Even more rich getting richer

I wonder how many of those listed have yachts of any consequence.

Offshoring Loot?

Or, let's put it this way, how many of those 200 'newbies' were smart enough to make "YachtForums.com" their first port-o-call?

I can say with confidence; MANY

How big is too big when it comes to yachts and marinas. Is anything over 250 feet difficult to place in a marina environment? Thanks.

Is this a loaded question?

Wow, 250 ft? I believe you are talking about a ship. If you look at all the sales brochures for these new destination get-aways, you'll find about 75% more berthing opportunities for boats under 90 to 100 ft. That leaves 25% or less for the largest of the fleet. The cost of ownership, or even a time-share is priced according to the scarcity. 'Rybovich's New Marina' -listed here, proudly boasts accomodations up to 240'.

But, from all I've seen, it's your 175' boats that earn the greater interest of the yachting community, and it's the rare bird, like Paul Allen, who wants to bother with housing two helicopters onboard just to shuttle to-and-fro. Look at Christensen's offerings and get back in touch.

Yes it is. I think 300 feet is where it is getting very difficult to find marina berthing. Up to 200 feet is easier but not always possible and a realistic size if you would like to enter the most beautiful ports is 150' or smaller.

Eventhough there are many yachts around 200 feet coming out now, the highest demand seems to be for recent yachts close to 150 feet. This is the size where you can get three decks within a good looking exterior.

And if you ask me, cruising with more than six guests onboard is no fun, why anything between 100 to 150 feet is my perfect size for a private superyacht.

A fuelish question

Assuming the majority of the marinas accepting these larger vessels were conceived & built some years back when a 75 gph/hr-burning boat was typical, what new plans exist for yachts burning more than three times that?
I have heard anecdotal evidence of marinas in the Bahamas offering only small allotments of diesel to ascertain that all get some without their own tanks going dry.

Hi,

Getting any berth in the Med can be difficult these days regardless of size.

I was on a 52 ft Sunseeker a few years ago and even though the Owner had a 50+m yacht and considerable pull in many ports it was often only possible to get a berth tied up alongside the bigger boat causing many a bottle neck in some of the narrow access ports we were in then.

As for fuel rationing in the Bahamas I have not experienced it but then again I haven't bunkered in any small Bahamian places since 1996.

Thank you for all the resposes. I am currently reviewing the Christensen, Westport 164 and a trinity custom build. It appears that staying in the 160-200 feet is my best option. I want the ability to travel in and out locations that the megas struggle with.

The limit for yachts in St. Barth's , stern to, in Gustavia is 200 feet.

Interesting issues with size

I'm grateful to learn this from the Captain's position, as well as the designer's sketch-pad. My objective, were I in such a buying position, would be to pick a classic hull; having proven its maneuverability, smooth ride and efficiency many times over. Also, I would not hestitate to begin to learn all this by shopping 'used.' Since 1999 is hardly 'old' in nautical terms, here's the sort of 'archetype' I would study as a guide. At $34M, this 158' Feadship is no 'starter model.' The next question might be, what's it going to involve to get her outfitted to suit my unique needs? Lars is probably correct to place this at the lesser-end of his scale, if we are concerned with outright portability... 14.5kmh isn't exactly a 'ski-boat,' but I bet she's a lot more fun to own!

The 2003 Katrion from Feadship is 30 feet lesser than this one...

The 1997 Katrion in your example is a very nice Feadship and first time John Munford designed a contemporary motor yacht interior instead of his usual classic panels. Her speed is 14,8 knots!

You're right, pardon me. Seller lists 1997 "De Vries Scheepsbouw" at 14.8 km, without mention of the interiors. Evidently, you are very impressed with their -30' loa, 2003 model. You see why I like Feadship's designs, -no similarity to a '90's Chevy Caprice!

I like the 1997 Katrion better even if the newer is smaller. On average I like every third Feadship and should I pick one it could be the 1991 150´Carmac VII... http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/104-post17.html

My natural concern with shopping "used" is the cost to upgrade and customize. Once I have done all the changes, would the end cost be that much different than new? It's the old saying "With new you know what your getting".

Loss leaders and market-drivers

I was postulating that one's shopping adventure -should- include a look at the used market, just to determine how the various Captains and crew feel about the final product. In the process, you are highly likely to make the acquaintance of someone (say, Jay Leno) who's support, and camaraderie will literally change your life, or save your neck someday.

Ostensibly, all the lessons of the recent past had been considered in building the Queen Mary II. Why then was she desperately in need of a total make-over just a few years after? It's my contention that every little 'design' nuisance is magnified, once we loose sight of land.

As I study the floor plan of a typical Trinity, I'm currently perplexed by it's apparent simplicity. Personally, I hate the current space use. Like a typical row-home condo, somebody had conclusively determined a footprint that would ideally serve "most" needs. So, I needn't board her to discern a few structural things that might better serve me. But the fact is there is a 1:1 trade-off for every forthcoming decision, and I would be wise to assimilate the designer's perspectives, before making any snap judgment at all.

At 60' we probably see a highly predictable 'one-size-fits-most' solution, but as the scale increases, (and the possibility of subtle changes on the fly diminish,) I would really, really hate to find I had bought insufficient, dark-tinted windows, or say a 28' square helipad/sundeck that was barely usable at all because of a *ripping wind-flow.

(*A heretical assumption, I know.)

The advantage of buying used is that you can run it for a season and see if you like it and what should be changed. With a new you need to know in advance. A yacht that is used for a year or two is shaken down so most problems are fixed. On a new this can be annoying, since there will always be minor things that calls for attention. Especially if you are in a hurry to use it after it is launched. Giving the shipyard and your crew enough time for proper sea trials will always pay off.

The difficult thing would be to find the right preowned yacht and you should consult a "buying broker" and a surveyor of your own to help you. Personally I would like to meet the yachts project manager and the captain and ask the right questions...

Finally, you are right in that a new yacht is a new yacht. You will be part of the construction and know it down to the smallest detail.
You will also be able to get her exactly as you like in terms of looks, size, speed, range, materials, GA and all furnishings and equipment.

But you also need to know what you want in advance as I begun with...