[---alex---]

hi,

i am owner of a azimut 46 flybridge yacht, but i am looking for a new boat. Ive been checking out the used boat market, and found some interesting 1 year old yachts. Maybe you guys can give me some advice? I'm looking for a flybridge yacht of about 50 feet tall, must have at least 6 berths.

First of all there is the azimut 50/55E i like very much. The design is really beautiful. However i have had a lot of quality problims with my current 46. I had to replace pumps, electric devices, toilets, windscreen, water lines, teak, ... . I also had to repaint the gelcoat, and had a lot of engine problems in the beginning. My technician told me azimut hasn't improved his quality yet. Also, azimuts lose their value very much. So i don't think this is a good deal.

I already visited an ferretti 50, which is really finished into every detail. The inside design is amazing, and high quality (large beds, big lockers). I really liked that they have 2 guest cabins with 2 beds next to each other. also gelcoat, chromes and windscreen are very nice. They price higher, but they keep value in time. The only negative point i see is the old-fashioned exterior..

Then there is the Sunseeker Manhattan 50 that i like very much. I like the design, but i don't know what they are worth? What about the quality?

Finally, i've seen photos of the princess 50 and fairline phantom 50, however i have no experience with this makes. But they seem nice, i wonder what quality level they deliver? 2 friends of mine had a princes 57 and a squadron 58, and they did not really had much problems so i think they are owkay. the phantom 50 i am afraid that one guest cabin (the one with the double bed) has a very smal bed... (seen on pictures)

I was hoping to get some good advice about this boats, maybe anyone has good or bad experience with one of the boats or the make in general.

thanks, alex