Minnesota Classic Glastron Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: fireman24mn on January 19, 2015, 12:37:53 PM
-
So me and Jess are considering getting a larger cruiser or a houseboat. I was wondering if anyone has experience with one or the other. Some of the pros or cons of each. We are looking in the 35 plus ft range.
So far I have:
House boat: Cons- Uses more gas, need bigger slip possibly, slower, more expensive typically
Pros- More room all around, bigger bathroom, more outside seating/ entertaining room,
Cruiser: Cons- Smaller spaces, Less outdoor room, not as stable?, sleeps less people.
Pros- More fuel efficient, easier to maneuver, faster, cheaper to buy typically, cheaper cost of ownership depending on size?
What are others thoughts. Keep in mind there is myself, wife, 6Yr old Boy, and 10yr old girl. We love bringing people with and entertaining. I am leaning toward houseboat, but we have looked a a few cruisers that would work pretty well.
-
My 2 cents ...
Always liked the Chris Craft aft cabins ... LOTSA room !
Classic Chris Craft 350 Catalina FDMY - $29000 (St. Croix)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/4850069476.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/4850069476.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00Y0Y_etTcDwsu4Em_600x450.jpg)
**************************
1982 38' Chris Craft Catalina Cabin Yacht - $36900 (Stillwater)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4801133589.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4801133589.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/01515_i7o5liOHPeC_600x450.jpg)
*****************
1979 Chris-Craft Catalina 350 - $24990 (Stillwater, MN)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4833845102.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4833845102.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00V0V_JhL61JK0sI_600x450.jpg)
*******************
CHRIS CRAFT Corinthian 38' - $25500 (WI)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/4827764033.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/4827764033.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/01111_azFYQwwJ2FJ_600x450.jpg)
-
The big houseboat right at the end of the slips in Red Wing belongs to my neighbor. (well ex-neighbor) he built it himself. A good winter project.
-
Here is one we really liked but not wanting to spend near this much Payments would be around 500/month not including slip or any thing else.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796097280.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796097280.html)
Price is right on this one but it needs work. Not bad but needs lots of small stuff.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796165357.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796165357.html)
Another we looked at. Pretty nice with lots of updates and looks to have been well cared for. But a little more than we want to spend
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796124652.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796124652.html)
-
HOUSEBOAT !
I've had Several cruisers, 30 to 42ft, and Several houseboats, no question in my opinion, houseboats are the cats meow for someone who ain't in a hurry to buy gas, Much more room,
half the gas consumption, based on a 10 knot cruise, and you can add everything you want/need, and never notice a loss of space.
My last houseboat was a 50ft KingsCraft, maybe 45ft ? all aluminum, semi-planning hull ? that's what it was called ? anyway, 80 yards carpet outside, including the flybridge, central heat/air, central vacumn. two 3i8 chry's, 20" screws, don't remember the pitch, but on plane it would turn 5500 rpm, scared me, bunch of gas, but cruise 2500rpm @ 10/12 knots on 10 gallon an hour and sounded Great.
two bedroom, living area forward, full bath, central heat/air, washer/drier, 4500kw Onan, spoiled me and the Fox, we lived on it two years, I worked for the marina.
I sold it to buy the house we live in now, paid for it, always regreted selling it, but it did set me up in the classic boat world. :(
WEe also lived on a 48ft Cargile with our son and a dog ... always Loved it.
I've had a 28ft scarab, 36ft Chris, 38ft sport fisher, and some smaller, but the house boats were the greatest. just my, and my family's opinion.
-
My friend Gary, that I built the green scimitar for, has had a 1999 model 36ft Formula cruiser for several years, 20 gallons an hour @ 10/12 knots with the fuel injected 430hp 454's, it's for sale now, he's looking for a houseboat.
-
Oh .. I almost forgot
this is my little houseboat, just had it out once, but when I get this LAST scimitar out of the shop, it's our next project.
It had a 120hp 4 cyl mercruiser in it, but now it's got a 260hp ..kinda neat if you ask me or the Fox.
-
You could hold a boat meet on the top deck of that one, price seem OK.
Gibson 42 Executive 1980, Twin Crusaders - $23900 (Red Wing, MN)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796165357.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796165357.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00e0e_5jXMmqj6kdm_600x450.jpg)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_3FztiYTgTCn_600x450.jpg)
-
You could hold a boat meet on the top deck of that one, price seem OK.
