American boats. Any good?

G

greenace

New Member
Joined
31 Dec 2015
Messages
20
Visit site
I'm returning to motorboating after 25 years or so out. Glutton for punishment, clearly.

After a couple of seasons bombing around the Deben in a Dell Quay Sportsman 15, I'd like to get something with a bit more space/accommodation/power/ability. For now, I'm looking at the usual suspects between 25-30ft, up to about £30k. We've had Falcon, Sealine and Fairline boats in the family before so naturally I'm gravitating towards those brands.

But, a lot's changed in 25 years and I keep coming across names I'm not familiar with. I'm guessing most of them are American. I know Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Chris-Craft from back in the day, but the delights of Monterey, Maxum, Campion, Doral, Rinker, Chaparral, Regal et al are a mystery to me.

Should I be considering these too? Some of them look OK but are American boats different now to how I remember them (lightweight lake-boats rather than capable offshore cruisers)? If so, which ones are worth shortlisting?

Thanks chaps, and keep up the ace foruming (if that's even a word).
 
A lot of those US boats will be petrol. That's fine if performance is your main priority and you don't intended to venture far. There are not many petrol outlets in that neck of the woods. If cruising is important I would suggest looking for something diesel powered. For the size and budget, and if looking for diesel, I would go for one of the following: Fairline Targa 27, Sealine 285, Falcon 27/275, Princess 286. Nothing at all wrong with the likes of SeaRay, Bayliner or any of the other US makes you mention, in fact some of them are very good indeed, but just make sure it's got diesels in it.
 
greenace said:
I'm returning to motorboating after 25 years or so out. Glutton for punishment, clearly.

After a couple of seasons bombing around the Deben in a Dell Quay Sportsman 15, I'd like to get something with a bit more space/accommodation/power/ability. For now, I'm looking at the usual suspects between 25-30ft, up to about £30k. We've had Falcon, Sealine and Fairline boats in the family before so naturally I'm gravitating towards those brands.

But, a lot's changed in 25 years and I keep coming across names I'm not familiar with. I'm guessing most of them are American. I know Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Chris-Craft from back in the day, but the delights of Monterey, Maxum, Campion, Doral, Rinker, Chaparral, Regal et al are a mystery to me.

Should I be considering these too? Some of them look OK but are American boats different now to how I remember them (lightweight lake-boats rather than capable offshore cruisers)? If so, which ones are worth shortlisting?

Thanks chaps, and keep up the ace foruming (if that's even a word).
Click to expand...

I think the likes of sea ray, crown line, rinker, doral, regal, Monterey, Chris craft are at the higher end of the quality scale and for quite some time these manufacturers have been building boats aimed at the European market.

I think you want to avoid something with an excessively wide beam compared to European boats from a sea fairing point.

As others have said it's rare to find a yank boat with diesel engines, but equally with less European manufacturer's making sub 30ft cruisers these days what other choices are there?
 
I don't like the american boats with nothing in the way of side decks and , as a result, the through the windsceen door to access the bow.
But this may not concern you.
 
I was in your position last year wanting boat fitting as you have described. I have a rinker 270 2004. It has a a yanamar 240 diesel it's a bit wider than some boats but I like that as I don't feel cramped when I have people on it. I have no issues at all with it. Good value for money when comparing with the big names. I would say that in some cases cheaper materials are being used inside but not noticeably and not enough to worry about. I have been out in quite rough weather 4 and 5s with disturbed seas and it's held its own and nothing has fell of and I have always felt safe in it
 
Thanks all, good points.

Petrol is a bit of an issue round here, but not enough to put me off buying a petrol boat. It'll be mostly days out and the occasional weekend with the kids - don't really need Nordhavn-esque range right now.

Guess the only way I'll know if they fit the bill is to have a good poke around a few. If only there was a boat show or something coming up...
 
MartynG said:
I don't like the american boats with nothing in the way of side decks and , as a result, the through the windsceen door to access the bow.
But this may not concern you.
Click to expand...

That depends on the beam. If the boat is "American" trailerable the beam is quite narrow. Which makes it good for us too. When this is not a requirement or feasable then they dont do this.

