Soon to be new owner

Welcome to YachtForums Dave (luv San Diego!)

While we wait for some good replies, here are some existing threads that may help -

Opinions on 60-70' Express Cruiser

seeking an education

How large can I go without a crew?

Best Flybridge Motor Cruiser For The Money

Kelly Cook

Hi Dave,

Although it depends on your experience and the type of yacht you like to have, in general I would advise a maximum of about 70 ft. Any bigger will be okay in open water, but as soon you as you get into port, bigger yachts can become a handfull and the risk of damaging the yacht is a lot higher.

In case you like to do longer distances, it is advisable to hire an extra hand for long crossings.

Do you have an idea yet of what you would like to have? Brand, Range, speed, style etc.?

Unfortunately in 2007 this forum is not the correct place to get the true answer to this question. You will need to check with your insurance agent!! Some insurance companies will insist on crew for one owner, but not another owner for the same size yacht, due to past experience.

Actually your previous experience is important to find your comfort level. Some boaters can be comfortable with a larger boat after they have moved up from smaller sizes, others might not. Other critical factors are where, how, when, and who will be with you normally.

Tucker Fallon

Good to know Tucker. Is there a size under which all insurance companies will OK operation by the owner and family (no paid crew)?

Kelly

I remember talking to and insurance agent who said that the S. Florida market required a licensed captain on any vessel over 1 million dollars. This captain had to be dedicated to the vessel. I wonder if that is still the case? I think mainly the Ins co wanted to know that the boat was attended and being protected. The insurance cos also will decide if the license is appropriate for the vessel and intended use if necessary.


However getting back to the original question, How big a boat without crew? I feel that it depends on the equipment and the skills of the person who is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting and proper operation of the equipment. (Navigation and boat handleing is its own arena.) Just think saftey. It seems that a 50 foot boat can have the same or equivilent equipment that a 80 footer can have. You have AirCon, bowthrusters, generators, inverters, computers, SAT TV, fire equiment, dinghy, radios and all the pumps, strainers and procedures that go with this stuff plus the new hi performance engines with turbos and electronic interfaces and computers. This stuff should not sit, unused for periods of time, and expect to work trouble free at your demand. Someone who is not hands on or gung-ho with forthought can have problems. Now some captains (pros) have the same problem that they are not that familiar with the new equipment or never got familiar with the old equipment to have some idea of what to do or expect.
Maybe the best plan for someone who wants to do it themselves is do a contract with a knowlegable person for a set time or contract the installers to go through the equipment with them. However maintaining a boat for reliable use, depending on the size of course, is not a one day job prior to leaving for the weekend. That is why Seatow does so well.

There are so many variables in this as well. How is the boat laid out ? If you are driving the boat approaching a marina for dockage. Who are your crew? Can they place and secure a fender? Do they know how to secure the dock line to the boat? If a boat handleling mistake was made by you or another boat and someone was hurt, could you survive emotionally? Do you have the skills to be patient with your friends and family when they don't understand what needs to be done no matter how many times you explain it to them? Remember, you will depend on them and they on you. I'm long in the tooth here, but there is a place for hired crew, you have to find the ones who you can work well with and have fun. Isn't that what it is all about??!!

You could always get your feet wet with a charter or two ...

Kelly

Hi Dave

If your interested send me an e-mail and maybe we can get together for a beer sometime seeing as I am in San Diego at the moment.

Garry

There are not many rules that apply to "all" insurance companies except that they need to make a profit to stay in business and do so by reducing risk. If you purchase a boat in the 50 to 70 foot range, a size that is often owner operated, and hire a crew to help you learn and enjoy the boat, some insurance companies MIGHT drop the crew requirement after you have some experience with the boat.

A good yacht broker will help you find the boat that fits your needs, help you obtain insurance, help you find a crew, and sell the boat for you in 2 or 3 years when you want to go bigger or smaller! As you start looking, keep posting here and you will get lots of feedback from some very knowledgable people.

Tucker Fallon