"Brian Newman" wrote in message
...
I am in the process of looking to buy our first boat. We have looked at
the
Four Winns Vista Series (238 and 258) , the comparable Sea Rays and also
Regals. We will be using it in the CT River and in Long Island Sound. I
have a couple questions:

1. Do you think that this cruising type boat is something we should work
up
to instead of buying it as a first boat?
I just trained up a couple guys who bought a 43' as their first boat. After
about 4 days they were competent boat handlers.

2. While the Four Winns and the Sea Rays are comparable price wise, it
looks like you can get a great deal on Regal. I am talking about $20,000
range for the Regal vs. $30,000 for the Four Winns and Sea Rays- Is it
worth
spending the extra money on more expensive boats?

If you have it to spend.

3. If anyone has any buying tips - (I know to have the boat/engine
inspected and to test it in the water) what else should I be aware of in
buying this first boat.

Thanks in advance for the advice.