What 50 to 60 Fly would be suitable for the Caribbean

You have a couple of 180 NM legs (long Island Bahamas > T+C, T+C to Puerta Plata, etc.) so I'd want a 20 knot cruise minimum. Most people figure range based on 80% of fuel capacity. A Prestige isn't going to cut it, both in seakeeping and range. It could be done, with an overnighter, but really isn't suited for the job. A 55' Princess FB would meet all of your parameters and can be had with bow+stern thrusters. A Maritimo flybridge would also meet your needs. A 60' Hatteras MY also would meet all of your parameters and be the best quality MY. None of those will cruise at 30 knots, and be a little shy of hitting 30 knots. If you need BOW+STERN thrusters, or a joystick, you really need to learn how to Captain a yacht. If you need 30 knots, then you need a sportfish.

With you saying 30 kts and all the bells and whistles I think we have to ask the budget. Joystick control is factory installed and greatly limits which boats fit your wish list, but a bow and stern thruster can be added to anything. However that brings me to ask your experience level. If you've never owned / run boats in this class you'll need to figure a captain into your first year's budget and plan (including sleeping accommodations).

I agree 50restige isn’t as sea worthy as a similar sport fish. But its livability is 2x that of sport fish. Lots of trade offs.

If you had a 60' Hatteras MY or whatever they replace it with, then you'd be very happy spending nights on board and not in hotels. You'd achieve your speed, you'd have a boat capable of cruising the Caribbean.

My wife and I initially made a deal that as we cruised, we would stay in a nice resort hotel once a week. The first time came and we looked at each other and quickly decided, "no." The choices were staying on board where we found ourselves very comfortable or load up a suitcase or some sort of bag and go check in and stay in the hotel. That's why I'd encourage enough boat that you can really be comforable aboard. Oh and now we've cruised over 7 1/2 years and over 100,000 nm and not one time have we stayed in a hotel and that cruising has been in a variety of boats.

You commented on a condo but keep in mind it is your second home, your vacation home, and it is much like a condo. It can still be a boat, but don't overlook the value of condo comfort.

Indeed. We've had a boat so we can AVOID staying in hotels. And schlepping stuff back and forth...

A 55'-60' Viking or Hatteras sportfish would be luxury, for us.

-Chris

Those were exactly the answers I hoped for but didn't expect. (We have a lot of dreamers come on here.) Sounds like you're prepared. Sounds like you'd do best looking at a SF for you or the cat for the missus. To me that spells a compromise with a sport cruiser or fast (20 kt.+) FBMY like the Hatteras. Lots of boats to consider in those categories. Btw, the difference between 20kts and 30kts in a big boat isn't much in terms of fun or even how fast you get places. If you want to hop islands fast you can always fly or rent a speed boat and use your yacht as a base. Where it is a big difference is in the purchase price and especially in the fuel and maintenance costs. Depending how well you keep the boat most of the money you spend buying (50-75%+) should come back to you when you resell. The one caution I'll give on that note is Don't Buy New. The first buyer pays to equip the boat, dealers profit and then he gets to work out all the new boat bugs. Considering how little use most larger boats get, one 2-10 years old will be beautiful, modern and quite up to date. Myself I'd never buy a used car, but I'd always buy a pre-owned boat, house, motorcycle or plane.

Wouldn't a good-quality pilothouse cruiser with a fly bridge work well for a trip like this? I am thinking a Fleming 53, an Offshore, or an Outer Reef? Cruise speed more like 15-17 knots, but good sea keeping and built well enough to handle the route.

If pod drives are a prerequisite, perhaps a Belize 54? Or if the budget permits, a Palm Beach 50/55?

I'm not sure how a Hatteras 60 MY is less a fun boat than a Prestige.

That aside perhaps a Palm Beach 65 Flybridge. I don't seen how the Fleming, Offshore or Outer Reef would fit your fun boat classification.

Perhaps might help us if you can elaborate a little on where the Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht falls short.

I note that your experience seems to be with lower helm stations but you're looking for a fly bridge. I suggest taking a ride in a FB with quartering seas on a rough day before you put money down. I personally prefer upper and lower helm stations. Upper for those nice days or when you need a better view; lower for the rough days or when you're entertaining. Many times I've seen husbands upstairs like a hired captain while the wife is down below entertaining their friends. Also the difference between an 88K lb boat and a 34K lb boat is that the latter will probably be faster and less thirsty, but the heavier boat will be more appreciated in rough weather and when the winds are blowing as you try to dock. Bow thrusters are wonderful when docking. I don't think I'd nix a good boat without a stern thruster or joy stick. Certainly a stern thruster can be added to any boat, but why pay for it if you don't need it. For my 2 cents my mains have always been able to put my stern where I need it.

Does anyone still build a Yachtfisher in the 55/65 range? Fast enough, could take a bit of weather and a little Luxo on a budget?

Not per se that I know of. I think the name may be owned by Hatteras, but there's lots of motor yachts with cockpits. Some may need alterations such as cutting off an overhang. YF was from the era when people were adding extensions to everything (and ruining some good boats).

And the weight bothers you because? I'm really trying to understand but I thought performance and space and the ability to cruise the Caribbean were what was important to you. The 34K lbs of the Prestige is just one of the many reasons it is not the right boat for what you want.

I like the yachtfisher design. The Offhore 54 and 62 would work well, but not a 25/30 kt cruise.

Speaking of yachtfish... I like the Mikelson Nomad.