First Boat Advice

[cutiger]

I am about to buy my first boat, although I have grown up on boats (mostly Sea Rays) all my life.

I am married with two boys (2 year old and 1 year old). We are right on the Hudson River right next to West Point Military Academy and we plan to keep it in a slip on the water. I am considering a Sundancer (27ft - 30ft).

Will there really be a noticeable difference between them ?

Is there a "break" point which would make one size much better than another ?

Any suggestions ?

Thanks in advance for any advice you may give me.

 

[Kevin Smith]

27 Vs 30 Sea Ray

My wife & I went through a similar quandry while searching 2 years to replace our 1989 230 Weekender. There are a lot of things to consider when looking at different lengths. IE

Where are you using it and how much is rough seas a issue related to boat length & beam?

What are you using it for? Cruising, Fishing, Camping, Etc?

Do you want to trailer your boat? The older 250/270 are normally a single screw 8' 6" beam and can be trailered. The 30' is normally a twin screw that cannot be trailered.

Is fuel consumption a concern? The well sized single screw will burn about 15 gallons per hour. The dual screw will consume about 18-25 gallons per hour.

We ended up with a 27' with the 330 hp, 7.4, Bravo II I/O and 8' 6" beam and a nice aluminum trailer. We are very satisfied!

There are lots of good web sites to look at. Be sure you do your homework on horsepower to weight, I/O vs V drives, Different types of I/O, etc.. Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know and I will be glad to share our findings.

Kevin Smith