Fleming or Marlow Yachts?

If you like the speed of your Meridian that will be the most noticable difference. The Flemming will run at 10-12 kts. the Marlow will cruise at 20+ knots. Also the interior layout of the Flemming will not support the full beam master, the Master in a flemming is in the V-berth.

If you want to talk more send me a message we own a 70 Marlow, that I built new, I can answer any questions you may have.

Oh, NOW you tell me! Where were you when I needed you?

Convention, convention..............

Who said the Grand Banks Aleutian doesn't have stabilizers? Something's gone amiss. I can (try) to answer questions on the GB... as least as far as the 59 goes.

IMO, you don't see a lot of Offshore's on the market because they're great boats, and those that have them are very happy with them. Lacking the need for a new boat of different design, space, use, etc.

What have you, or what do you plan to charter and spend some time on before you sign papers? This will be money well spent, and returned 10 fold later in post purchase ownership.

Yeah, that's the word for it. Full-time job without pay would be more like it.

All of the boats you looked at are much higher in quality than what you had. That being said I would sit down at the dinner table with your wife and come up with a realistic wish/crusing area/usage list. Then that will help narrow down the boats you won't be happy with. For example, will you be mostly cooking on board- how much freezer and galley space does each boat have. What size tender is the minimum (most important if you plan on anchoring and exploring)- what size tender will each carry.......etc etc etc.....Do you need to get somewhere quick, and does cruising and getting beat up at 20+ knots appeal to your schedule.....or are you more happy putting along at a very comfortable 10-12 knots and taking shorter hops and taking your time.......Being able to easily get around the vessel and get on and off the vessel should also be very important- I've had several owners sell their yacht due to this....

The 68' Ocean Alexander is a very beautiful boat. The smaller ones are cramped such as the 56'. Honestly, at your age, why not just charter instead of owning. With an airplane ride, you could charter in different locations all over the world and probably come out cheaper than owning and be able to experience a lot more. A week in the exumas on one boat, a week in the BVI's on another, a week in the Med, a week in the Fjords of Norway, a week in Alaska.......well you get the idea......

Great advice... but 71 may not be all that old... granted there are no guarantees but jeez... I know folks closing 90 still cruising! While I appreciate the charter angle, yet there's an awful lot to be said for having the same bed every night, and being in the "boat you know". Pride of ownership is a major reason just about every boat owner gets into the game. I know if I had a short time to live (not that that's the deal at 71) I'd be irrational and go out and get an old Elco and **** the torpedoes, go have the cruise of a lifetime (in safer waters). But that's me... I vote for buying a good yacht that fills the bill and having at it.

BTW, the "fuzzy" and "fur on the ceilings" stuff cracked me up!

I've been on a Marlow 72 for almost 6 years, its a great boat. Marlow has more speed than of any of their competitors. Fleming and the Grand Banks Aleutian boats are slow tugs. Being able to do 25+knots when the weather turns bad is a priceless bonus. Nobody plans on being caught in rough weather, so it is good to have the power if you need it.

I've seen the finish on an Ocean Alexander as well as others. In my opinion, Marlow does top notch work on their interior fit and finish. I think Marlow builds a better boat with each one they build. They listen to customers comments and act on them.

As far as the exterior goes, I'm on an 8 year old boat, and just now having the blue hull painted. The boat should have had the entire thing painted from the start, but that has to do with paint vs gelcote, not Fleming vs. Marlow vs other Asian boats.

One item I wish Marlows had is more weight in the bow. Marlow is proud of the kevlar/glass vacuum bagged hull to save weight, but a solid glass hull is nice. I believe the other boats carry significantly more weight. Not sure.

Chartering and owning are both great choices for different people. It depends on your personality and sounds like you enjoy the ownership experience more. Chartering might be a good way for you to determine what type of yacht suits you best. Chartering is a great aspect to try different area's and yachts. I have some owners that have a yacht here in the States, but charter a week in the Med and a week in the Carribbean in addition to it because they can charter a larger boat and in unique area's for less money than getting their yacht there.

Lurch, it sounds like you live just west of me (20 minutes east of LIMA) and cruise in my stomping grounds. If you ever want some suggestions on where to go or local knowledge, feel free to get in touch. I cruise these waters about 200 days a year and have been to just about every nook, cranny, marina and waterfront restaurant from Jersey to Boston. I run from all over the Island, but my main gigs are out of the Southampton, Sag and Easthampton area. BTW, you should have seen the North Fork before the vineyards came. Now that was paradise.

I believe the Flemings and GB can cruise at between 17 to 20 Kts !

Agreed.
We can / have kicked the sticks forward and cruised at 22kts but fuel consumption is depressing. Realistic cruise on the GB 59 is about 12 or 13kts.
Maybe 14 when you get the tanks down and some weight off.

The Fleming is less. 10ish I think is their sweet spot. The Marlow I believe is more. 18ish IIRC is theirs. Fleming says they cruise at 15 or 18kts, but when you look at the fuel chart, you'll soon realize that it's a pipe dream. Consumption goes through the roof. The Marlow is a considerably lighter boat as well so that plays a large factor in it. However the two deal with head and beam seas much differently. Light v. Heavy boat dock talk.... err, never ending debate.

Lurch,
I bought a 2009 61E MARLOW in Portland ME in December and have taken it myself, first to Ft Lauderdale and now to Bahamas, where it sits today. My observations jive with most on this thread, except in response to one comment that the fleming was superior in finish levels, I believe this late model MARLOW easily matches the craftsmanship of the Fleming, GB or others. It is fairly wet in head seas above 4 ft, but handles them so far to above 6 ft without complaint. Mine cruises easy at 16kts at 75% load, 52 gph. 19 it's at 82-3 %. Very quiet and lots of storage. It's quite a change from my previous Euro style boats, but I enjoy the 8-10 knot runs now at 10 gph or less. MARLOW MARINE guys, like those at Burr for the Flemings are very responsive. My decision factors were the full beam Master, lighter weight construction, speed and the more modern E stern and transom. With your height, you would like the headroom, salon, below and engine room. Mine is one of the very few bright white Marlow's, which I like....blue hulls require to much attention to look good.

BTW, My best friend went from his old Meridian to a 55 Fleming. ..... He's happy and so am I. Glad to help if you have further questions. Good Luck.

Hi Lurch,

just curious if you reached any conclusion in your search to choose and buy a new boat. Did you end up getting onboard a Flemming and a Marlow for comparison ? Your thoughts on each ?

Thanks