Sunseeker 32 twin Yamaha's or Sealine S25 KAD32

[annageek]

I'm interested to know... was there much of a difference in perceived fit and finish of the Sunseeker (of that age) over the Sealine? Perhaps it's a little bit of an unfair comparison when there's over a decade between the two. On the other hand, though, how had the Sunseeker faired? I realise this is down to how it has been used/looked after, but could you sense it had passed its 21st birthday?

The only Sealine I have ever been on (other than brand spanking 40+ footers at the boat show) was a relatively new SC29 (which I LOVED). As far as I can tell, Sealine is basically 95% of Sunseeker in terms of quality. The -5% seems to only be the very high quality flourishes that you may get on a Sunseeker, which are all about bling bling than anything else (hand crafted marquetry inlaid into tabletops etc). Is this a fair appraisal? A bit like Audi vs Aston Martin or something.

I can see you have a tough decision between the two! Despite never even setting foot on one, I do love those S23/25's to the point that now we spend most of our time just cruising around in our Fetcher, we're consdering a S23 or maybe s24 (hence why I've been watching this thread and the other about the S24 like a hawk recently!). It's always going to be hard to resist the idea of having a Sunny though! But then, my ruthlessly practical mind sets in and thinks Hmmm, is the Sunseeker just so appealing just because it is a 'Sunseeker' - a prospect that will be very fleeting once you've owned it for a short while. Also, what about residual? Based on what I have seen (and I may be totally wrong) I expect you could quite comfortably see 90-95% what you pay for the Sealine if you were to sell up again in 5 years time. Could I imaging you seeing anything more than 80% return for the Sunseeker if you were to sell that in 5 years time (bearing in mind she'll be over quarter of a century old by then!)? Probably not. Factor than in with the extra cost of fuel / maintenance (which may already be higher in a like-for-like boat anyway, given the age difference) / berthing, and the Sunseeker does appear to be in a totally different league from a financial point of view.

As always though - which would put the biggest smile on your faces?

[Ianfs]

I'm interested to know... was there much of a difference in perceived fit and finish of the Sunseeker (of that age) over the Sealine?

Anna my dear, you are talking to a complete idiot and to someone who doesn't understand what you mean by "perceived fit", well I think I don't.

I had to show your post to Laura (the Admiral and Minister of Home Affairs ) who understands much more than I. OK and being in the pub might have a little to do with it!

I now understand what you mean, in short, I have some cash which we had forgotten about (we're not that rich, it was in a long term account which is expiring) and would like to buy the most recent but biggest "ish" boat in budget, but not as big that we would only be able to use her occasionally. I am used to larger craft, but would rather not have an older boat, however as most of you know, some older boats can be more advanced than some newer ones and the difference in age is difficult to work out. Now then, if I was looking at a Sunseeker 31 for example, the hull and screen tend to be squared off in an eighties type design, but the 32 is more rounded in various area's so looks more like a modern boat.

So I suppose it then comes down to sea keeping and performance, although performance is not high on the list. Accommodation and layout/entertaining layout are fairly important, which is why the Sunseeker ticked the boxes.

Onto residuals, they are important and most buyers of fast cruisers would consider that 70% of the advertised price is the optimum and that the price it would fetch 3-4yrs in future would be the offer price unless of course the boat is immaculate and priced right in the first place.

I'm pleased so many more are also looking at the same dilemma as Colin and I and if we can eliminate some questions along the way all the better.

As my wife has said, I am really enjoying the journey.

Any more input is extremely welcome.