What 50 to 60 Fly would be suitable for the Caribbean

If you're considering a catamaran, I'd recommend chartering one in the Caribbean for a week or more to find out how you feel about it.

The weight is a problem, how??? It cruises at 24 knots at 85 GPH with 2 seakeepers that keep it totally stable.

The new model Grand Banks 54 and 60 seem to be fast with good range. The 54 review says 461 nm range at 20kts with top speed of 31kts. I saw one in Nantucket last week, it looked better in person than in the ads. I don’t know how well it handles rough seas.

They are very nice boats but I don't know if they meet his "fun" boat requirement.

You sound like me 4 years ago. My 2cents:
- my 54’ flu bridge is awesome for Bahama runs
- 2 couples are great: 3 cramped
- Ladies love “being there” more than “getting there”

-My lesson learned is long open water voyages sre more delivery trips than party trips. It’s better to get the boat there then have guests fly in.

- and is Caribbean reachable In a 55-60? Sorta and sure/ maybe. The 180NM jumps ain’t easy.... I’ve done the math and shipping from SFl May be easier than driving it own bottom.
- IMHO there are more places to learn and explore in the Bahamas before you head to Carribean.

Suggestion
-Start with West End/ or Abacos- when fixed/ or Chub or The Berries or Staniel or Highbourne—- then decide if Carribezn is even necessary.

Good comments above. Comparing the weight has validity for ride considerations and seaworthiness. Prestige 520 is more like a 50’ compared to a 60’ Hatteras based on the swim platform size, and the Hatteras is 3-1/2’ wider. According to the online literature, Prestige 690 is even 1/2’ narrower than a 60’ Hatteras and weighs less. It may be looking for a bigger boat than the 520 is a big part of the equation and change may change the perspective of many of the comments. Good luck on your decision.

Docking a 60 vs a 50 is just not much of a difference. For instance, the Hatteras 60 with it's weight and with thrusters is likely easier than the 52 or so Prestige.

If you had to go smaller, there are some boats that might be better suited than the Prestige, such as a similarly sized Grand Banks or Sunseeker, but none that I would say is ideal.

One thing we commonly see is 5' itis. That's where people just start too small for their purposes and keep getting 5' longer. Cutting that process out and starting with the right boat is preferred, in my view.

I hope you'll think some of this as a second home and select accordingly. This isn't something you're going to use just for a weekend here and there. Comfort is important. If you find yourself longing for home, it's a problem. I think if you are on your boat and find yourself longing for a hotel room, there's a problem. Other than the room you can enjoy the other resort amenities from the marina. You go out sight seeing for the day on land, tired after a long day, returning home to your boat should feel great. You should be able to sleep as well as at home and to prepare any meals you would at home. If you like television or movies or music at night then you should have it. If the internet is important to your happiness, then have it. You want to both love your boat and love using it.

As to your mention of single handed. That would be sad if that's what your wife wanted. I'm not saying she has to get a captain's license like mine, but surely take the helm and watch long enough for you to go to the restroom or engine room and as you dock, just take a line and wrap it around a dock cleat to hold until you can get there. 90% of docking is single handed in that the work is done at the helm. The need for help is limited but the little things you get from another person are very helpful. If your wife is going to boat with you, encourage her to be as big a part of it as she desires. You'll be amazed how her skills improve in being a mate to you. Some couples even find docking goes better with the wife at the helm and husband the deck hand.

This is exactly why the Hatteras 60' is so suited for this role. Plenty of freezer/refrigerator space compared to Prestige mentioned or most other Euro boats in it's size, a second generator is an option and most have it, plenty of room in the engine room for a water maker and accessing things, and storage as well as a full beam master with king sized bed. Another thing not mentioned is a quiet boat, the Hatteras is very quiet at the dock whereas a lot of lighter boats can be noisy and hear wakes and things of that nature.

Have you looked at Sunseeker Manhattan flybridge models? I don't know if the range is there but I believe that is a significant step up in seakeeping and systems.

I am not a flybridge guy but that seems to be in you and your wife's design brief.

I think he did that, which is why he is trying to avoid it, he mentioned his wife loved that but he wants a boat.

He was on one in the Bahamas.

I'm a fan of the Manhattans. Problem is, they build a 52' which honestly isn't enough boat (range) and the 66' which is a great running boat but way outside of his size range.

I wondered about the range of the Sunseeker Manhattan 52 for his plans. Looks like 580 gallon fuel capacity in that model. Not going to do it.

175 NM at most with a 20% reserve and that was on calm water. I ran one over 1000 NM's.

You may certainly do what you wish, but if you think for one moment my wife and I settle for two minute showers or think we do our own cleaning, or cruise at under 20 knots then you're imagining compromises that just don't have to be made on boats in the 60' range.

Now, unfortunately, I don't think there's anything under 55' that will meet all your needs. Most lack the range or speed. I think chartering a few makes sense but don't honestly know of any boats in charter that fit your desire.

I would consider Palm Beach and Grand Banks.

I hope someone can come up with something we haven't mentioned.

Now, a little story of experience. We wanted a boat for the great loop. No more than 19' air draft, 5' water draft, cruise in upper 20's at least, at least three good staterooms, decent range and we said it must have a fly bridge and both upper and lower helm.

A lot of boats too slow and a lot lacking accommodations. Hatteras 60, we rejected because no lower helm. We rejected Sunseeker Manhattan 63 because we didn't want galley down. Rejected Grand Banks as they were in a bit of turmoil plus the 59 was too slow. We were considering a custom build.

Then, Sunseeker offered the Manhattan 65, an identical boat to the 63 except galley down (has now been replaced by 66). It didn't fit our 60' boundary as it was actually 69' 4" LOA. But we bought it and did the loop. We sold it and face the same decision again for 2022 or 2023 and haven't seen any good new candidates. We like Palm Beach but don't like the lack of bow seating. We're considering a CAT although most too slow for us. Or could be a Sunseeker Manhattan 66 or maybe something new will come along. Might consider a Fleming 65.

The point is that every boat is a compromise and in the size range you're looking it's especially true. The boat I'd like to see isn't being built today. Don't be afraid to move up a little in length for the right boat or to consider one that initially doesn't appeal as much to you but can perhaps be customized for you. Don't say no to boats that you really haven't explored in detail. People would think appearance would be huge for my wife and me but it's not, utility is. That Sunseeker we ended up putting over 10,000 nm on it with an average of five people aboard and spent all nights on board. A lot of long showers. Only real shortfall was holding tank so pump outs every time we bought fuel and often in between. It wasn't our perfect boat but we sure had a lot of fun on it.

Good luck, but don't let the lack of a perfect boat stop you from getting a boat that works very well for you.