Bluewater yachts?

Bluewater yachts

It has been a while since I have seen one, but they looked like they were built more to run in protected waters or on a lake. The draft is pretty shallow if its the boat that I'm thinking about. They were more like houseboats than open water trawlers. They were a less expensive boat when they were new, which may account for the low price for their size.

Bluewaters are in fact houseyachts (houseboats with a bow; a step up in sea handling). Very nice for the style. Others in it's class would be Harbor Master and Holiday Mansion. They can be a beast to dock because they have a lot of windage and very little draft. They're best for lakes and protected waters. If you're going to cross the Gulf Stream go for an actual trawler (or motoryacht, etc.). There's a reason you'll pay more than for a houseyacht.

Bluewater

I have seen a couple of these. One belonged to an acquaintance in Tennessee, docked it on the Tennessee River around Knoxville. Nice boat for the conditions. Have seen another one on Lake Michigan last summer. Nice condition, but was having a difficult time pulling into the fuel dock. Very long, low and wide.
Lots of sail area. Would not be my 1st, or 2nd choice for the loop. But as a live-aboard, would probably be great.

I've run the 70' and crossed the Gulf Stream in it and ran it from Ft. Laud to the Exumas about two years ago. I crossed and it was 6ft. seas on the nose. I did 13knots, but it was completely stable, but a bit wet in that sea. BUT, for the loop (which I've done) where it's mostly protected water 80% of the time, it's a great boat. It also has a shallow draft so you could do parts of the loop I couldn't do in the 75' Hatteras MY I did the loop in. They're roomy, beamy, and actually handle pretty well considering. i didn't have any issues with the wind docking it.

For what you say you want it for, it'll be ok. I've taken them back and forth to Catalina from Newport Beach and Marina Del Rey a few times, as long as you pick your day weather wise, no big issues. They are put together mostly with what I call "Level 2 and 3" parts and hardware, (Level 1= pot metal and junk, Level 5= "gold plated") so on older ones be expecting to replace hinges, latches, stanchion hardware and the like, but that's no big deal and typical of any boat in that price range. You won't want to take it offshore and beat into a head sea, but for your application, you don't need to either. Good open space on them with lots of window area which many people really like since it prevents claustrophobia. I haven't dealt with one in a while, but I don't hear about the hulls falling apart. They also have a low air draft so you fit under a lot of bridges. Shallow draft is very nice for the Bahamas. If you can get a good deal on one that doesn't get beaten up too badly on survey and you and your wife like it, I don't see a reason not to get one. Arnold Schwrtzeneggar used to charter one.

I'd say that's about the best classification I've heard for them.

friends of mine had one for few years, went up and down the coast and even to the bahamas with minimal problems, although they got beat up a couple times, but they made it.

not my cup of tea... yes the shallow draft is nice (although there are many real boats with decent draft if you make that a priority) and for older folks the single level layout (staterooms/saloon/galley) is a big plus.

those i've seen dont' seem to age very well, they're closer to houseboard and (nice) trailers/RVs than "yachts" in my opinion.

We work on lots of them here. (in fact have one up here in the yard right now)
For a lake boat they are fine. One step up from a houseboat. Big party deck up top and lots of interior space.
I agree on the low quality equip and hardware and most have gas engines.
They make surprising speed with gas engines. However, they are fully cored boats and as I mentioned in another thread we had one stick a closet wall through a rotten (core) bottom. We have also had issues with recurring blisters on them (even after epoxy barrier coating). The local surveyors here also call the "flexible flyers" since they tend to bend and twist at speed.

It is what it is.... On a lake I would rather have a Bluewater than a houseboat but my choice would be to not take one of those offshore.

Pascal, You have one down you way that's been for sale forever. I believe it was used in commercial service. Anything you can add about that?

I might add, if you are going to buy one of these, make sure your surveyor goes over every inch of it with a moisture meter.

I too have been looking for a Bluewater. I'm wondering whats going on with them, their web is gone and the phones aren't answered. Did they fail with the rest of the economy?

Bluewater yachts

There is a broker in Knoxville, Tn, VIP Yachts , that lists Bluewaters.
Theres a 52' available in Clearwater , Fl w/ gas, a 52' in Chesapeake Bay area w/ diesel and a 59' in Biloxi, Ms w/ diesel. They all have low hours on the engines.
The company itself has gone out of business.

I own the 1984 Bluewater 47ft sedan cruiser. I've had it for 7 yrs. now and think, for the money it's the best yacht on the river. This is not the houseboat version, but the flybridge motor yacht. They only built it 3yrs 1982, 83, 84. I own the 1984 model. It will go 20Knots but burns a huge amount of gas so we usually run at 10Knots and enjoy the ride. It has a lot of room, both inside and out and is very comfortable with parties of 12 to 16 people. My wife and I live aboard in the summer and enjoy it very much, with a large kitchen and bathroom, an island queen in the master bedroom. The hull is solid fiberglass and the upper structure is cored with plywood. I have done some repairing to the core where some leaks have softened the wood, but nothing too serious. If you want a good looking practical yacht for a reasonable price this is it.

gas use

@ donno

what si the gas use of your blue water... We are thinking of buying the 51 ft. but coming from Holland I am used to a boat that size with a 125 hp engine and this one has 2 350 hp engines. How much gas will it burn ?

Most sailboaters are pretty open-minded and quite a few of us has had a career in the Navy or the Merchant Marine on vessels powered by anything but the wind. Suggest you speak for yourself.

That sounds like a good reason to stay far away from these boats: The Bluewater name would be another reason, or a joke..