Gibson 42 Executive 1980, Twin Crusaders - $23900 (Red Wing, MN)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796165357.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/bod/4796165357.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00e0e_5jXMmqj6kdm_600x450.jpg)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_3FztiYTgTCn_600x450.jpg)
I'd figure out a way to park a GT150 up there. Then you can get some speed when you need it!
-
That boat was in pretty rough shape. Probably why it is priced so well.
-
We all know how small boats have a way of sucking money out of our pockets ...
BIG boats have a way of sucking it faster and in larger quantity's !
That Carver mariner is SWEET !
Like the Chris Craft's ... Ugly but sweet !
-
Yea...
yer gonna have to get a GT-150 for a dingy ;)
-
The 23 will end up being my dinghy I think. Probably just tow it behind. But who knows?
-
Assuming you're not gonna be out in the ocean? I'd say houseboat all the way. They're way cheaper down here compared to cruisers.
Since I'd have to sell my house to buy either it'd have to be a live-aboard. Which isn't outa the question if'n I can find someplace to moor it. There's alotta places on the water with empty docks?
Dunno if you member but my buddy Rick has a Nautaline (Glastron) houseboat with a Jetflite dinghy. Man after my own heart ...
-
Small boat big Motorhome works great.
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh181/50sflash/IMG_14101_zps677aa4d0.jpg)
-
What about a pontoon with a camper canvas ?
No slip fees, a newer 115 4 stroke O/B has to get pretty good gas mileage, lots of room.
Just a thought ...
Bennington 2250 GSR Triple-24′ 6″
http://www.hallbergmarine.com/listing/2015-bennington-2250-gsr-24-6/ (http://www.hallbergmarine.com/listing/2015-bennington-2250-gsr-24-6/)
(http://www.hallbergmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/freeway-001-700x450.jpg)
(http://www.hallbergmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/freeway-002-700x450.jpg)
(http://www.hallbergmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/freeway-003-700x450.jpg)
(http://www.hallbergmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/freeway-006-700x450.jpg)
(http://www.hallbergmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/freeway-009-700x450.jpg)
*************************
2006 MANITOU 24' OASIS 373 WITH 225 EVINRUDE ETEC AND TRAILE-MUST GO! - $24598 (Red Wing)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/bod/4850199055.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/bod/4850199055.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/01414_iVmAFzqTd2r_600x450.jpg)
(http://[url=http://images.craigslist.org/00y0y_8b6Mxy1TIUY_600x450.jpg]http://images.craigslist.org/00y0y_8b6Mxy1TIUY_600x450.jpg[/url])
(http://images.craigslist.org/00o0o_hB76ttxppXb_600x450.jpg)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00v0v_lF3ITOYgrn9_600x450.jpg)
***************************************
The Grand Island T series Pontoons
http://tandmmarine.com/grand-island-t-series/ (http://tandmmarine.com/grand-island-t-series/)
(http://tandmmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MVC-001F-533x400.jpg)
(http://tandmmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/full-camper-blue-003-600x400.jpg)
(http://tandmmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Picture-0351-600x400.jpg)
-
What about a pontoon with a camper canvas ?
Nope not an option. Cant get a pontoon. Its like getting a minivan and that's not going to happen.
-
" Its like getting a minivan and that's not going to happen. "
LOL !
-
Ha ha ha!!! That's my boy ...
-
We called our 'Toon the "Loser Cruiser".
Gregg suprised you haven't recommended a nice Foul Winns!...LOL
-
Not fond of pontoons? Need extra room? Can't afford a new houseboat? No place to moor a motoryacht?
Have I got a Deal for you!
How 'bout this one. It's fairly large and the price is reasonable.
1976 26'Silverton very good condition (FREE) after paying storage (syracuse ny)
http://syracuse.craigslist.org/boa/4843716979.html (http://syracuse.craigslist.org/boa/4843716979.html)
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a494/glastronjohn18/00101_jo3N9X03lvn_600x450_zpsc06eaad0.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/glastronjohn18/media/00101_jo3N9X03lvn_600x450_zpsc06eaad0.jpg.html)
-
no trailer
may be a single engine direct drive, hard to back into a slip, some were twin engine, 305 chevy's
most singles were 318 Chryslers. But .. just figure any 45year old boat needs to be checked out Really Good .. motor mounts, screws into the stringers, pull a couple bolts and look at them, damp ain't good ya know, will tell you the condition of the stringer.
