Need Help Finding a Suitable Yacht

For me, the categories are, sail boat, boat, ship!

I agree with Pascal on the method and choice. You can also consider trawlers of you are not looking for speed and would like to have more travel range. There are many of those such as Nordhavn, American tugs, Nordic Tugs, etc.

Good luck!

Welcome to YF DJames1080. More details are needed to really refine your search, but check out Marine Traders & Mainships. Might be something there to wet your appetite based on what you've said. DK where in NY you are, but if it's downstate and you'd like someone to help you look over anything (not survey although I could probably recommend someone for that) drop me a PM and I'll be happy to help where I can.

return

as expected that did not take you long to be back

Addiction is a terrible thing. I'm trying to drain the salt from my veins, but it's hard. Not strong enough for cold turkey.

addiction

Forget that idea, you will never succeed. Glad to see you back

212 hours in 16 years?????? That will tell you what kind of cruiser she is. However, if you're looking for a comfortable livaboard that you can take out on the bay occassionally she's good. If you're looking to live on board here for awhile and then move there for awhile (in calm water) she's fine. I believe you'll find she's top-heavy and a scary ride in a quartering sea. She'll be a beast to dock in a 15kt.+ cross wind. I also think you'll find her true cruise speed in the 12 to 17 knot range depending on conditions. Like I always say, every boat has its purpose and is fine if it fits yours. If what I described is what you intend this boat will do fine, but don't plan to cruise in serious stuff.
You've got about $20K worth of canvas and isenglass on that boat. Check its condition. Also the electronics. If its working most will get you by, but I'm not familiar with that model GPS. Garmin is good, but if that's monochromatic (not color) plan to replace it ($1K-$3K).

“Is there/has there been a posting on Altima yachts? Is there a discussion anywhere here? I don’t see a review on Altima yachts. Since I’m shopping for that brand or similar, I’m doing research. Thanks for anyone’s help.” You may post public or PM.

Have you considered a Sportfish? A customer of mine recently bought a 1990 45' Viking SF that had really low hour engines and was a very nice boat overall with navnet electronics and everything.....

Carver or Bayliner are two names that come to mind if you want a boat to live on that doesn't cost 1/2 million that will be fine in good weather.

A friend is thinking about maybe going to a fast trawler style yacht and I'd like to get some recommendations. I'm looking for something mid-90's, around 50', cruise speed 14-16kts., 2 SR, economical, stable, good quality, upper & lower helms, roughly 200-300K. He rarely sleeps on board. My first thoughts are GB, Hat, Marlow, Freedom, etc., but I'd like to get as many names as possible to research. Opinions about the recommendations are very welcome. Thanks.

Have a look at a 54' Offshore or even a 55', although the 55' will be older.
Great boats and good as a trawler or rises to the occasion when needed. I had my 58, half loaded run at 17 to 19 knots whenever I needed to get home.

Ed -- I'm sure you know "fast trawler" is an oxymoron. The term usually connotes a semi-displacement hull with good fuel economy and range. Hatteras doesn't fit into that category and Marlow is excluded based on your criteria for age, size, and price.

Offshore is a good suggestion and GBs will meet the parameters as well. Check out Defevers and the zillions of "Taiwanese Tubs."

Judy

Thanks Judy (and everyone else with ideas). At this stage of the search, age and $ are fairly flexible. Quality is the main criteria. I have my friend/client (definitely in that order) monitoring this thread for names to research. I've given him several but figured I avail him of the vast experience here. His past love was a Viking SC which he used mostly for lunch runs across the sound and a few longer trips. He's now interested in more coastal cruising which doesn't require as much speed and I've pointed out that better fuel economy and a little more age in a quality vessel could give him more bang for the buck and more miles under the keel. There's also many more boats in this genre that can be found well kept by knowledgable owners. So please keep the names and opinions coming. Thanks to all.

Thanks Judy (and everyone else with ideas). At this stage of the search, age and $ are fairly flexible. Quality is the main criteria. I have my friend/client (definitely in that order) monitoring this thread for names to research. I've given him several but figured I avail him of the vast experience here. His past love was a Viking SC which he used mostly for lunch runs across the sound and a few longer trips. He's now interested in more coastal cruising which doesn't require as much speed and I've pointed out that better fuel economy and a little more age in a quality vessel could give him more bang for the buck and more miles under the keel. There's also many more boats in this genre that can be found well kept by knowledgable owners. My personal experience is more in the SC style. So please keep the names and opinions coming. Thanks to all.