Long-Range Trawler / Explorer Yacht Brands

Hello all,

I'm currently looking for a long-range vessel to travel the world via water. Unfortunately, I have lived in a sportfish bubble so I know very little about the trawler/explorer world. However, I am experienced with boats as a whole - from the motors to the systems to the electronics.

I recently met a couple on a Nordhavn (60'+ - I forget) who raved about the boat and the company, which as we all know, is weird in the boating industry as there are ALWAYS problems. As it turns out, Nordhavn has a heck of a reputation. I also spoke to some "friends" who own both sportfishers and explorers and they all recommend going Dutch. Problem is, I don't want a 40 meter, $30 Million dollar boat with a full-time crew.

I currently have two captains who maintain my other boats, who would love to travel the world via water as well so I think it would be a great setup to have them join along and help maintain and run the vessel. Switching them over to full-time would be a minimal increase in expenses. Issue is, what size boat could I make this happen without needing a full-time staff for one boat. One captain maintains the systems, the other maintains the "appearance" with his wife and two kids; four people in total.

Next issue is, which shipyard builds a quality boat with long-range capabilities?

Nordhavn? Sounds like it, but I am looking for steel, and maybe most importantly, something not made in China (They're already a powerhouse of a nation - I'd prefer to give business elsewhere). Though for some reason, I have been coming back to Nordhavn.

I came across Bering. They also look interesting, though new. Not too much on them, unfortunately.

Van Der Valk is a dutch builder with an Explorer line. Again, not much on them.

Hartman Yachts has the Amundsen line, but as the trend goes, not a lot of information.

I'm a single guy, so in addition to the two captains and their family, we'll need four berths. I'd also like two other berths for guests, so that's six in total. This isn't a traditional owner/crew relationship where the crew needs their own quarters; instead, we enjoy doing everything together (They refer to me as the Third Stew since I am hands on and let them dictate chores/tasks! I love learning from their years of experience.). Because of this, I'd like the option to run the boat from the flybridge, have ample exterior space and an additional space to "get away" from everyone when needed (Ex. A Sky Lounge). As I stated in the beginning, I just want a quality build. If there's one thing I learned from buying new boats, it's forget about the warranty and just do it yourself. So the bones are more important to me than getting a new refrigerator installed (Usually half@$$ed).

I figured you guys (And Gals) would be more intone with all of this than myself. Hopefully I can narrow down a few companies then spend the time visiting the yards and sales teams.

I was a poor kid raised by a single mother. I was always fascinated with boats and so when I was around twelve years old, I would ask her to call and get prices. Dream big - it'll happen one day! That Burger looks stunning!

It's easy for me to say the most remote places around the world. However, with greater distance comes greater responsibility due to the size of the boat. I think. It looks like most (Under 35 Meters) are in the 3,000 to 6,000 NM range at cruise speed. Not sure about the Van Der Valk or Hartman. I am lucky enough to have a 62' sportfish for closer ventures. What brand / size boat did you work on? Sounds like a neat experience!

Thank you! We typically cruise at 37 Knots and pin the throttles in tournaments to hit 43 Knots so it will most definitely be a change at 10 Knots. However, I think my desire to "get away" and explore the earth is driven by the premise of slowing down and enjoying life. Living and working in NYC is not the most relaxing thing in the world - haha!

As I mentioned in my original post, I keep going back to Nordhavn (I wasn't familiar with Ocean Reef). If I decide to break from my original thurst for steel, I will most certainly look into them. Thanks again!

Thanks, Fishtigua! She is a beauty. I think I'd like to stick with a new build, however, to 1) stretch out the payment structure (Due to the current market - BUY!!), 2) have the ability to remove the crew quarters and 3) it seems like less headaches and I am a stickler (Along with my two captains) with doing things correctly. I had warranty work on a Viking and the technician wanted to run all sorts of different color wiring - not acceptable. So I do prefer to start from scratch rather than figuring out past fixes.

I have been on SCOUT by Hakvoort numerous times and she is stunning. The owner, staff, crew and Captain have said nothing but good things about the boat/company. Unfortunately, those top-tier builders (Hakvoort, Feadship, Oceanco, etc.) are on a different level and I'm just not quite there.

Ah, I forgot about Moonen. Last I heard they had some financial issues due to a partner who had made some mistakes. I could be wrong, though. Do you have any personal experience with Moonen?

I agree 100% on the Mooned finance issue. I read an article where someone was chomping at the bit to step in but that's where due diligence comes into play. But, like I said, what's most important to me is a solid build rather than warranty work. Thanks for the recommendations! Another friend has a Cheoy Lee and has raved about it, but for me, I really think I'd like to avoid China.

Do you have any experience with Van Der Valk? I've been placing calls around to see if I can find someone with experience but I am not having much luck. Also, I know a custom sportfish can cost almost double that of a production boat. How is pricing, generally, on custom explorers vs production? Or does it vary greatly shipyard to shipyard?

Italy is one of my favorite places in the world but...not so sure about their boats. I've been on a few and I was underwhelmed. Though, they sure do look pretty. I'm looking around 100' or so. Do you or anyone you know have personal experience with CDM?

Nope, I most certainly have an explorer in mind (And have not considered a Ferretti, Azimut, etc.). Function > form. I will say, I do have a more modern style, which is why I find Italian styling so appealing. I have more windows in my life than I care to admit but I am not a ship builder so I leave that to them to decide. Just look at the difference between a Nordhavn 96 and the CDM. One is more classic while the other has a modern flair. The question is: are they both capable? Then you come across, Serenity - a Nordhavn 100 that has modern touches. Obviously the interior can be changed. I'm simply looking for a good set of bones. Italians have been known to slack on electrical, and if I had to pick a weak spot in our capabilities, it's electrical (though we are capable).

Wait, I shouldn't visit Italy? But on a serious note, it breaks my heart what is happening over there. Hopefully things get better sooner rather than later, and I hope you're making out ok.

In the US, there is a boat company called Grady White. They have had a stellar reputation in the industry for years! I can't tell you how many electrical and plumbing issues I had and how incredibly difficult they were to fix. I had to destroy a $5,000 seat to repair a simple wire (Under warranty, luckily). It was a mess, and on a 37' boat nonetheless. I bought a new Viking Sportfish and...they print on every single wire what it is and where it goes to. My mind was blown. "Left Teaser Reel"; "Right Teaser Reel"; "Left Dredge"; so on and so fourth. Hands down the very best electrical and plumbing systems I have ever seen. I guess I am looking for the same attention to detail.

Thank you for your help with CdM -- I'll take a deeper look into them as the do have attractive offerings. And again, I hope everything turns out ok for you over there Stay safe!