Express Cruisers...Salty?

jimh · 01-27-2006, 08:30 PM

Does anyone have an opinion on whether Express Cruisers like the Searay Sundancer or Amberjack are reasonable choices for offshore use? I see two obvious limitations. 1)Fuel capacity/fuel mileage. 2)They are not self bailing.

Any pointers are appreciated.

tomictime · 01-27-2006, 08:34 PM

I looked at a 31' Whaler express w 2 x 300 HP Cummins...

Nice wave crushing offshore capable boat

It's still for sale w trailer and trolling valve here in Seattle area. PM me if you want mo info, $70 ish...Electronics need updating...

jimh · 01-28-2006, 07:40 AM

Thanks, but I'm looking for something a little smaller so I can trailer to different Puget Sound areas.

Aqua-Holic · 01-28-2006, 10:11 AM

jimh...I have a Bayliner Conquest. The short answer is...yes a cruiser is a reasonable choice. My boat came from the Sound and was used extensively up there. As to " off shore" it takes about 18 kts to get her up and about 15kts to keep her up without trim. The ocean more often than not, doesn't allow that speed ( for me anyway) but I'm never in a hurry. On the cruiser the cabin is usually below deck which may bother some while running. As to fuel consumption, figure roughly 10gal/hr for a single 350. I can give you more specifics if that would help.

rojo · 01-28-2006, 11:16 AM

I run a 2859 Bayliner Classsic w/7.4. Does great in the ocean, rolls less than my 32' with the round chines did. I run it at 20 to 25 kts on a good day outside, you don't want to know the GPH but all in all I'm happy with it...

tomictime · 01-28-2006, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Thanks, but I'm looking for something a little smaller so I can trailer to different Puget Sound areas.

JimH I reached same conclusion tho I flirted w towing that bad boy with a Kodiac or something like that. The express bayliners seem to fish well - I see quite a few of them tricked out w riggers, radar arch fishing the hot spots in the Sound, etc..

scubadad · 01-28-2006, 12:28 PM

JimH, I ran a 89 Bayliner Cierra Sunbridge 2450 for 15 years. The boat fished great and there was a lot of room for family and freinds. The one major drawback on the styling of the boat was the bow. The way the bow contour dips down is not very freindly in rough water. Acts like a wave magnet. Pulled more than one wave into my lap over the years. Wasn't hard to launch or handle. My wife and I could get it in or out of the water faster than alot of people with smaller boats. When I progressed from fishing and boating on the sound to running the ocean out of Westport the size of the fuel tank came into play. If you ran out to fish and you guessed on the wrong spot to fish, then you were limited to making only one move to relocate. 55 gallons of fuel capacity is a concern. Hope this helps.