On 24 Sep 2006 19:06:06 -0700, "TwinSailor"
wrote:

My family and I are currently sailors with a Catalina 36. We have
decided to migrate to power. We have looked at Mainships (Pilot 34),
Sea Ray, Meridian, and Silverton. We seem to be migrating to the
Silverton 38 Sport Bridge. Does anyone have any feedback on any/all of
these?

What are your priorities? Speed, comfort, economy, bridge clearance,
etc. Meridian is really Bayliner as I recall. None of the boats you
mention are really top quality in terms of durability or offshore sea
worthiness. Whether that is important or not depends on where and how
you boat.

Probably 50% of the time at dock - ... About 25% protected water runs
of 10-15 nautical miles to overnight anchor or entertaining. About
10%-15% includes a 2-3wk coastal cruise in NJ and NY waters, worst
being a 110nm run from Manasquan to Block Island.

The balance is likely to become fishing. Note this usage pattern has
been a function of the time limitations of a sailboat. No real
interest in offshore fishing but very interested in having a reliable
vessel for the safety factor in the case one gets caught unexpectedly
in a blow.


Wayne.B wrote:
On 24 Sep 2006 19:06:06 -0700, "TwinSailor"
wrote:

My family and I are currently sailors with a Catalina 36. We have
decided to migrate to power. We have looked at Mainships (Pilot 34),
Sea Ray, Meridian, and Silverton. We seem to be migrating to the
Silverton 38 Sport Bridge. Does anyone have any feedback on any/all of
these?

What are your priorities? Speed, comfort, economy, bridge clearance,
etc. Meridian is really Bayliner as I recall. None of the boats you
mention are really top quality in terms of durability or offshore sea
worthiness. Whether that is important or not depends on where and how
you boat.

On 25 Sep 2006 04:38:09 -0700, "TwinSailor"
wrote:

About
10%-15% includes a 2-3wk coastal cruise in NJ and NY waters, worst
being a 110nm run from Manasquan to Block Island.

Any of the boats you mention are OK for protected water, coastal
cruising assuming you run inside on Long Island Sound. If you go
outside you will need a good weather window and some tolerance for
rolling around.