Well it happened the right boat now does not elude us any longer. We have been searching for our loop boat for 6 months now and after many compromises on size, layout and cost we have decided that there is no such thing as the perfect boat. We like the layout of the new 43 mainship with the kitchen down but not the cost. We had been kinda set on a Mainship but have broadened our search to other boats and this opens up a whole new world of styles and choices.
So what is it that we are looking for in the "perfect loop boat" below is the wifes list....
2 berths mainly because extra storage
lots of lockers again storage issue
galley down we like that set up (separation from salon)
full size fridge with freezer
large salon open with lots of windows
lower helm
bridge with more than 1 pedestal seat but seating for at least 6
outdoor cooking station
cockpit for easier access both getting on and off as well as ease of docking
railed walk around deck
queen size bed (we are both 6' tall)
at least 1 head that we don't have to squeeze into 2 heads would be nice but not a deal breaker
room for at least 1 comfortable chair as well as a couch
no carpeting
fully enclosed upper helm a must, enclosed cockpit would be nice (canvas)
side doors at least 1 -2 would be great again access issue
minimal stairs and NO ladders to bridge and no ladders to swim plattform ie cockpit
low fuel use ideal 2 gallon/hour at 8 kts (lower fuel costs)
air conditoning and heat
a blue hull would be nice (they are so pretty)
And most important.....one door I can slam!
The captains wish list.....
lots of electronics up to date
single screw with thrusters or twin screw
Large engine room (storage and I need to be able to work in there!)
generator 9KW or larger
auto pilot
low hours on engine
fuel polishing system
solar panel would be very nice
4'draft or less
windlass
under 16' air draft
bridge enclosure (canvas)
plenty of storage for tool and parts
trawler style no go fast boats
In the end we got most of the things on our wish lists and a few not on our list. Keep an open mind! We were completely set on a new mainship 43 but could not find one within our price range. The 39' which was doable we just couldn't live with all the cabinets blocking the windows. The 40' we liked alot but really didn't want to sit on the couch and look at the galley. In the end we looked at a Tollycraft 44 cpmy and fell in loved with it.
What we got
9KW gen set
newish chartplotter (just bought a new Garmin 4212)
twin Yanmar 370 dsl with 700hrs
full canvas (pending)
LOTS of engine room
auto pilot
kitchen down
2 heads
cockpit w/swimplatform
queen size walk around berth
deep walkways with rail
mathers controls
lower helm
sundeck w/hard top (love it)
and the start of a great adventure
