Decision paralysis!

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OceanRipples

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Hi, I am about to re-enter the motor boat world -based in Poole. I’ve narrowed things down to 3 potential boats in the size category (single engined cuddy cabin boats) to 3 boats, within budget:

1/ Cranchi Turchese 24 (1996-2004ish era)
2/ Sunseeker Portofino 24 (1987-90ish era)
2/ Rinker 232 Captiva (2003-2005ish era)

There are various pros and cons to each, the most obvious being that the Sunseeker is a generation older.

I’ve chosen these boats, as they are all around 24 foot, I like the layouts and styling and stay below twin engine territory.

I’m intending to use it mainly for coastline cruising. We are a family of 4. (Albeit I know these boats only sleep 2 pe)

I’d love to know if anyone had any strong opinions about which one I should go for? Perhaps there are various Achilles heel is, or benefits I have not considered that might weigh in favour as I’m absolutely on the fence!

To some degree, it will depend on opportunities that arise... needless to say, if anyone has any of these, and is thinking of selling, it’s definitely worth a chat.

Thanks to anyone that might be willing to offer a point of view!

Cheers,
Mark
 
- sold a few cranchi 24’s, nice boats, very popular, personally I’m a big fan of them. Easy to sell on
- the Sunseeker will have the best build quality, slightly Dated look
- not really had much experience with the rinker, they look like nice boats.
A few other alternatives to look at:
- regal 2250
- regal 2450
- maxum 2400 sc3
- four winns 255
- sea Ray 225/240
 
[181131] said:
- sold a few cranchi 24’s, nice boats, very popular, personally I’m a big fan of them. Easy to sell on
- the Sunseeker will have the best build quality, slightly Dated look
- not really had much experience with the rinker, they look like nice boats.
A few other alternatives to look at:
- regal 2250
- regal 2450
- maxum 2400 sc3
- four winns 255
- sea Ray 225/240
Click to expand...
Thanks, that is good to know and I am familiar with some of those, but I will have a closer look! Are the Cranchi’s still ok (engine wise) if looked after? Any thoughts on whether to get a diesel or petrol, in terms of cabin noise difference?
 
Diesels tend to be noisier than petrols, but do keep in mind the type of fuel available of in your chosen area. A diesel will be more economical on fuel but a little higher on cost for service and repairs.
 
russ said:
Diesels tend to be noisier than petrols, but do keep in mind the type of fuel available of in your chosen area. A diesel will be more economical on fuel but a little higher on cost for service and repairs.
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Thanks. That’s a good point, I am thinking of keeping it in the River Stour, (Christchurch, Dorset) so I must check whether they have unleaded...
 
I'm a sucker for classic Sunseekers so that would be my choice without a doubt. Build quality, style and residuals will likely go one way with some luck. That said a boat of that age may not be without issues so eyes wide open!

I'm in a similar position, looking for a classic Sunseeker although I am now only looking at Sunseekers despite keeping an open mind at first, I think a purchase like this has to be a combo of heart and head to be happy because unless you have deep pockets, boats will rapidly become a labour of love, if you're happy with any of those listed, my advice would be to look at a few boats and you'll quickly get a feel for what is right for you, ultimately you probably won't go too far wrong with any of those respected brands!

Following with interest :) Good luck.
 
Hi Nito,

Thanks, I’m inclined to agree with you and love the Sunseeker deep V hull and relative seaworthiness. I agree with you, the age is a concern if issues are found with the GRP or engine/outdrive. I guess a survey would be the sensible thing, although that money would also go some way to smaller issue repairs. Mmm. There was a good Sunseeker for sale on eBay recently, which unfortunately has just sold:Sunseeker Mexico 24ft - TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, DEPOSIT NOW TAKEN | eBay
 
Ignoring anythig awkward and a nuisance like a budget.I
f you intend actually using the boat at any point :).......Diesel if you possibly can.
Petrol boats are cheaper and usually in better nick for a good reason. Eye catchingly attractive prices for petrols as opposed to diesels should hint at how hard a petrol boat can be to sell on, the diesel version will go as soon as its on the market.
Petrol is hard to find and eyewateringly expensive .
You will find lots of skippers who have gone from petrol to diesel for their next boat, finding one who has gone the other way will be much harder, although there is always usually one on this forum. :)
 
