danny _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
