Building a Boat/need advice

Jumping on your first big boat can drive you crazy. The folks here on this forum have probably spent many lifetimes running, servicing, and owning just about everything that floats, and then some. When you start asking about specific models here, hang on.
I do suggest that you and your family start a wish list of what and where you want to go and what you want to do. IE, if your not into scuba diving or underwater affairs, you may not want a submarine or decompression chamber.
OR, if chartering in the off time, check into scuba offerings on board. Maybe these are not the best examples but I hope you get at what I'm trying to say.
Next, Find a broker (not the little sea-ray guy down the street). Take this list with you. Be prepared for a new friend coming into your life. Pick up a tall file cabinet and reserve a wall in your home to tape up lots pictures.

Good luck and stay in touch.

Mhm I think an older Wesport 130 (year 2001/2) should fit in your budget.
These Limited Edition are as a new built 30% cheaper than others but I think they are still to expensive for you.

But as already said think at first of what you want/need..

You might also feel tempted to take a look at the Ocea commuters. Very seakind vessels capable of serious cruising.

what yacht is your type of yacht

although this subject had been covered in a number of threads in this forum, i would still like to comment;

you should 1st define your profile for boating and then look for the type of yacht that will make you happy. you have mentioned that you want the yacht to cross the atlantic on her own bottom. for this purpose neither west port nor sunseeker are very good alternatives. they are more build to cruise close to shore and not for long range cruising.

amels is definitely a good choice, but a new amels will be beyond your budget. with your budget you can build in a 1st class yard a boat in the range of 35 meters and such a boat may give you a lot of space to cruise with family and friends. a displacement yacht will have a better range and better sea keeping, but would be slower. however, in my opinion even with a semi displacement yacht like the sunseekers and west ports people most of the time travel at displacement speeds (10-13 knots for that size).

your decision to charter is a wise decision; i also suggest you employ consultants who may help you in the process.

FYI - here is a similar thread from earlier this year - lots of good tips

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/g...sion/15706-new-yachting-13-million-spend.html

Enjoy!

Rod

Find a good agent you trust, they could be worth talking to.

Buying guide | Yachts for sale

I think your best resource is to attend one of the large boat shows Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, or Monaco. Nothing can substitute for seeing and feeling the scale of a yacht in person. Do you like the traditional look, modern sleek tri-deck, expedition style? Touring yachts of various sizes and styles should help you narrow the search significantly. From there, make your wish list of features important to you, many of which have been mentioned other responses here. One major item I would consider important is speed. Do you have unlimited time? If so, get a slower displacement yacht that will have a more comfortable ride, and be more economical to operate. If you have shorter periods of time and want the ability to cover more ground in a week or two then consider a faster design. Finally, consider hiring a captain early on in the process to help in the selection or construction process. A perspective from the crew side of the equation is important, as you will find that a boat designed for easier maintenance and crew comfort will pay off with crew retention. A happy crew makes for a happier owner!

Have you ever considered looking at a Moonen yacht?

very well build, good looking and able to do world travelling.

It's one of my favourite builders!!

Hi,

To charter a yacht in the 30-40m range you're looking at around $85,000 p/w in the lower end, and the top end seemed to be around the $150,000 p/w. There also seemed to be some nice boats on offer around $100,000 p/w.

Those Amels you have taking fancy too would be out of the budget range that you have stated above - guessing the 177 ($50m+), 212 ($60m+). I'm pretty sure Tim Heywood has done the exterior design on those, plus Amels would more than likely have contracted an interior designer as well.

Nilo seems to be on the money - 35m for a new build for the price stated. Possibly up to a 45m could be on the cards for a pre-owned.

Just some thoughts. Cheers

Far

As mentioned, an experienced consultant/broker will help you tremendously. There are a lot of wonderful yachts available. It is possible to purchase a beautiful existing yacht that is around six years old or newer for far less than a new build.

After a couple of charters you will probably have a much better idea of how you really will want to use the yacht.

Please keep us informed; it is always interesting to see the results of a personal yachting quest.

building a yacht is not just owning a yacht

i definitely agree that there are very good opportunities in the second hand market due to economic slow down; however, i know from personal experience that building a yacht is not just about owning a yacht, but more fulfilling a dream and being part of a creation. if one chooses this path, of course there are several challenges but rewards as well....