Advice on 60 foot sedan bridges

Like it or not, Sea Ray does enjoy a large share of the market. The product does well on the resale market and has excellent brand loyalty among it's owners. It is easy to see why they are so popular.

The other boat I would suggest, that you did not mention but perhaps may consider, would be the Viking Sport Cruiser. They seem to compare favorably.

The fairline is a much better boat imo. From design quality, Hull quality, Finishing and overall look. The Fairline looks well built. You can see that without even getting as far as boarding. The sunseeker will probably save you a few pennies but you just aren't getting top notch gear. Even down to the handrails and cleats on a Fairline being far more substantial.
I've driven many Squadrons and can vouch for their capabilities, ride quality and overall design. Currently driving a 74.
The sunseeker is great if you want to look a bit flasher but i liken it to a mass produced sports car versus a top end luxury vehicle.
If you want any info on any Fairlines i'd be happy to help.

Welcome to Yacht Forums Crab. If slightly more conservative styles are Ok, then it's easy to expand on that list. See yachts such as Alden, Azimut, Horizon, Marquis, Neptunus, and Ocean Alexander.

Kelly Cook

Ms. Crab:

Great name, BTW.

When you get onboard your potential dream boat at the Miami Show, head straight for your stateroom.
Turn off the stereo, tell the rabble outside to just, please, SHUT UP, and listen...

If you hear the slap-slap of wavelets on the bow chines noticeably, know full well that it will take a lonnnng time to get used to this prior to the arrival of the Sandman.

Good luck performing your due diligence!

You may want to look at the Ferretti line as well. I recently traded up from a Fairline 52 Targa to a Ferretti 68. After quite a bit of research I narrowed our selection down to the Fairline 68 and Ferretti. While the Fairline product is terrific and backed by committed & knowledgable management, the Ferretti came closer to meeting all my needs.
Don't forget to consider the dealer and service requirements!
Happy hunting..
Tripletreasures

ferretti vs fairline

I have owned two Ferretti boats since '98, a 53 and a 68 and I have cruised with Fairlines as well. Fairline a very good build boat, technically well thought out. Definitely a better choice than Sunseeker. Compared to Fairline, Ferretti has a lower angle of attack and planes more easily. Ferretti is build more for summer, the opening part on the aft deck/salon door converges the two areas into one sociable area. Better flybridge layout on the Ferretti 68. There is more light in the boat due to larger window area in the salon.

Hi Crab and welcome to YF,

Based on the criteria you set forth, one boat came to mind. The Neptunus 56. We did a review on this boat because I thought it stood out in the market. Here's a link. See what you think...

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/neptunus-yacht/5028-review-neptunus-56-flybridge.html

I just bought a new Fairline Phantom 48. I studied most of the makes over the last half year. From what I have heard from many boat owners and users in our area and from all the info. I have gathered, Fairline is one of the best. I would vote for the Squadron 58. She is a superb boat in all aspects.

With some very expensive yacht names the builder will simply fly his tech to you when your boat needs attention. But I don't know which of these builders might provide that, or whether there would be some charge for this. Worth asking about however.

Kelly

When you get to the Miami International Boat Show make sure you also get to the Yacht and Brokerage Show on Miami Beach at the same time. The International Show has new boats only, but at the Brokerage Show you can look at some of the boats that interest you that may be a few years old and see how they have aged. There are also lots of new boats at the Brokerage show as the space at the International Show is limited.
Plan to spend a few days as these shows are really big, but there are free shuttle buses between the locations -so only pay for parking once.
Tucker Fallon Yacht Broker

Marine Max - Ferretti

Crab,

Here's the right Marine Max guy to speak to in Miami:

Bob Fritsky
Director of Sales/
Ferretti Group Brands
Marinemax
750 South Federal Highway
Pompano Beach, Florida 33062
Office 954-618-0440
Fax 954-315-8660

Please let him know the guy from CT gave you his contact info and he will treat you well.

Good luck!

Triple Treasures

In looking at my next boat I toured a number of factories including Fairline. I also seatrialed a Fairline 62 Targa during my visit.

I really liked the way the Fairline handled (it felt smaller than it was) and the seakeeping features of the boat. I would assume those seakeeping features are similar across the brand.

What I didn't like, and this is all personal, was the interior design of the boat. It felt dated to me, and it would only get worse with time. Secondly, the factory was really quite a mess. Again, this might not mean anything, but the emphasis Fairline places on handbuilt is not so much a feature but a fact of where the company is with implementing technology.

In summary, I do think they make a good quality boat that you won't go wrong with, except potentially on re-sale. Kind of like buying a "Tudor" style house in Florida!

Fairline have recently updated their interiors and they are now much more open plan and modern looking. The cherry effect is still available but there is now much more choice. They now offer a much more bespoke service than in the past.
With regard to the factory i'm very surprised indeed as i've had many visits there and it's always been spotless.

Actually that was some of the feedback I gave to the head of products and eventually the CEO: given Fairline's handbuilt capability, it should really feature it by enabling far greater customization of the finishing.

Regarding the factory, I guess it all depends on what other factories you have been to. "Mess" might have been too harsh but it wasn't anywhere near spotless like other factories I have seen. I was suprised to see workers doing the fiberglass work without any breathing protection. I got a headache just walking through that area.

Fairline now provide a second choice of interior for their boats. It's a very modern style and the wood finish is matte white oak. IMO it looks fantastic and the quality is great.
These are some interior pictures of my new 2007 Fairline Phantom 48.

nice
im envious

Thank you Capeetan. At your disposal, anytime . Just hop over.

Wow, that is a good look for the new Fairline!

At the Miami Show I was told that they are totally re-designing the Targa 62, including adding a few feet to it.