The thru-hull drive always leak, they are supposed too, so checking out the stringers are critical, there is always water in the bilge.
Single engine models were Realy slow, 18 / 20 knots wot just to maintain plane, heavy boats.
Red
-
Dang. A couple buddies and I just went in together and bought a pontoon.
How will I live with the shame?
-
Everyone has their opinion, but "loser cruiser" is a bit harsh. We owned a Bennington 2275cc and had some awesome times with it. Somewhat a floating living room, ours had four fishing seats, and truly fit the widest range of interests for us. Parents were old, kids were young, it was great. Direct walk on to dock, no drop down. Given a ramp, I could load a wheelchair bound individual. With 90 HP, we could do 25mph, pull tubers and skiers. Held 15 people. We camped with it on the river, carried everything we needed. Had a big Bimini top that keep me in the shade. Trailered well, light for its size. In short it was awesome. We had slips with other huge cabin cruisers, they never left the slip. We could come and go, easy on gas, easy to take out to other water. Time goes on and our needs changed, parents gone, kids grow up, wanted a v8 I/O go fast boat. Houseboats are nice, but to me basically a water bound cabin. Cruisers are nice, but pricey. Camper on the water. Good luck in your search.
-
In the end it's the yearly costs of everything involved with owning, operating and storing a large older boat /house boat.
Even a 25 footer in a slip for a few years got very expensive.
It was awesome to grab some dinner and a movie, and head down to the boat for the night, maybe go for a cruise or just sit at the dock with some friends.
I would love to live on a large boat !
I'm just saying how quickly the bill's racked up ....
-
For the size of boat we are looking at it looks like it would be around 4-5,500 per year for slip, winter storage, winterizing, summerizing, haul in-haul out, and shrink wrapping. It depends where we slip and if I do the winter and summer prep.
My thoughts are that I would like a place on the water. If I were to find a cabin that i could afford to purchase and maintain it would prob be 2 plus hours away or on a smaller lake. With the way property taxes are I would pay 3-5,000 on taxes a year. I would still need to mow the lawn, trim trees, put in / take out dock, etc, etc, etc. With a house boat I can go to many different areas on the river, I could potentially have it brought to another body of water or different area of the river every year. I will have maintenance costs on a boat but I would have them on a house as well. I figure the boat could be slipped close to home and the taxes vs slip fees are about the same. The only real down side I can see is that a lake house would more than likely appreciate and a boat will more than likely depreciate. But if I take care of a boat well and do some upgrades the boat should hold the value pretty well.
Just my thoughts.
-
yer thoughts on having a cabin or lake place are right on the mark.
-
My motorhome sits in the back yard, I take it when we go someplace, and not the same place. Think about it. We have had one for 40 years, wouldn't be without one. It's called freedom to do what you want.
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh181/50sflash/834.jpg)
This is the one we had before. It's great with kids, and yer not tied down to one location, and big payments. The 79 Winnebago we have now cost us $3,000. There's deals out there if you look.
-
I've had "pipe dreams" about the house boat idea, but the wife won't have any part of it. Red's SeaCamper is gonna be too cool. Heather at Spookey Marine over in Alabama was restoring one, but ended up buying a big ole cruiser instead. Got tired of feeding the twin Mercruisers, think it stays at the dock most of the time now. Gas won't stay cheap for long........probably?
-
I haven't thought about Heather in quite a while, quite a talented girl, her sea camper is a 24ft and bringing that home was quite a story. Mine is a 26ft and we Love it, perfect for me and the Fox, it weighs just over 5000 lbs, tows fine behind my truck, I added a few pounds to it by installing the 260hp, it had a 120hp to begin with. It's still waiting it's turn on the finish list :) but will only be a waiting another month or so and I'll get back to work on it.
I sold the Trans Van a couple weeks ago and bought a small motor home 22ft, 62,000 miles with a 350 chevy and geared just like the trans van was. this one give's us a Lot more room, rides like a Cadillac, I really like the side entrance, full bath and it has a big frig.
