I've been reading and reading the posts on the site, and trying to get educated about downeast style boats. I'd like to run my ideas by the collective wisdom of the site. Great site.
I'm in my mid-50s, and have been fishing recreationally since I was a kid. I grew up fishing LI Sound, and now fish the Chesapeake. I've also done some cruising. I sold my fishing/cruising (95% fishing/5%cruising) boat a couple of years ago (a Bertram 31--great boat), and currently have a small CC to chase fish with.
I used to think that I wanted to get used pleasure trawler, like a Grand Banks, but I don't want a cruise only boat. I want to get into something I can cruise with the wife, but also fish inshore. I think I want a single-screw diesel, and something quality built but not fancy. When I was done with my B31, every surface on the boat could be hosed off or wiped down. I want 2 stations--one in the house and one on a flybridge. I just really like being on the bridge on a nice day, but also want a lower station to get out of the weather and run the boat slow trolling with I'm short/singlehanded. An economical cruise of 8 knts is fine, but I'd like to run at least 14-15 knts if I feel like it. An economical cruise is important--I'd like to run this boat in my retirement years up and down the coast. She doesn't have to be to big or to self-reliant--wife likes nice marinas with shore power, restaurants, and nearby hotels after a few days cruising. The boat also has to be something I can single-hand fish (troll), fish with friends, or take out with the wife to day trip or for somewhat longer cruises. When I put all this together, it seems to add up to a 35' or so downeast. I've had a number of boats, and have done a fair amount of f'glass and fabricating work, and some shade tree mechanical stuff on my gasser inboards.
I've looked at a few boats close to me, all Bruno 35s. Interesting thing--one yard by me had 3 Bruno 35s, so that's what I've seen. I really liked them. Here's the one they still have
1981 Bruno Stillman FLYBRIDGE CRUISER Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
Any advice would be great. Does the stuff I'm thinking make sense, or am I missing something or just got it wrong. Any ideas on what that Bruno above should go for? I'm not really ready yet, but she seems to fit the bill. I've read about the repower issues with Bruno 35s (small wheel and not enough room to go much bigger), but would be Ok with her as currently powered. I've got a few friends with 3208s that love them.
I'm in my mid-50s, and have been fishing recreationally since I was a kid. I grew up fishing LI Sound, and now fish the Chesapeake. I've also done some cruising. I sold my fishing/cruising (95% fishing/5%cruising) boat a couple of years ago (a Bertram 31--great boat), and currently have a small CC to chase fish with.
I used to think that I wanted to get used pleasure trawler, like a Grand Banks, but I don't want a cruise only boat. I want to get into something I can cruise with the wife, but also fish inshore. I think I want a single-screw diesel, and something quality built but not fancy. When I was done with my B31, every surface on the boat could be hosed off or wiped down. I want 2 stations--one in the house and one on a flybridge. I just really like being on the bridge on a nice day, but also want a lower station to get out of the weather and run the boat slow trolling with I'm short/singlehanded. An economical cruise of 8 knts is fine, but I'd like to run at least 14-15 knts if I feel like it. An economical cruise is important--I'd like to run this boat in my retirement years up and down the coast. She doesn't have to be to big or to self-reliant--wife likes nice marinas with shore power, restaurants, and nearby hotels after a few days cruising. The boat also has to be something I can single-hand fish (troll), fish with friends, or take out with the wife to day trip or for somewhat longer cruises. When I put all this together, it seems to add up to a 35' or so downeast. I've had a number of boats, and have done a fair amount of f'glass and fabricating work, and some shade tree mechanical stuff on my gasser inboards.
I've looked at a few boats close to me, all Bruno 35s. Interesting thing--one yard by me had 3 Bruno 35s, so that's what I've seen. I really liked them. Here's the one they still have
1981 Bruno Stillman FLYBRIDGE CRUISER Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
Any advice would be great. Does the stuff I'm thinking make sense, or am I missing something or just got it wrong. Any ideas on what that Bruno above should go for? I'm not really ready yet, but she seems to fit the bill. I've read about the repower issues with Bruno 35s (small wheel and not enough room to go much bigger), but would be Ok with her as currently powered. I've got a few friends with 3208s that love them.
