Hi Jim,

You have been a 'sail boat guy' and I am a 'small outboard skiff guy' but we
have been thinking about the same thing.

I think that fiberglass would be more common but not that there is anything
wrong with aluminum as long as it is at least .100" and all welded.

I would look for something that has not been in the salt water for years.

I would also love to find something with a small diesel motor.

You can go to a web site like "boat trader online" and put in some
parameters.

1970 to 2004
24 to 26 feet
Diesel
$10,000 - $40,000?

--
Bill Kiene

Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA, USA

Web site: www.kiene.com


"Jim" wrote in message
...

I currently sail a 28' sailboat. The mast gets heavier
every year (it can't be me getting older). On the other hand
I fill the 20 gallon tank once/season, and usually have
something left over.

Recently I've been thinking (gasp) Power Cruiser. I know
little about these. I think maybe 25' or so would give me
comparable space to my sailboat. I'd also like an enclosed
helm to both extend the season, and get out of the sun a
little more (had a chunk taken out of my hide a couple of
years ago) Motorsailors are out of my price range.

So I look to you all for advice and counsel.

1 engine or 2, I/B or O/B, Aluminum or Glass? I like slow
and steady so more power doesn't really impress me -- I have
30 HP in my sailboat. Fuel cost is also a factor.

IF I had a place to sleep, keep my beer cold, cook
(minimally) and s,s,s&s, I'd be happy. (The shave, shower
and shine could be done ashore)

Somehow I like older boats. Current is a 72. I have no
need to impress my dockmate.

Price is a definite factor. Trailerable would be nice, but
I don't want to have to buy a new truck to haul it; I belong
to a YC with a co-op haulout, and the trailer would have
minimal use.

Boating would be on the Great (and they are) lakes -- Lake
Ontario to be specific.

Advice is welcome -- please tell me all the good/bad/ugly of
various boats. What do you think would best fit my needs.