[PropBet]

Northern Marine's 151' may be an option for you. I see it listed at yc.

It's a great looking boat, however I'm not convinced they have all their QA issues worked out. It sounds like you're looking for a pretty active boat, so mechanical stability and long term reliability should be chief on your list.

[Capt. Bill11]

There's a nice 160' Delta on the market.

And a 157' Trinity trideck.

Neither has a helo pad I believe. Is that a must have?

[stevenpet]

Originally Posted by PropBet

Northern Marine's 151' may be an option for you. I see it listed at yc.

It's a great looking boat, however I'm not convinced they have all their QA issues worked out. It sounds like you're looking for a pretty active boat, so mechanical stability and long term reliability should be chief on your list.

I checked out a few of the Northern Marine's on Yacht Council and they look great. I'll definitely have to look more into them. I really like the master suite layout of the 152.

(I can’t help but feel like I’m not asking the right questions or looking at the most important criteria for shopping for a yacht—kind of like the stereotypical female car buyer who makes their purchase decision based upon the lighted vanity mirrors and the placement of the cup holders.)

[stevenpet]

Originally Posted by Capt. Bill11

There's a nice 160' Delta on the market.

And a 157' Trinity trideck.

Neither has a helo pad I believe. Is that a must have?

From what I’ve heard, once you’ve had a helicopter on your yacht, there’s really no other option. My current favorite yacht, Latinou, doesn’t have a helo pad, so I suppose not.


I didn’t see the Delta 160. Do you know where else it may be listed?

[PropBet]

Delta would be another stellar choice.
I've never heard a bad thing about them from Captains or Engineers alike.

[OutMyWindow]

Attessa III should be coming up for sale soon, as Attessa IV is nearing completion.

[Windswept]

I would think this would be a great time to be in the market. Do you have any desire to buy an American-built yacht? I don't know if there are Deltas or Burgers on the market that suit your needs but certainly they would match the Christensen in quality and be additional made-in-the-USA choices.

[thebighawk]

Take a look at new Christensen, Primadonna. Understated interior from Casino Royale

[Ken Bracewell]

Originally Posted by stevenpet

(I can’t help but feel like I’m not asking the right questions or looking at the most important criteria for shopping for a yacht—kind of like the stereotypical female car buyer who makes their purchase decision based upon the lighted vanity mirrors and the placement of the cup holders.)

I have a friend (another captain) who was hired by a buyer before he even started to look at boats. This worked out very well and they're on the second boat over a period of 8 years. If you're imminently looking to buy, this may be a good option to help steer you in the right direction.

[NYCAP123]

Originally Posted by Ken Bracewell

I have a friend (another captain) who was hired by a buyer before he even started to look at boats. This worked out very well and they're on the second boat over a period of 8 years. If you're imminently looking to buy, this may be a good option to help steer you in the right direction.

Let me preface this by saying that I am not qualified to do this with this class of vessel so there is no mistaking intention. I have operated in this capacity several times and those buyers would attest that this is a very, very good way to go. A buyer can't possible be unbiased and detached even if he is very knowledgeable. For one thing he has the salesman/broker leading him towards what he wants him to concentrate on. For another, the buyer can't help but be excited and a bit overwhelmed by the glitz and by the fact that he is about to let go of a lot of money. The independent captain is only interested in finding out why this boat would not be right for this buyer based on the buyers life & cruising styles and desires. Whether it's beautiful or a dog or how much money is involved is of no concern to him, nor is whether the deal goes through.
This of course is not a substitute for a survey. This is just to find out if it's worthwhile proceeding to survey.

[YachtForums]

On the other hand, a captain might lead a buyer to a larger boat, say... something with commodious crew accommodations, requiring a full time, well-compensated captain?

(all in fun, I'll butt out now)

[NYCAP123]

Originally Posted by YachtForums

On the other hand, a captain might lead a buyer to a larger boat, say... something with commodious crew accommodations, requiring a full time, well-compensated captain?

(all in fun, I'll butt out now)

Once you start talking helicopters I think that's a given.

[MBACH]

Originally Posted by YachtForums

On the other hand, a captain might lead a buyer to a larger boat, say... something with commodious crew accommodations, requiring a full time, well-compensated captain?

On the other other hand, you wish to consult a Refit & Repair representative who has no commission at stake, no special interest in crew accommodation, yet sees all forms of yachts including good aspects as well as bad!

Sorry Carl, I just had to trump you!

[thebighawk]

Pay a surveyor or a captain to be your sounding board, as you search. Day rates, no contracts, a hired gun to help you out in the search, who can walk away at the end, and has no horse in this race

[stevenpet]

Very good advice all around. I appreciate all your feedback and help.

I've made a "plan of attack" and will definitely NOT make a final decision without the advice of an unbiased knowledgeable professional, my choice for Captain, and a reputable survey.

Thanks again.