Formula. Another American brand. Considering her age and current state I'd say formidable build quality. Nothing to be shy here. And diesel. In fact diesel in American boats is no longer such an oddity. Keep with the times guys ;)



edit: regarding build quality, this is structural - their sense of colour co-ordination on soft furnishings leaves a lot to be desired in pr millenium boats. All imho of course.
 
Last edited:
I bought a brand new Monterey last year, and haven't got a single regret. Yes it's petrol, but for the difference in price between a petrol engine and a diesel one you can buy lots and lots of petrol. Check your cruising ground for the availability of petrol though (my boat is in Spain so no issue there).
The sea keeping is very good as long as its intended use is respected. Finish is faultless. The detailing is more practical than luxurious but with kids I see that as an advantage. And the new Mercruiser engine performs well. A happy owner so far. Maintain your boat well and whether it's American, French, British or anything else matters much less.
 
I have had American boats for around 15 years. 2 Cuddies ( 5.7 V8 VP petrol powered with DPS duoprops) and the later a Sportscruiser, diesel powered with a DPH. All the same manufacturer (Four Winns ) The second cuddy, 2 foot longer than the first was a very capable seagoing boat. I had more problems with the Sportscruiser in the first season with the green coloured European diesel engine, drive + ancillaries than I had in the previous 13 years combined with the all USA products ! After saying that, as a boat the latest one is very capable and comfortable and I'm getting a little more comfortable regarding it's reliability ( it only needed a VP bagged £60 Bosch sensor last year, similar looking Bosch car sensors are £15, but the Bosch one supplied by VP "surprisingly" doesn't appear to show up on the Bosch website parts list !
 
Last edited:
MartynG said:
I don't like the american boats with nothing in the way of side decks and , as a result, the through the windsceen door to access the bow.
But this may not concern you.
Click to expand...

Such a good post MartynG, I point this out to lots of people. They see the lovely brochure pictures but don't realise the hassle with some sports boats. Going forward through a windscreen to a 'slopey' foredeck with no handrails in a safe position. No chance to deploy an anchor safely , plus it renderes that part of the vessel a useless area. Unless 'parked' on a USA Lake in 20 odd degrees suppin a 'Bud' or whatever. Then on return to your berth the 'Helm' is isolated in a 'Tent' , no chance to get forward up the daft 'steps' that are built into the cabin door, where junk is piled up, like the instant barbecue that wasn't used and the inflatable dinosaure, or whatever that couldn't be used for various reasons.
The ability to go forward on a Pleasure boat is So important.
 
Kawasaki said:
Such a good post MartynG, I point this out to lots of people. They see the lovely brochure pictures but don't realise the hassle with some sports boats. Going forward through a windscreen to a 'slopey' foredeck with no handrails in a safe position. No chance to deploy an anchor safely , plus it renderes that part of the vessel a useless area. Unless 'parked' on a USA Lake in 20 odd degrees suppin a 'Bud' or whatever. Then on return to your berth the 'Helm' is isolated in a 'Tent' , no chance to get forward up the daft 'steps' that are built into the cabin door, where junk is piled up, like the instant barbecue that wasn't used and the inflatable dinosaure, or whatever that couldn't be used for various reasons.
The ability to go forward on a Pleasure boat is So important.
Click to expand...

qwak knows is shit
 
Sure does.

It's def a factor for me. Kids are used to boats but I wouldn't want them skating around on a slippy foredeck with nowt to grab on to, trying to hook a buoy in a chop or something. And missus would just flat refuse, to be honest.
 
cwentre of the windscreen
Kawasaki said:
Such a good post MartynG, I point this out to lots of people. They see the lovely brochure pictures but don't realise the hassle with some sports boats. Going forward through a windscreen to a 'slopey' foredeck with no handrails in a safe position. No chance to deploy an anchor safely , plus it renderes that part of the vessel a useless area. Unless 'parked' on a USA Lake in 20 odd degrees suppin a 'Bud' or whatever. Then on return to your berth the 'Helm' is isolated in a 'Tent' , no chance to get forward up the daft 'steps' that are built into the cabin door, where junk is piled up, like the instant barbecue that wasn't used and the inflatable dinosaure, or whatever that couldn't be used for various reasons.
The ability to go forward on a Pleasure boat is So important.
Click to expand...