About moving a house boat, that's Expensive, it cost me $900 to have my 45ft house boat moved to another lake 24 miles from where it was, it was 12ft wide 12 ft tall sitting on the water, 15'10" on the trailer, I had to move the fly bridge to mid deck.
-
House boat or cruiser ... Your gonna love it !
You can go out rain or shine ...
If weather look " iffy " just put the canvas up and have every one pile in ...
Having a bathroom is a double plus for the ladies.
A 25 footer worked well for us, plenty of room for three people, could idle along for weeks on 50 gal. of gas ... Kick her down and she would suck fuel like the Queen Mary ... but could do about 40 mph.
Some day we hope to get another 25 foot cruiser ....
-
I think you are on the the right angle with spending more time on the water. Another thing to consider though is "Where do you think you can escape with your family the best?"; not easy these days. Maybe it is not important to you, but once you do for a few days you will want to go back.
A few years back now I would write on occasion for various publications:
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q650/dweeres1/Off%20the%20Beaten%20Path%201_zpsrr3pa41g.jpeg) (http://s1352.photobucket.com/user/dweeres1/media/Off%20the%20Beaten%20Path%201_zpsrr3pa41g.jpeg.html)
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q650/dweeres1/Beaten%20Path%202_zpsb8bwexq9.jpeg) (http://s1352.photobucket.com/user/dweeres1/media/Beaten%20Path%202_zpsb8bwexq9.jpeg.html)
-
Red any knowledge on the Bluewater boats. From what I have read they are pretty good boats. Any one else have any experience with them.
-
Blue Water boats are well known high end boats to my knowledge, especially off shore, I've never been on one, but there were several at the marina I had my sport fisher, really classy.
-
I think he is talking about Blue Water boats built in Mora, MN. They closed their doors a few years ago. Al & Alma's on Lake Minnetonka have a few in their charter fleet. I suspect if they hold up in commercial use they are probably a pretty good boat.
-
One of the blue water boats at the marina was a house boat made in the 70's, sleek lines, big windows, more stylish than the others, like a yacht. the other two were sport fishers, over 40ft, my sport fisher was 38ft, theirs were bigger than mine, really good looking boats, that was on Clear Lake at Nasa Tx. by Galvaston
-
BTW, Red, that RV looks like it could make the trip to Treasure Island! Georgia can hit the slots while you tear up the river. :D
-
That first house-boat you described sounds exactly like what was built in MN. To my knowledge they didn't build anything but big house boats but I'm not certain. Maybe more than one boat builder with the name "Blue Water"
-
2000 56' Bluewater Motor Yacht - $179900 (Stillwater)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4857627332.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4857627332.html)
1990 Bluewater 43 Cockpit Cruiser - $89900 (Houlton, WI)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4833719784.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4833719784.html)
2001 56' Bluewater Motor Yacht - $299900 (Stillwater)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4782707318.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/bod/4782707318.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00y0y_aMBA9yBgJiB_600x450.jpg)
-
If you are buying I will take the 3rd one. Otherwise those would be out of my price range.
-
Ya gotta sit back and ask yerself, "what does a guy do for a living that he can afford a boat worth more than your house" My guess it's tax deductible.
-
How about I buy all three and you can try them out and see which you like best ?
LOL ...
I was just wondering if this is the "Bluewater" you were referring to ?
Don't think you'll find even an older one for under 40 K ... Maybe high 30's ...
I kinda like this one ... Price seem reasonable ...and it's a try haul !
HOUSEBOAT - 38' HOLIDAY MANSION AFT CABIN HOUSEBOAT - $31500 (Afton Minnesota)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/4865386974.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/4865386974.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00Z0Z_97WIOyG2QGm_600x450.jpg)
-
Ya gotta sit back and ask yerself, "what does a guy do for a living that he can afford a boat worth more than your house" My guess it's tax deductible.
The guys buying those boats have house worth way more than the boat. It all comparative.
Greg I do like that one.
I looked at a few different Bluewaters yesterday and a couple house boats. I found one Bluewater 47 ft for around 28,000 but it needs a little work. If i got that I would prob just have the marina do some work to it before I took ownership. There was another really nice 54ft Bluewater but I dont think I need that big of a boat. Maybe if someone went in on it with me I would.
Either way I'm still unsure on what to get I will prob have to look at a few more before I decide.
