Looking for advice on 32-36 ft. motor yacht boat for choppy waters

[Mikael]

I'm looking to buy a motor boat about 32 to 36 ft. to use for day trips in the Caribbean out of Cancun Mexico.
We got a lot of fairly windy days so I'm looking for a boat that handles chop and waves well and I was hoping if you could recommend me some models ?

So far I´m looking at the SeaRay 340 Sundancer from 2005,2006

 

[jrudge]

Now this does not answer your question, but I have been to Cancun lots of times, and when on the beach I have mostly thought ... looks a bit choppy not a great day for boating!

 

[Mikael]

Now this does not answer your question, but I have been to Cancun lots of times, and when on the beach I have mostly thought ... looks a bit choppy not a great day for boating!

Hello Jrudge,
You are right - we have a fair bit of wind down here but we still have amazing days and all these virgin beaches all around only accessible by boat

 

[boatmike]

If you are looking at sea keeping qualities you need to think Displacement or Semi-Displacement. I am biased owning am Aquastar 33 but as an ex sailor ( Blue water multihulls) I look for safety. Most planeing hulls are total crap in rough water .

 

[gjgm]

Now this does not answer your question, but I have been to Cancun lots of times, and when on the beach I have mostly thought ... looks a bit choppy not a great day for boating!

Rather a few years back, but we did some dive thing some way offshore..we sped off in some thing helmed by Don Johnson with a rack of massive outboards.Wasn't too long before most of the women were crying and us older folk were worrying about our dental crowns...
Mind you,he does say for choppy waters!

 

[hlb]

There is a lot of difference between 32ft and 36ft, much depends how you handle the boat and make sure that you go to the shore with the wind blowing off.

 

[omega2]

One of these? and the water to go with it!!

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Having had friends who owned the Aquabell / Aquastar I can testify to there sea kindly qualities, especially if you like to cruise at minus 20 knots.

But you can find some alternative if you want a faster planning hull from some of the US of A sportfish builders.
An old Bertram or Hatteras will top my list, as do for example the 2000 era onwards Cabo (those with the hull by Micheal Peters).
Another interesting alternative in this size will be a Carolina Classic or an Albemarle.

 

[Solitaire]

There is a lot of difference between 32ft and 36ft, much depends how you handle the boat and make sure that you go to the shore with the wind blowing off.

I love reading between the lines !

 

[Bajansailor]

PowerYacht mentioned a Bertram - their deep vee (20 degrees deadrise to the transom) 31 was / is legendary in rough stuff, albeit they do get a bit wet. They have only basic accommodation, but it sounds like you will only be using it as a day boat?
Here is a list of the 31's for sale on Yachtworld.
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/category/type/Bertram/31+Flybridge+Cruiser

This one looks rather nice - she has been fitted with diesels that now have 2,300 hrs on the clocks, and she is Florida, so not too far away from Cancun. And she is less than GBP 40k.
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1980/Bertram-31-Flybridge-Cruiser-2854442/Bradenton/FL/United-States

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

So far I´m looking at the SeaRay 340 Sundancer from 2005,2006

Nothing wrong with Searays but if you're looking for rough water capability, then IMHO you need to be looking at boats that were aimed at the offshore fishing market rather than the cruising market. PYB mentioned Cabo and they certainly have an excellent reputation. Another marque you could look at it, if you're happy with outboard power, is Boston Whaler who make very tough boats

 

[BartW]

Having had friends who owned the Aquabell / Aquastar I can testify to there sea kindly qualities, especially if you like to cruise at minus 20 knots.

But you can find some alternative if you want a faster planning hull from some of the US of A sportfish builders.
An old Bertram or Hatteras will top my list, as do for example the 2000 era onwards Cabo (those with the hull by Micheal Peters).
Another interesting alternative in this size will be a Carolina Classic or an Albemarle.

wanted to post a answer in the same lines,
add Boston Whaler to the list,
google " sport fisher boat" for inspiration, and see what's locally on your market
some of them have a high bow, sometimes this goes along with good see keeping / less spray on deck

and I would love to own a "Bertram"