Economy Cruiser 26 vs Bayliner, Etc. 245/265 or other sun bridge cruisers

pros of Economy Cruiser 26 vs Bayliner 245/265 or other sun bridge cruisers
order	item
1	Light weight [3700 lbs vs. 7500 lbs] on a trailer lets you tow with mid-size family car vs. owning an extra large tow vehicle, saving thousands of dollars per year on the extra vehicle as well as per trip in towing fuel economy
2	light weight [3,000 vs. 6,000 lbs] on water gives better boat fuel economy - >50% improvement
3	2/3 or less acquisition cost when new or at comparable used age/condition.
4	No hull penetrations to leak and potentially cause worry, a mess, or boat sinking
5	Positive foam floation so unsinkable even if striking an object causing a large leak
6	water ballast system for great wakeboarding or sabilizing rough conditions
7	Fewer and Simpler systems so less maintenance and repairs.
8	don't need power steering, trim tabs, fresh water cooling.
9	if rough water conditions, you can operate anchor while kneeling on Vberth through hatch--a very safe position
10	Interior uses full 26 ft since there is no motor below deck. Hence sleeps 4 with 'Up' dinette or sleeps 6
11	lower towing position on trailer [due to 9 in. draft] means launching without getting tow car wet even on flatter ramps.
12	Large rudder can be put down in harbor for more steering control and steering without power eases getting on trailer. Can use centerboard in harbor for more steering control
13	can put down centerboard for more stability while moored or at slow speeds in rough weather
14	Very roomy companionway for easy entrance to cabin. Dodge allows lots of fresh air in cockpit while protecting cabin with door open
15	ladder on trailer makes launching by yourself very easy
16	Boat does not age much with simpler systems and OB motor&drive is easily replaced in a few hours
17	Lots of cabin windows even out forward adds to visibility and openness of cabin
Pros of Outboards vs inboards or I/Os
order	item
1	1/3 the weight leading to boat weight being 1/2
2	No hull penetrations to leak and potentially cause a mess or boat sinking
3	no need to winterize so can use boat easily in early spring and late fall. Therefore no risk of huge cost if cold snap catches you
4	No U-joints-- entire power train is locked in one plane - leads to more power at prop and less maintenance
5	Much less maintenance and repair costs.
6	Can raise drive entirely out of water so does not get all gunky if moored
7	Easy to see steering or tilt position of drive/prop
8	for trailerable boats, very easy to work on motor while on trailer--most things at hand/eye level. Very easy to change oil
	Nothing iron or steel so no possibilities for rust. Cons and ways to minimize negative effects order item 1 less cockpit space and storage - will add two corner rail seats with great visibility 2 less visibility forward and room for instruments at helm - may move helm forward 3 headroom in cabin slightly lower, but higher under dodger 4 bilge does not drain to drain plug so harder to get spills out 5 less fuel capacity though less needed 6 no table in the cockpit Cons of Outboards vs inboards or I/Os order item 1 Less room on swim step for boarding - will add swim step on port side. 2 Harder to tow dinghy and can't put on swim step 3 No fresh water cooling so cabin or hot water heat from engine heat is difficult and less efficient. 4 some repair items on water are harder to reach

This page is still under construction but will have more comparison information for the Economy Cruiser...