ImolaS4
New member
Hey folks! A new member from the States logging in...
I am a fairly competent and experienced sailor (35 years on 8 foot cat boats to 4o foot sloops). But now, I am in the market for a 37-43 ft powerboat (sportcruiser type), for the first time. I've read the mags, a few powerboat books, gone to many websites, and have been to the boat show. But... I need some advice that hasn't come easily, yet.
I need to hear what owners have to say about the quality of the boats overall as well as the performance/ride. I am most interested in the handling differences between these boat makers - specifically how easily they get out of the hole and how well the hull handles chop as well as following seas.
Here are the makes and models I am considering:
Formula 40PC
Chaparral 350
Larson 370
Rinker 390
Maxum 4200 SY and 3700 SY
They are all new boats - 2004/05. A couple of dealers have said they have one or two (new) 2003 models available, too. I would consider those for the cost savings, of course. And, I should mention, that all of these boats will be outfitted with their optional diesel packages (most of them = Yanmar or Volvo).
By the way: I'll be using the boat along the Florida Gulf Coast - primarily from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Bay. I may take a trip to the Bahamas once a year.
Any comments on these models would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
<hr width=100% size=1>
I am a fairly competent and experienced sailor (35 years on 8 foot cat boats to 4o foot sloops). But now, I am in the market for a 37-43 ft powerboat (sportcruiser type), for the first time. I've read the mags, a few powerboat books, gone to many websites, and have been to the boat show. But... I need some advice that hasn't come easily, yet.
I need to hear what owners have to say about the quality of the boats overall as well as the performance/ride. I am most interested in the handling differences between these boat makers - specifically how easily they get out of the hole and how well the hull handles chop as well as following seas.
Here are the makes and models I am considering:
Formula 40PC
Chaparral 350
Larson 370
Rinker 390
Maxum 4200 SY and 3700 SY
They are all new boats - 2004/05. A couple of dealers have said they have one or two (new) 2003 models available, too. I would consider those for the cost savings, of course. And, I should mention, that all of these boats will be outfitted with their optional diesel packages (most of them = Yanmar or Volvo).
By the way: I'll be using the boat along the Florida Gulf Coast - primarily from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Bay. I may take a trip to the Bahamas once a year.
Any comments on these models would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
<hr width=100% size=1>
