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Need Help Finding a Suitable Yacht

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by djames1080, Apr 30, 2012.

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  1. djames1080

    djames1080 New Member

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    Hi Everybody,

    I am new to this forum and yachting itself. Recently I came across an article that sparked my interest in living on a yacht. I am still fairly young and have lived in a few different places over the past few years. Living on a yacht with the ability to see new places on occasion would suit me perfectly, I hate the idea of living in a fixed place for too long.

    I have done some research on different models of yachts and price ranges, but I am having trouble finding one that fits loosely within these preferences:

    - around $100,000
    - 35' to 45', motor powered
    - from the 90's and newer, don't want to go any older
    - interior similar to a Carver as far as space and comfort, but willing to go down on space if necessary
    - able to go offshore and withstand rough seas
    - basically a yacht that is suitable for a single guy, comfortable and able to cross the sea

    I would appreciate any help :)

    Thanks
  2. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Lol... The use of the word "yacht" always sounds funny when taking about a medium size boat here in the US! I know that in some countries a 30' sailboat is called a yacht but here it s a boat! :)

    Seriously, your best bet is to search Yachtworld using their advanced search so you can enter various size, price and year range.

    You need to set some realistic goals when it comes to occasional offshore runs ("cross the seas") as most boats in that size and price range will be somewhat limited.

    The first thing you need to learn is that boats are a collection of compromises. For instance if you want a spacious boat with a large aft statereoom you will sacrifice the boat ability to handle rougher waters due to to wide entry , fairly flat bottom and higher center of gravity

    If you want something to handle rougher water an older sportsfish (Bertram, Hatteras, Viking) built like a tank and with a narrow hull forward is what you need. But you re not going to get a big stateroom with a queen...

    Now if your primary purpose is to live aboard and occasional trips in protected water with the occasional offshore run when the weather cooperates, you don't need a battlewagon. The average carver, silverstein, sea ray etc will be just fine
  3. AlfredZ

    AlfredZ Senior Member

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    For me, the categories are, sail boat, boat, ship! :D

    I agree with Pascal on the method and choice. You can also consider trawlers of you are not looking for speed and would like to have more travel range. There are many of those such as Nordhavn, American tugs, Nordic Tugs, etc.

    Good luck!
  4. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Welcome to YF DJames1080. More details are needed to really refine your search, but check out Marine Traders & Mainships. Might be something there to wet your appetite based on what you've said. DK where in NY you are, but if it's downstate and you'd like someone to help you look over anything (not survey although I could probably recommend someone for that) drop me a PM and I'll be happy to help where I can.
  5. Yachtjocky

    Yachtjocky Senior Member

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    return

    as expected that did not take you long to be back :cool:
  6. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Addiction is a terrible thing. I'm trying to drain the salt from my veins, but it's hard.:) Not strong enough for cold turkey.
  7. Yachtjocky

    Yachtjocky Senior Member

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    addiction

    Forget that idea, you will never succeed. Glad to see you back
  8. djames1080

    djames1080 New Member

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    Thank you everybody for your suggestions and input. I did some searching on YachtWorld and came across this one:

    1996 Silverton 402 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht Power Boat For Sale -

    It looks suitable for offshore cruising with the hull shape and has a nice interior for my standards.

    This one seems to be a decent fit for me, does anybody have experience with this boat or a similar one?

    Thanks again
  9. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    decent boat but i wouldn't say it's sutable for offshore cruising, unless you mean the occasional crossing to the bahamas, run down the jersey coast when the weather is decent.

    that said, this is a big heavy boat to push with gassers, although if you're going to go gas, crusaders are what you want in there compared to mercrappers.
  10. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    212 hours in 16 years?????? That will tell you what kind of cruiser she is. However, if you're looking for a comfortable livaboard that you can take out on the bay occassionally she's good. If you're looking to live on board here for awhile and then move there for awhile (in calm water) she's fine. I believe you'll find she's top-heavy and a scary ride in a quartering sea. She'll be a beast to dock in a 15kt.+ cross wind. I also think you'll find her true cruise speed in the 12 to 17 knot range depending on conditions. Like I always say, every boat has its purpose and is fine if it fits yours. If what I described is what you intend this boat will do fine, but don't plan to cruise in serious stuff.
    You've got about $20K worth of canvas and isenglass on that boat. Check its condition. Also the electronics. If its working most will get you by, but I'm not familiar with that model GPS. Garmin is good, but if that's monochromatic (not color) plan to replace it ($1K-$3K).
  11. SeaWalker

