Hi,

New to forum and shopping. Looking for a Loop boat to use for two of us on Loop trip over a few years and then downsize to a smaller boat.

Looked at a really nice 98 35.5 aft cabin boat that had some nice features and a few that I don't believe I could live with. The cabin was excellent, plenty roomy and comfortable. Galley was fine, a bit small but doable. Heads were outstanding, and the aft cabin state room was very nice.

The things that made is a no deal was very poor access to the engine and gen. And, I'm not sure the aft cabin would work well for me, with the sun deck over it. I think I'd rather have the "sun deck" area part of the aft cockpit and have more "outside" space.

Also, it showed a bit of age compared to the boats I've been looking at. Saw a 35 Regal the same day, just a few years newer that looked immaculate in comparison, but it has some issues, too.

Overall the Carver 35 I saw was a really nice boat, but wouldn't mine just a tad bigger. Mainly to allow for some water toys like kayaks/windsurfers and more cockpit area.

Also, would like the hoist to put toys on the back of the helm area, like a lot of trawlers have, but like the comforts of a cruiser.... not sure what's available.

What would be the next step up?

Seevee