And how big of a boat can be single handed? I'm fairly certain 43 feet is out of the question.

It really depends on condition and how much immediate work needs to be done on it. It most importantly depends on how much you want it.

While diesels are more desirable in a 43 foot boat I actually would prefer the gas power in a 43 Viking. The diesel options were either Detroit 671n's or Cat 3208's. It isn't a fast boat with either of those options and the cost of rebuilding or fixing diesels is $$$$$$. It's a lot cheaper to fix gas engines.

It depends on the helmsman. I've seen one guy handle an 80 footer with no problem.

Very nice and Very tempting...

Single handing is my issue right now. As you know, i was supposed to already be on the great loop by now in probably a 50 footer, until my plans got destroyed.

Another issue is im a big dude. 6'6" and about 240. cant really get comfortable in something much smaller.

Have talked to some people about it and they say its all about how quick you can get to the side cleats. I cant tell on that viking how you get to and from the flybridge.

EDIT - can catch a hint of steps on the starboad side. that looks very doable. Damn tempting!!

How long does it take to do the Great Loop in a power boat such as this?

Why is the time to the side cleats an issue?

:confused5:

If you rush you could probably whip it out in three months. Most loopers take their time and do it in about a year.

The spring(side) cleats are the key to securing the boat with lines. They keep you from hitting the seawall in front and if necessary you can maneuver the boat with the motors to secure the rest of the lines.

What he said. It's roughly a 6000 mile trip depending on route and side trips. Leisurely you travel about 140 days, traveling one day every 3 or 4.

Dumbass question here; but why would you spend that much for maintenance on something that doesn't even move under it's own power? I'd get something with a engine at least.

Just my slightly inebriated opinion. :cert:

The main thing is that I'm looking for a place to stay, on the water, rather than a means of conveyance. I already have a pontoon boat on a lift right next to where the house will be.

There is far more square footage on the floating home than on a boat. Probably three times more. And it's a real home with a real flushing toilet vs a marine head, a real kitchen instead of something that's so cramped it is a pain to use, etc.

Having the thing towed to where the bottom work will be done is not a deal breaker, at least not to me.

At some point in the future though, you will be moving into the manor house. At that point you have a floating guest house. A houseboat that moves however, gives you vacation and weekender mobility.

You could literally have a skank in every port and none of them know where you really live.

That's why I was looking at yachts last year. Of course, that ended when the wife found out. :slap::leaving:

You have to add that to the monthly rent though.

Yes and he will be singing Brandy...:lol:

Ohhhh, they'll find you........:leaving:

Kinda getting more interested in yachts like the one in my above link.

If I had one with side thrusters I could take it places.

Hmmmm.

had someone way more knowledgeable than me check that one out. he says it shows very well, but is a project boat. im definitely not looking for a project.

You don't need thrusters. Just learn how to handle the damn thing.

Any 40 year old boat is going to be a project. :cert:

I looked at this one today.

It's incredibly clean and well maintained. Both the previous two owners are local and available to talk about the boat.

He's taken this thing on some long trips, to the Bahamas, south Florida, Kentucky, etc.

Used 1986 Sea Ranger 40 Sedan, Shalimar, Fl - 32579 - BoatTrader.com

Is it overpriced? What would be a reasonable price?

'Nuther 'un.

44' double cabin with a good sized aft stateroom.

Used 1986 Marine Trader 44 Sundeck, Bay St. Louis, Ms - 39520 - BoatTrader.com