For those of you that don’t know I sold my boat at the end of this season. I have decided to go to an express. Getting older and a CC with no AC just isn’t fun anymore. Also looking to do some overnighters as well as maybe some trips here and there. I have owned 1 Key West and 2 scouts all of the CC variety. At first I was going with the Scout 35 abaco but I have ultimately decided on the Pursuit. I have it down to one of 2 models. Either the Offshore 315 or the Offshore 345. So now where I am hung up is do I go for the bigger one but it has bigger engines so more fuel and it will have to stay in the water. There are a lot more creature comforts on the larger one. Helm Air, More interior room, More seating etc. The smaller one is pretty close to the larger one however no helm A/C less storage tighter quarters less seating etc but you can dry stack it. Would love to hear some opinions on which would be a better choice and what I am not considering. There are pros and cons either way. I am moving up from a 28 foot CC. Thanks in advance for the opinions.
I’ll fish with you on either of them. Just sayin
Keeping a boat in the water equals considerabely higher maintenace costs (Antifouling, hull cleaning, anodes, and all around more corrosion and weathering).
From the performance repots the 315 gets 50% better fuel economy across much of the operating range with the F300s than the 345 with F350s. That is quite a difference…huge difference. I am not sure I could look past that much of a difference for 4 more feet unless you really want the extra room.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14
I would go with the 34. I have looked at both and yes it would use more fuel, your dockage would cost more, but the extra room is huge. My wife and I went with a 25 walkaround and we love it for now. We are both in the military and this boat is still easy for us to trailer and move from place to place when we have to. We went to the boat show this weekend so we can start to look for our retirement boat as we each only have 6 years left till we can retire. We both decide no less then 33 foot as we want to cruise in comfort and want more room down below. I think you will regret not just going bigger.
Chad
Cobia 256 Express
Pulled by a Dodge Ram 3500
I have a 315 OS and love it. It is perfect for fishing with 4 or 5 guys and won’t break the bank. 29 knot cruise burning 1.4 mpg. Last year, in snotty conditions, I paired up with a Tiara 35 buddy boat. My boat handled the slop better than the 35.
Seating works well for 3 crew members in the sheltered helm area, 4 in a pinch, but usually someone is standing in the cockpit anyway. The cockpit has plenty of space for fighting multiple hookups or bottom fishing.
It is an ok weekender for a couple or 2 guys, but if I was into extended cruising, I think the 345 would be better. However, for me, downsizing from a 38, this boat is the right size.
There is a used 315 OS for sale at Coastal Carolina Yacht Sales that has helm air, but the sacrificed some of the fishing tackle storage to install it.
Joe said he had a sea trail today on the 315 and 345. Was that for you? I’ll be at the boat this afternoon (Bristol Marina, slip C14, Blue Runner), and be glad to show you how I’ve rigged mine if you want.
Tom
Would it not be better if they offered it in disel inboards!
Thanks for the info so far. The 315 is sounding was more economical than I had thought. I guess those V-8 outboards suck a lot more fuel. I am not on the sea trial but I am going to try and see them this week side by side to get an idea of the differences. Thanks for the offer if I decide to go with the 31 I would love to see howw you have yours rigged. He did mention the one with the healm air but at a sacrafice of tackle storage would have me concerned.
I don’t know why but a disel really scares me. I am vey comfortable with the care and maintainance of outboards. A disel is a big unknown for me. Kind of a go with what you know approach. Not saying that’s the best plan but its what I am comfortable with.
I’ve fished on Tuxedo’s boat & that’s a nice riding & fishing boat. Very comfortable & easy to fish.
21 Contender
Couple of thoughts -
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I choose to keep my boat in the water so I can jump on it and go when I want to. No need to call anyone and make arrangements.
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The marina can be a bit of a social club if you want. You can take it or leave it, but there is usually some pot luck or the like going on when the weather is nice.
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MANCAVE!!!
I have never felt the need for helm air, at least out on the water. The opening windshield and overhead hatches are more than adequate. When fishing, I take down most of the canvas if it is a warm day.
I stand corrected on the sea trial. I understand both boats are on the hard at Ross. Still, I’ll be glad to show you my boat and take you for a run if you are leaning toward the 315.
Cool little boat…
http://www.thehulltruth.com/boat-commercial-classifieds-marine-services/480002-2010-28-custom-ellig-express-twin-175-suzukis-warranty-135-500-a.html
11 Bowtech Destroyer
Remington 700 30-06
Hey tuxedo could you tell me what I am signing up for if I go with an in water boat? Costs and maintainance schedule etc.
Slip fee at the Bristol Marina - $386/mo. Would be a little more for the 345, but new contracts get 2 months free. Other marinas around are somewhat higher.
Diver - Once a month in the winter, every 3 weeks in the summer. About $55 per dive. If you are out of the current, say at Ripley, you don’t need the service nearly as often.
Bottom paint - I’m trying to go 2 years. City boatyard was $1,500 for 2 coats of the finest paint last time, but that included a $500 coupon that they usually offer in December.
Zincs - maybe $200 per year.
Mancave - priceless
One of my customers has a 34 with the twin 350’s and loves it. Get the cockpit air, its worth every dime. It turns the cockpit area into another room.
How does the boat hold up being kep in the water? Does stuff break more often on it? Does it wear out the boat faster etc?
The only boat I had that wasn’t kept in the water was buggered up on a trailer.
There are those that would argue that keeping a boat in the water is better for it, because a boat flexes and changes shape when it is out of the water. This is why new boat manufacturers want an inboard boat to sit in the water for a few days before the engine is aligned.
Other than blisters on boats manufactured in the 70s, I’ve had no maintenance problems that I would attribute to the boat being in the water.
How’d it go today?
Im thinking I need to figure out how to get the 34. I think its the best one for me. May take a while to find the right one at the right price (used) but eventually I will get there. I really liked the layout of the 34. Thanks again for all the info.
Go talk to billy freeman. I know he could incorporate your needs in his new 37. Better ride and fuel economy and the fishing space would be much greater.
I tell this to a lot of my customers looking for boats of this size. If you are truly going to use the cabin, buy the bigger boat… If you aren’t doing overnight trips, stay with the smaller boat. BTW the helm air is an awesome addition to either… Even in the winter, it is helm heat!
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