Searay or Cruisers boats?

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Can you tell me why you are moving from a sailboat as they are still on my list of a possible boat?

7.5 years living on sailboats, including three years of fulltime cruising Mexico and Central America it was time to get back on land. We found a home in Southwest Florida.

My current boat is more than we need now and frankly is too big for Southwest Florida.

We still want to do the ICW at least to the Chesapeake and maybe the other direction to New Orleans. A trawler would be better for that.

[tuffr2]

Just looked at an 1979 Albin 43 Trawler. I found the top side aft portion of the boat to be less user friendly than I want since the aft portion is raised for the master bedroom. With the raised aft it was not going to be easy to get into or out of the water when swimming or diving.

Looked at a 40' Fountain - cabin was really uncomfortable.

Looked at a 1993 35' Sabreline trawler. This was the best boat so far but it also had a downside. Only bedroom was in the V-berth and wow, had a tiny bathroom.



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[Nepidae]

From the picture it looks like a Classic design, this would be an easier boat to get in and out of from the stern, than a sundeck.
I will remind you that a boat is a series of compromises, give here, take there. IF you are going to spend a lot of time diving and using the boat for that then of course you want good access.
We have a Albin 43' Sundeck which because of where we keep the dingy, on the swim platform blocking the ladder, we get on the boat while swimming using a ladder on the port side deck entry (we also use this ladder while in our slip with a fixed dock).
IF you want to consider your wifes comfort (your FIRST point) then this boat would meet those needs (there is a lot of living space and good size master stateroom) and you'd make modifications to meet other needs.
Keep looking, it's part of the fun, and you'll find your boat.
Good luck.