Dilema - size?

[oceanfroggie]

Current boat Broom 38CL Aft cabin 2x260hp. Having downsized from a larger flybridge some years ago we find the 38 neat, easy to handle, 3 socialising areas, proven perfect for our type of cruising.

Dilema /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif If changing 39KL or 42CL? Can smaller be better?

The 39KL is the same boat as the 38CL but with revised cockpit and transom layout. The 42 needs larger engines but less range and greater fuel burn, perhaps too fast at tickover when inland. We do a mix of coastal and inland cruising, so smaller engines are happier at continious low RPM. On the large lakes the engines get a good regular blast. 42 same internal layout, but doesn't really seem to offer more useable internal space (cockpit gains most). Is 39 neater and easier single handed?

Why change at all you might say?

1) 39/42 has fast folding canopy/arch like modern sports cars - instant flybridge!
2) Integrated steps to bathing deck instead of ladder
3) Motorised Cooney davit

Advice sought from Broom'ers? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks

PS: I prefer the look of the 415 and 450 to the 42, but too much draft for inland use. The squinty windows on the 42 are a turn off - getting a little plasticy looking. I have heard owners moan about the lack of an opening window in the master shower!

 

[Whitelighter]

Is the slightly improved canopy, no ladder and a tweeked cockpit really worth the expense of chnaging, plus the extra running costs of a bigger/heavier boat when we are still unsure about the future or red (green) diesel?

Especially on a boat you are so clearly already chuffed with?

 

[blueglass]

I'm with jezbanks. Changing boats always involves hassle and inevitably unforeseen expense as you kit up the boat to your individual reqiuirements and sort out all the (hidden and unforseen) problems. I couldn't be bothered with it unless for a major change. I'd stay with it - it's done you proud this season and already ticks all your boxes.

 

[ported0]

Froggie, I agree with Jez you obviously have a great time with your boat is it really worth changing it? think of not just the expense but the hassle, you could easily miss a season between looking for the right boat and getting it.

Sometimes the grass isn't green /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Interesting question again, OceanFroggie. Having had a Broom 37 myself, I know what a complete PITA the old style canopy system is and how much better the new system is and I have to say that the new canopy is almost worth changing the boat for. FWIW I modified the canopy on my B37 by getting a local company to cut 2 zipped panels in the forward part of the canopy (sorry no pics), one over the helm and the other over the port side. That meant we could open one or both panels to allow air and sun in but, most importantly, without having to undo any poppers or roll the whole canopy back. Each panel was rolled back and secured with straps
To be honest I don't see that having steps rather than a ladder is a big plus unless you're using the bathing platform to get on and off the boat. The Cooney davit is a neat technical solution but you still have the hassle of attaching wires just like davits and it clutters up the bathing platform
Personally, I would be tempted by the 42CL. I know the layout is the same as the 38CL but it always struck me as a good size bigger than the 38CL and worth the extra money even without the canopy. Are you sure the range is worse? Won't it have bigger tanks to compensate for the greater fuel burn? I don't see the point in considering the 39KL because you would'nt be getting any more space and it would cost you a lot more money. I bet you could get a good used 42CL for less money than a nearly new 39KL and the 42CL would have just about stopped depreciating

 

[Nautorius]

I understand your point on Covers. No matter how much you spend on a boat, bad covers take away your enjoyment as they are a pain in the arse!

Do not know the respective differences or costs but I had a new set of covers made for my last American Sportscruiser which transformed her. Instead of 10 mins to take them off and 25 mins to put them up it became 5 mins off and 5 mins up! It was so good I sold her and got a hard top (but I now have a short memory) /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Maybe spending £2/3k on redesigning them may be a short term answer.

Of course you are only using this as an excuse to highlight to SWMBO that you must have a new boat and we are simply covering off all the negative responses you may get back!.

If you want her get her, nothing like a new boat when you get that itch! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Of course you may just be a rational chap...in which case /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Cheers

Paul

 

[oceanfroggie]

Thanks chaps, plenty to ponder, but no hurry. The instant canopy folding system is the key driver, along with the belt driven cooney davit - well in my head anyway, otherwise we're happy with everything else.