Im new to power yachts having been a sailor since 1976 but grew up on power boats. I'm looking at a number of boats to replace my 60ft sailboat but want a boat that will be capable for off shore passages - a 54/56 Symbol pilothouse without stabilizers, a Hampton of the same size with stabilizers, a 47 Grand banks Europa - no stabilizers, and a 47 Symbol trawler with stabilizers. I will need to make atleast one passage from Florida to Sint maarten. Any experience with these boats and recommendations?
You might want to look at this: http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/symbol-yacht/12740-symbol-yachts.html Also, if you key the SEARCH feature you get a lot of info and opinion on all these.
Take a look at a Marlow Explorer. I have been running one for 4 years. They make a quality boat for the money.
Took the words right out of my mouth. They are a wet boat (at least the older ones) but a great sea boat, built like a tank and very comfortable at anchor.