Mainship 430 for the Great Loop? Happy Hour Yacht Shopping #46

[@randolphbehm877]

I really like this boat.

[@onFIREfamily]

Thanks! It does seem to have a lot going for it!

[@johnschieffelin3226]

Very solid option. Good performer, salon space easily expanded with addition of two barrel chairs. Specious, comfortable fly bridge, can double as 2nd salon in good weather. Mainships are OK quality, Cats are great diesels. A lot of boat in 43 feet. The davits astern may get in the way occasionally, but the ease of launching and retrieving the dinghy will be worth any inconvenience. 20 years old so check fuel tanks carefully, and be prepared to have to replace plumbing hoses, many pumps, batteries and so forth.

[@onFIREfamily]

Thanks, John!

[@garrym09]

Looks good, But I Still think you should look at a Navigator either 5300 or 4800 with a 3 stateroom version.

[@onFIREfamily]

We’ve had our eyes out but they must be in high demand as there are few located where we need them and tend to be out of our budget. We’ll review them either way as they’re one of the few on our list we’ve not made a video for.

[@ClassXIRoads]

Not a bad looking boat, no pictures of the engine spaces always is odd for me , one of the first things I would like to see in the photos, You always mention that you want to start the loop up in northern waters so you can get used to the boat, is there also a time constraint because you do limit your shopping.. and you have plenty of experience on your present (how is sale going) boat. Starting in the gulf or coast of Fl in winter is a good option. This boat hits almost all your check points except location? Great loop boat.

[@onFIREfamily]

Thanks, James. Yes, we have a small time constraint. We want to board the boat in June and finish our loop the following August to get the kids back for various activities. We may be able to swing as far south as the Chesapeake for boats but Florida probably doesn’t work.

[@darrylscott4237]

I like it and the space isn’t that bad but the cockpit is a problem. I would want to remove the boxes and find a way to inclose either permanently or with canvas and isinglass. Still it’s a nice boat. Funny but 6 months ago that boat would be less than $150k 😆

[@onFIREfamily]

Yeah, I think removing the storage and enclosing that space would give us more space. Thanks, Darryl!

[@billturner1979]

There's more space on the flybridge than the pics depicted. There are a few other Mainship 430 videos on YT that may give you a better sense of 'how much space'. The low hours is a real plus too. Any choice can work if the family is willing to adapt! Best of luck with your boat decision but more importantly, the adventure!!

[@onFIREfamily]

Thanks, Bill!

[@wendybusby9525]

Looks like a nice boat! It’s a shame you can’ start the loop in a more southern location. We may have found our look boat!

[@onFIREfamily]

Thanks, Wendy!

[@ajborne]

That looks a contender for me. I’d have one forward cabin for storage. Lounging space outside mainly on the flybridge. You may be able to have two lounging chairs in the salon. Really low hours. Looks good. Probably the smallest boat that might be suitable. Trunk cab stateroom really gives you a big master, but takes outside lounging space.

[@onFIREfamily]

Thanks, James!

[@johnward9728]

As it is only for one year i would consider this vessel very seriously

[@onFIREfamily]

Thanks, John!

[@scotthenze5627]

I have noticed that many turn one of the shower areas into a hanging storage locker. Not sure if that would work for your family of 4?

[@onFIREfamily]

Good tip. Thanks, Scott!

[@hectorrios5402]

Hi I have been enjoying this video’s 👌🏽👏🏽👏🏽🍾🥂🥳👍🤟🏽 have you guys checked out Nordic-tugs yet?

[@onFIREfamily]

Not yet! Seem to be out of our budget but will keep an eye out!

[@michiganengineer8621]

While I'll agree this _IS_ a boat that tics most of the boxes in your checklist (and mine for that matter if I was seriously looking), something that makes me uneasy is the _EXTREMELY_ low hours on the Cats for a 21 year old boat. Add in all of the other new items and I'd be wondering if this is a restored Hurricane damaged vessel. Now if it was done properly that wouldn't be an issue (look at the restoration of Parlay, a Lagoon 450). I saw another Mainship 430 that listed the air-draft as 19 feet but it can apparently be lowered to 15'5", not _quite_ low enough for the western Erie but easily low enough for anything else on the Loop

[@onFIREfamily]

Thanks! Yeah, the hours are a little puzzling on this one.