TIME TO BUY A BOAT. Which ONE???
 

Some of you know me, others dont. Here is my background. Im an oldtimer round here and used to have a 1979 Scarab (the SCAR) 30 ft with 2x502. I finally sold the boat at nearly a 50% loss after MUCH agony. It was once suggested that I have my mailing adress changed to the bilge compartment of my boat, since thats where I was most of the time.

Anyway, Im a SCUBA DIVER. I run from Newport to Avalon and surrounding islands twice or three times a month.

I have my selection narrowed to THREE BOATS and cannot decide what to do. Please offer your valid advice! Remember though, that going fast is not necessarily the goal here, but rather, which boat is going to be easy to run, safe, FUN and comfortable... and have the best resale... tell me what you think!

BOAT 1> 28' Wellcraft 2800 Martinique $50000
http://newimages.yachtworld.com/1/1/4/4/8/1144800_1.jpg
Twin Mercruiser V6, Bravo II outdrives, windlass, spotlight, Bennett trim tabs, Ritchie compass, Quicksilver controls, Vaccu Flush head, full canvas, Microwave, alcohol/electric stove, Garmin GPS w/chart plotter. Complete outdrive service and new bottom paint this year. Only 245 original hours. Triple axle trailer included! 24 MILE RADAR INCLUDED.

Boat 2> 1994 Silverton 310 Express, 31' $50000
http://images.traderonline.com/img/6.../1924609_1.jpg

FRESH WATER USE ONLY!!, Completely SERVICED and Ready to Go!!, 310 Express Cruiser, Twin MerCruiser 5.7L Alpha, Cockpit Cover, Full Canvas, AC/DC Refrigerator, Ice Maker, Hot Water Heater, Depth Indicator, Trim Tabs, VHF Radio, Custom Stereo w/10 Disc Changer and MP3 Player, Remote Spotlight, Microwave, Anchor w/Rope & Chain, Bottom Paint

Boat 3> 1995, 32ft ENVISION ILLUSION $50000 firm

http://images.traderonline.com/EMedi...0317249907.jpg

twin 454 mags, 100 total hrs, drop out bolsters, silent choice, fume sensor, TV/VCR, 8' stainless Bimini, full & snap cover, trlr completely redone, SS props, 65 gps mph, priced to sell,

Please tell me why you think what you do!

thanks everybody, hopefully this voyage will be better than the last and I look forward to getting back on the water!

Are getting a slip or towing? Beam size may be an issue.

You tell us...which boat is going to be the easiest to gear up in, maneuver to the swim platform and dive off of? Are the drives in the way when you dive? How easy is it get back out of the water? Which boat has the storage for the gear? Tanks and vests especially...

i can do eithier. slip or trailer.

as you can see the wellcraft and the envision have trailers. i have my old spot no problem.

i also found a spot for the big boy for 9bucks a foot... which i can grudingly do. although i must admit, the idea of stepping on to the boat and leaving is appealing, although the rust factor scares me a bit... hmmmm.

i think the envision will be problematic for more than two divers... however its lines and speed are very tempting. the other two have more than enuf room. all three have adequate dive platforms on the back.

wellcraft > plenty of room. new engines, radar, trailer. can dive 3 or 4 with ease. 2nd fastest, but smallest of the three. of the three, least pretty. probably most reliable.

silverton> GIANT. could dive six. will ride in rough best of 3 no doubt. worried about ALPHA outdrives on such a big boat. resale? cant be trailered no way. nicest interior, most room by far, slowest. no electronics.

envision> BEAUTIFUL. FAST. MULTIPURPOSE. Of the three, the cleanest. Expensive to run. Probably most maintenance. Sucks gas. hull looks like it may not handle ruff very well, very pointy. least roomy. not an optimal dive layout.

ARGH!!!!

If diving is your main concern, I would choose the Silverton 310, hands down. Twin small blocks, good size, nice ride, nice cruiser.

I always pictured you as the perfect candidate for a Scarab Sport, Fountain CC, Concept, etc. For what you do, I can't think of a better boat.
(And if a CC is out of the question, I like the Silverton. I once checked out a smaller Envision that was around the same year as that. Let's just say I wasn't overyl impressed with the boat.)

i want something to sleep in. most dive trips are for lobster. this means night diving, and many times multi day trips. also, i want to hit some of the outer islands this winter, it gets COLD and WET. i definitely want a cabin!

Man, Good to hear from you Nick!!!
I remember when I first came here to the board and you where on here ALL THE TIME!!! I miss your daily updates!!

I would go with the Silverton!!
It's Bigger!!
Look's a heck of a lot better!!
It has more room!!
Bigger Cabin!!
Plus six people diving would be more fun than just two!!

31 Sonic, half-way in between, good creature comforts plus Pok-her Run ability : )