-
So this is the style of "Bluewater yachts" your looking at ?
Did they make a "House boat" version ?
(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4DkuEmtQIAx7m0ZkcIkVR0qGe4tAF6LHIhr2EAm722HnQKTOR)
-
I'd just make my own.
(http://houseboatshantyboatbuilders.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/imageshouseboat_small.jpg)
-
I'd just make my own.
(http://houseboatshantyboatbuilders.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/imageshouseboat_small.jpg)
Yup, here we go! :)
http://www.hulu.com/watch/4183 (http://www.hulu.com/watch/4183)
-
RAOFLMAO
-
That is a nice one.
Here are a couple pics of the one I'm looking at its a 1982 Bluewater sedan 47 Ft
-
Looks pretty good in my book.
-
Shawn, im just curious, are these boats subject to the same "rotten wood" as our vintage Glastrons ?
-
Boy if they are just imagine the size of those stringers!
-
I know yacht builder used cored / sandwiched glass / foam in decks and tops of big boats.
Light and strong ...
If not sealed right or old bedding that leaked it will rot / delaminate like the boat your working on Joe.
I would think an older yacht would use wood ...
Do a Google search for "Yacht surveys" or something along that line ...
Some interesting reading ...
-
I think you definitely want the sale contingent on a marine survey. Save yourself some money and try to work that into the deal when you get to that point. Just make sure you choose the surveyor and are present when they do the survey They have meters that can detect water in transoms, stringers and cored hulls/decks.
-
I have a copy of a survey from last April that was done on the boat. The current owner bought it and is now going threw a divorce so he is forced to sell.
-
Looks purty nice Shawn. I like that big deck behind the bridge.
-
Hopefully the boat wasn't the cause of the divorce. I kinda like Jason's van boat design, kinda like a red green special.
-
BTW, Red, that RV looks like it could make the trip to Treasure Island! Georgia can hit the slots while you tear up the river. :D
I figure we will come back up there sometime Doran, we really enjoyed our trip up there, and a Rathbun
-
An interesting article about the bluewater boats
Bluewater Boatel History
by: Al - Creature Comforts - Chicago
1950's - The Beginning
Elmer Klapmeier initiated what is now Bluewater Yachts in the early 1950's because of his love of the outdoors and desire to sleep in a bed rather than a bedroll. The first craft he developed was used to transport the sportsman to a base camp many miles by water from a landing in northwestern Ontario. Due to high quality manufacturing, some of these boats are still in service.
Elmer Klapmeier quickly copyrighted the name "Boatel" and brought his newly graduated engineer son into the business on a part-time basis by way of an outing on the craft. Jim Klapmeier became very enthused and brought a friend into a venture named Northernaire Floating Lodges. These entrepreneurs had the idea to rent the Klapmeier-built boats on Rainy Lake on the U.S. and Canadian border. By 1958, the company was renamed "Boatel Company" and Jim joined his father full-time to increase service to Northernaire and offer Boatels throughout the United States.
The 1960's - Domination of Rental Business
By the mid-1960's Boatel's market had expanded throughout North America and the company built a larger facility to serve the growing demand. As buyer sophistication grew, Boatel capitalized on its success by introducing a full hull steel boat with inboard/outboard power rather than outboard power. In 1967, Boatel added a full hull model made of fiberglass.
The significant and attractive feature of the Klapmeier design was the shallow draft of just 24 inches. This performance feature allowed the 37-foot craft to operate safely in shallow water and to be beached-a popular feature with inland waterway cruising enthusiasts.
Boatel also capitalized on their welding and boat building expertise by bidding on navy contracts for landing barges.
The 1970's - Transition Into Retail
The continued success of the boats provided an ample international base on which to grow similar but distinct products with appeal to the moneyed yachtperson's desire for more living space than a traditional motor yacht configuration. The result was a highly-demanded line of yachts from 35 to 45 feet in length, which appealed to a niche customer that no other design could satisfy.
Originally offered in the houseboat markets, the target was redefined as intercoastal waterways and larger inland bodies of water in 1973. Despite the oil crisis in 1973 and the rising cost of petroleum-based construction materials and marine fuel, yacht sales of as many as 100 boats per year continued throughout the 1970's. In 1979, the yacht division became so popular it was given its own identity - "Bluewater."