Dene-
Not to offend you, as you probably already understand this, but here's something for our other C-Brats to think about:
An express cruiser is a bad idea, at least one under 30 feet in length, IMHO.
Having the helm 2/3'rds the way back on the boat, and only slightly raised above above basic rear cockpit level means several things:
1. The height of the forward cabin must be limited to see over it.
2. The windows in the cabin therefore must be low, narrow slits. Difficult to see out of from inside, if at all.
3. The cabin inside turns into a cave. No feeling of being outdoors at all.
4. The rear cabin area under the helm has very limited height. This is usually designed into a berth, but is often just used as a storage area because of it's limited space.
5. Walking around inside the limited height cabin is difficult.
6. The options of where to place various interior components is much more limited and difficult for the designer.
Now if you enlarge the boat to 30, 35, or 40 feet, the express cruiser becomes a much better option as the internal volume increases dramatically and the limitations above gradually disappear with increasing size and volume.
I personally prefer a sedan bridge, a tug, or other design for a boat under 30 feet.
A sedan bridge places the helm along with 4 or more extra seats on a flying bridge, thus expanding the helm area without depressing/limiting the space below.
The cabin height can be full, with large windows all around.
The interior is thus opened to full view of the outdoors.
There is much more total volume inside, and more options on how to arrange the interior components.
Plus you get a larger, separate rear cockpit area too boot!
I didn't understand this when I bought my Sea Ray, but it all became apparent in the first few months of ownership. Lucky me, I made the right choice anyway.
Hope this is helpful in furthering all of our understanding of boats in general.
Joe. :teeth :thup
Sea Ray 268 Weekender Express Cruiser
Sea Ray 265 Sedan Bridge
