On 29 Apr 2004 07:10:19 GMT, (Gould 0738) wrote:

In which case you should, personally, avoid both.

=========================================

I do, always been fond of Wendy :-)

Personally, I think it's more like the choice between Burger King and
McDonalds.

That said, I've seen some older Silvertons that seem to have held up
reasonably well over the years. Looking at 20 year old used boats can
tell you a lot about how well they were made.


In which case you should, personally, avoid both.

Silverton still benefits, slightly, from the influences of the Luhrs family.
The Luhrs brothers that started the company were 3rd or 4th generation
shipwrights. Silverton dates back to the late 60's or early 70's. Luhrs was one
of the very first large scale builders to convert to fiberglass, and the
family's Sea Skiff brand of fishing boats
achieved almost legendary status a generation ago.

Not surprising that you'd find some older Silvertons holding up rather well.

It's easy to dismiss any mass-pro boat in this category as unlikely to be
stoutly built. The 34 I tested was not an offshore passagemaker, but would
serve well for most boaters doing local cruises in inland or semi-sheltered
coastal waters. IOW, the majority of real life users.

But to each his own. If there were only one kind or brand of boat that was
always clearly superior for all applications, we'd all own the same boat. And
we don't.

Wayne.B wrote in message . ..
On 28 Apr 2004 15:34:45 GMT, (Gould 0738) wrote:
It's a bit like debating between rump roast or sirloin steak. Not ground beef,
not a filet mignon, but either are likely to prove very satisfying (for the
proper application).

======================================

Personally, I think it's more like the choice between Burger King and
McDonalds.

Save your cash, and someday you, too, can afford the value meal.
Right now, I'm betting you can't.

On 30 Apr 2004 06:30:11 -0700, (Coff) wrote:

Save your cash, and someday you, too, can afford the value meal.
Right now, I'm betting you can't.

========================================

You'd lose that one.

On 30 Apr 2004 06:30:11 -0700, (Coff) wrote:

Save your cash, and someday you, too, can afford the value meal.
Right now, I'm betting you can't.

========================================

You'd lose that one.

Wayne.B wrote in message . ..
On 28 Apr 2004 15:34:45 GMT, (Gould 0738) wrote:
It's a bit like debating between rump roast or sirloin steak. Not ground beef,
not a filet mignon, but either are likely to prove very satisfying (for the
proper application).

======================================

Personally, I think it's more like the choice between Burger King and
McDonalds.

Save your cash, and someday you, too, can afford the value meal.
Right now, I'm betting you can't.

On 28 Apr 2004 15:34:45 GMT, (Gould 0738) wrote:
It's a bit like debating between rump roast or sirloin steak. Not ground beef,
not a filet mignon, but either are likely to prove very satisfying (for the
proper application).

======================================

Personally, I think it's more like the choice between Burger King and
McDonalds.

That said, I've seen some older Silvertons that seem to have held up
reasonably well over the years. Looking at 20 year old used boats can
tell you a lot about how well they were made.

Neither boat is automatically a bad choice.

It's a bit like debating between rump roast or sirloin steak. Not ground beef,
not a filet mignon, but either are likely to prove very satisfying (for the
proper application).

I had a chance to try out a Silverton 34 convertible earlier this spring. I was
so pleasantly surprised that my opinion of Silverton (which wasn't bad to begin
with)
has certainly improved as a result. If I were shopping for a boat in that
category, Silverton would be among the contenders.

"sciman" wrote in message ink.net...
I am trying to narrow down my search for a boat with the primary use as a
place to stay at a local lake for weekends, etc. Maybe in a 5 to 10 years
take the boat to the ICW. Right now I am looking at the Silverton 39 and
the Carver 396. New or nearly new (2001 and up). Both aft cabin cruisers
which is very desirable for our way of living.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

thanks


I currently own a Carver. I spent a fair amount of time comparing
both manufacturers at the Chicago Boat Show this January. I have to
admit that I was more impressed with the Silverton than the Carver. I
just felt like the Silverton was a more boater-freindly craft. The
ergonomics, mechanical access, and style of the Silvertons seemed to
be a degree or so higher than on the Carvers. I can't say that I saw
a big difference from a quality standpoint. They are both
good-to-better production-built boats.

They are both nice boats and will provide good service and excellent
value. Go with whichever one fits your style. We should all have to
make such stressful choices!

Coff