    SeaWalker New Member

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    “Is there/has there been a posting on Altima yachts? Is there a discussion anywhere here? I don’t see a review on Altima yachts. Since I’m shopping for that brand or similar, I’m doing research. Thanks for anyone’s help.” You may post public or PM.
  12. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Have you considered a Sportfish? A customer of mine recently bought a 1990 45' Viking SF that had really low hour engines and was a very nice boat overall with navnet electronics and everything.....
  13. djames1080

    djames1080 New Member

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    Again, thank you all for your feedback. I am completely green when it comes to boating. I just know that it will help me live a better suited lifestyle and I am willing to do whatever it takes.

    After thinking more about what I want, I realized a sportfish is what I will go for. I need a boat that can handle rough waters, and from what I have researched, Hatteras and Viking make good boats, right? Here is one I found that I would consider:

    1985 Hatteras Convertible

    Any feedback on this I would greatly appreciate.

    Thanks,

    Derek
  14. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    The 36 is a very good boat, especially with diesels but not a great liveaboard as the staterooms are smallish. Also, unless you re going to do some serious fishing you don't need the tower

    There is a very nice 45 in the slip next to mine, mid 80s, looks new!
  15. Ormond Bert54

    Ormond Bert54 Senior Member

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    Carver or Bayliner are two names that come to mind if you want a boat to live on that doesn't cost 1/2 million that will be fine in good weather.
  16. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    A friend is thinking about maybe going to a fast trawler style yacht and I'd like to get some recommendations. I'm looking for something mid-90's, around 50', cruise speed 14-16kts., 2 SR, economical, stable, good quality, upper & lower helms, roughly 200-300K. He rarely sleeps on board. My first thoughts are GB, Hat, Marlow, Freedom, etc., but I'd like to get as many names as possible to research. Opinions about the recommendations are very welcome. Thanks.
  17. Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    Have a look at a 54' Offshore or even a 55', although the 55' will be older.
    Great boats and good as a trawler or rises to the occasion when needed. I had my 58, half loaded run at 17 to 19 knots whenever I needed to get home.
  18. JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    Ed -- I'm sure you know "fast trawler" is an oxymoron. The term usually connotes a semi-displacement hull with good fuel economy and range. Hatteras doesn't fit into that category and Marlow is excluded based on your criteria for age, size, and price.

    Offshore is a good suggestion and GBs will meet the parameters as well. Check out Defevers and the zillions of "Taiwanese Tubs."

    Judy
  19. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Thanks Judy (and everyone else with ideas). At this stage of the search, age and $ are fairly flexible. Quality is the main criteria. I have my friend/client (definitely in that order) monitoring this thread for names to research. I've given him several but figured I avail him of the vast experience here. His past love was a Viking SC which he used mostly for lunch runs across the sound and a few longer trips. He's now interested in more coastal cruising which doesn't require as much speed and I've pointed out that better fuel economy and a little more age in a quality vessel could give him more bang for the buck and more miles under the keel. There's also many more boats in this genre that can be found well kept by knowledgable owners. So please keep the names and opinions coming. Thanks to all.
  20. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Thanks Judy (and everyone else with ideas). At this stage of the search, age and $ are fairly flexible. Quality is the main criteria. I have my friend/client (definitely in that order) monitoring this thread for names to research. I've given him several but figured I avail him of the vast experience here. His past love was a Viking SC which he used mostly for lunch runs across the sound and a few longer trips. He's now interested in more coastal cruising which doesn't require as much speed and I've pointed out that better fuel economy and a little more age in a quality vessel could give him more bang for the buck and more miles under the keel. There's also many more boats in this genre that can be found well kept by knowledgable owners. My personal experience is more in the SC style. So please keep the names and opinions coming. Thanks to all.