36-38 Express, One Off

I am contemplating the construction of a retirement boat. I am 44 years old and in very good health. I am a very good mechanic, both with automotive and marine engines. I currently own a 1971 26' Trojan Center Console IB Fishing Boat. I have done a fairly extensive restoration to it with the exception of Re-Powering which I will do in the spring. My dream boat would be a 36-38' Express Sport Fisherman liveaboard. Single screw deisel for simplicity. I would prefer one larger stateroom with smaller fold out/down berths for sleeping over company. I am actually considering building something very similar to these...

http://www.grandslammarine.com/

or the Predator Eggharbor

http://www.eggharboryachts.com/

I have been doing a lot of research in my off time and realize a new Express of this magnitude would be out of my price range. I have access to USN Surplus Deisels in the 350-500HP range and believe it would take about 3-5 years to complete. Am I being realistic? I can purchase the Grandslam new for $99500 with a single 450HP Cummins but it is too small. I have asked them about the feasibility of stretching the Blueprints to accomodate my ideas but have yet to here from them. I have also considered the purchase of an older 38'45' Sportfisherman and rehabing it but the simple cost of repowering it may be price exclusive. Does anyone out there have any advise, input or sources for plans of this type? Any comments are greatly appreciated.

The Remnant

 

Here's the dirt on Grand Slam. They buy their boat's from a company "Abaco" like at least 2 other companys. The "Abaco" was known as the "Daytona" a few years back. It was known for it's style but made infamous by it's wet "Plam Beach" or Pompano Pounder" ride. You can ask Roy Meritt if you dont believe me, He had Two built for his sons. They were disgusted by the ride I dont know what he did to the boats. I'd personally try to find something else with a better ride. Good luck in your hunting.

 

Yes I had heard this too...understand you can buy just the hull, liner and deck and finish it yourself...they have a cafeteria plan for finishing them. What of these other boats you spoke of...are they that bad? I have yet to ride in one but an in love with the idea of an Express SF. The Cabo seems to me to be the best but where to get prints and plans for such a boat are beyond me. I am interested in one/off construction using C-FLEX technology to build up the hull and then finish off the interior. I do have a source for either the Cummins 450 or a Cat at USN Surplus in good running recent rebuit shape. Still just doing my homework. Would appreciate any link to plans anyone can forward to me...Thanks in advance...

The Remnant

 

I'm not sure about how they are built but the ride leave much to be desired.For engines I think that both CAT and Cummin's are great choices for power. I tend to len towards Cummins myself. Also I saw that you brought up Cabo. A freind of mine bought one off of the guy that owns A few South Florida sports teams. All I can say is that I have seen it running in 4-5' and it is VERY VERY WET!!! He will get wet in the tuna tower. I don't know how she rides other than that.

Good luck in your hunt.

 

Depending on the price point that you are looking to stay with there are a few custom builders that can assist you in many ways. If you are looking to have a hull built and a descent running and comfortable ride definately stay AWAY from the Cabo, They beat you to death and are one of the most overrated boats on the market along with being over priced. The Egg Harbor that you spoke of I assume is the Predator model. If so the interior space is very limited to be a liveaboard. I am working with a builder in the Maryland area that makes a great sea boat and the interior appointments can be specified. Contact me if you would like more information.


norton@gilmanyachts.com

 

If you are still looking for someone to design and build a one-off boat. Please contact me at Helmsboats@aol.com. Helmsmen Marine is a small builder and we are very affordable for what we do. Our goal is to make sure you get what you want.

 

Grand Slam hulls

Remnant,
Did you ever obtain a response back from Grand Slam about stretching the hull out a bit? I too really like the loks of their boat, but was looking at something in the 40' range. I wonder (aloud) if any of there "builders" would stretch one. I think I will start another thread to inquire about this issue. That should be interesting.
I would want mine extended in the aft section, aft of the break in the shear line.
I too am considering a single diesel but would use the FEYS electric system and drive twin Arneson surface drives.
99.9% of my boating activity is in the San Francisco bay and the California delta, so a wet ride shouldn't be an issue with me as the water never gets more then a foot of chop (on any day warm enough for me anyway).
Thanks,
Dennis

 

remnant,
have you talked with any of your area builders? I know that there are some in your area as there are here (central NC coast) that will build you a boat to any stage of completion, and you can finish the work from there at your own time saving you some money. I as a builder have done that with one of the local boat builders. we built one boat that the we finished to the point that customer wanted. After that the customer shipped it 4 hours away to his home, stuck it in a barn and finished the trim and inside stuff on his own. I have heard of a couple of the local builders that were hired out to go to the persons private property and set a boat up for them. they would stop by periodicaly and set them back on track. they basicaly built the boat themselves.
one other thing subscribe to boats and harbors there is almost always an add for an unfinished hull. might take a few months to find one in your size and price range. it would save you some bucks if you could find a hull that was a workable size that you could start from.

 

I have built many sportfishermen, mainly in the Outer Banks. I can give you a price on a hul and deck or a boat finished to any stage. My shop is in the Midwest now, so if you need a closer by builder, I can suggest several in the Outer Banks area. Blackwell Boatworks may be your best choice there. Let me know if you need any references.