I disagree re sidedecks being essential I'm afraid. My American boat has moulded in steps to access , via the windscreen, the foredeck which has a non slip surface. The rails are not waist high, no doubt I could fit as such if I thought necessary. They have not proven necessary; if calm, I walk to the anchor windlass controls. If rougher, I move forward low on my knees. Very easy and safe. I'm 60, never an Olympic athlete, but it's easy and safe . If it was so rough that moving forward on my knees was unsafe, I would not be deploying the anchor whether I had wait or head height guardrails; I'd have made sure I was safely back in the marina before then..

Isn't that what good seamanship is about; recognising a developing potential dangerous situation and taking pre-emptive action to avoid it ?
 
Last edited:
Some of the big American builders, Sea Ray for example have not changed their design, so after 25 years you will see little change, such builders build excellent well tested and constructed boats. When it comes to smaller boats, the English yards have left this behind, look to Scandanavian yards and there is plenty to choose from. If you intend taking a light lake boat to sea make sure you have safety gear. Sea Ray , Boston Whaler, Chris Craft are all good mainstream builders in this size range, but take a look at others who have Uk dealers, Grady White, Fountain, etc take a look at the Levi Corsair, Botnia Targa 27.1, X0 270, regards
 
GrahamHR said:
cwentre of the windscreen


I disagree re sidedecks being essential I'm afraid. My American boat has moulded in steps to access , via the windscreen, the foredeck which has a non slip surface. The rails are not waist high, no doubt I could fit as such if I thought necessary. They have not proven necessary; if calm, I walk to the anchor windlass controls. If rougher, I move forward low on my knees. Very easy and safe. I'm 60, never an Olympic athlete, but it's easy and safe . If it was so rough that moving forward on my knees was unsafe, I would not be deploying the anchor whether I had wait or head height guardrails; I'd have made sure I was safely back in the marina before then..

Isn't that what good seamanship is about; recognising a developing potential dangerous situation and taking pre-emptive action to avoid it ?
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more. Much better AND safer to have a wide access through the windshield than balancing on a narrow side deck with handrails that are usually placed by someone who has never seen a human being. It goes without saying that sea state etc should be taken into consideration but the same is true when using side decks. We are not talking about 60ft boats here that are generally designed better.
 
Kawasaki said:
Such a good post MartynG, I point this out to lots of people. They see the lovely brochure pictures but don't realise the hassle with some sports boats. Going forward through a windscreen to a 'slopey' foredeck with no handrails in a safe position. No chance to deploy an anchor safely , plus it renderes that part of the vessel a useless area. Unless 'parked' on a USA Lake in 20 odd degrees suppin a 'Bud' or whatever. Then on return to your berth the 'Helm' is isolated in a 'Tent' , no chance to get forward up the daft 'steps' that are built into the cabin door, where junk is piled up, like the instant barbecue that wasn't used and the inflatable dinosaure, or whatever that couldn't be used for various reasons.
The ability to go forward on a Pleasure boat is So important.
Click to expand...
That's rubbish we've had 3 us sports cruisers all diesel 1st was a crown line with centre access screen which was fine to anchor, 2nd was a 290 searay Sundancer with no centre access. My wife was never happy shuffling round the narrow side decks.Current boat is a regal 3760 with side access decks and centre access screen, without fail every time someone goes forward to do fenders or anchor we always use the centre screen.
Your in the centre of the boat so if you do slip your likely to stay on the boat rather than shuffling along a narrow side deck where one slip and your in.

US boats are fine and if you want something reasonably modern under 40ft you ain't going to find a UK built boat!
Never had a petrol boat but there are us boats around with diesel but if they were so bad with the petrol engines they wouldn't be as many sold in the first place.
As for saying they are all wide beam "lake boats" it's just not true yes there are some flatter hull shapes on some us boats but there are also some capable deeper v hulls too.
In short US boats are definitely worth looking at as there are some good solid boats available which are good value for money
 
Last edited:
Each to his own, I guess...

My Italian Sessa has side decks and a walk through windscreen and I probably use the walk through rather more than I do the side decks. Indeed, I would miss not having this feature if I had bought a more mainstream European boat.
 
Had my Bayliner 265 for 5yrs now and loved it on sea and the river. This is my first boat and bought this size with a view I would trailer it to coast or river being as its the largest UK legal towable boat. Nice amount of space, decent build quality for the price.
Don't rule them out.
Will be selling soon to progress up to a much larger boat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top