OceanRipples said:
Hi Nito,

Thanks, I’m inclined to agree with you and love the Sunseeker deep V hull and relative seaworthiness. I agree with you, the age is a concern if issues are found with the GRP or engine/outdrive. I guess a survey would be the sensible thing, although that money would also go some way to smaller issue repairs. Mmm. There was a good Sunseeker for sale on eBay recently, which unfortunately has just sold:Sunseeker Mexico 24ft - TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, DEPOSIT NOW TAKEN | eBay
Click to expand...

I've seen that one and showed it to the wife this morning funnily enough saying it sold quickly and that it looked like a beautiful example, I'm not surprised it sold so quickly. This looks nice too although dearer and petrol twin engines but trailerable!!

Sunseeker Hawk 27 Motorboat for Sale - Boats24.com

This looks much more my type...(we're looking for twin engine - redundancy at sea!)
Sunseeker portofino 31 Motorboat for Sale - Boats24.com
 
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'I've seen that one and showed it to the wife this morning funnily enough saying it sold quickly and that it looked like a beautiful example, I'm not surprised it sold so quickly. This looks nice too although dearer and petrol twin engines but trailerable!!'

lots of boats that look beautiful but are trouble and expensive to look after
hm one could say that about other things too :unsure:
 
You’d be lucky to trail a 27ft twin engine boat!

I love the Turchase 24 but the cabin is small if you want to overnight in her. You get more accomodation below in the Rinker, but won’t be so good in a chop.

What’s the budget roughly?
 
Nito said:
I've seen that one and showed it to the wife this morning funnily enough saying it sold quickly and that it looked like a beautiful example, I'm not surprised it sold so quickly. This looks nice too although dearer and petrol twin engines but trailerable!!

Sunseeker Hawk 27 Motorboat for Sale - Boats24.com

This looks much more my type...(we're looking for twin engine - redundancy at sea!)
Sunseeker portofino 31 Motorboat for Sale - Boats24.com
Click to expand...
Nice, the Hawk 27 looks amazing, but the twin engine side of things is just too eye watering. Twice as much to go wrong, and twice the cost to service and maintain. (not to mention the fuel) it does look incredible, I suspect it might be wrapped and I’ve heard very mixed things about wrapping. (probably best not go there! -That could be 20 pages discussion in itself!) :-)
 
ontheplane said:
You’d be lucky to trail a 27ft twin engine boat!

I love the Turchase 24 but the cabin is small if you want to overnight in her. You get more accomodation below in the Rinker, but won’t be so good in a chop.

What’s the budget roughly?
Click to expand...
I’d like to keep the budget under or around £20k. -For now at least, at an expensive stage of life with two kids! :) I’m not too worried about the cabin, I see it more as a dayboat, the advantage of the caddy would be more for storage and also maybe the occasional overnight, but I don’t like bowriders as I was in one once in some chop and water came in over the front. Personally, I see them as less seaworthy. Interested in your thoughts that the Cranchi is better in chop, is that because it has a deeper V hull shape?
 
Why are boats so unreliable compared to cars? (Especially when they are for simpler) I’ve always found that strange. I’m guessing just a lack of investment in the Overall engineering to meet cost-to-market requirements? Plus a harsher environment of course -Albeit they were designed for that. Also the (relatively) lower volumes sold vs capex for tooling/design etc. Keeps parts departments and marine engineers busy I guess! :)
 
I suspect it’s mostly down to lack of use, long periods standing, not getting decent runs, difficult maintenance access meaning some service items get neglected (as costly labour if not diy) coupled with a harsh environment.

There is no reason if servicing routine is followed and they are cared for appropriately that they should be unreliable.

They’ll always be more challenging than a car for the reasons above coupled with salt water cooling in the exchanger also getting in exhaust which needs some extra attention...
 
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