Newbie looking for advise

vornado · 03-09-2008, 11:27 PM

Hello everyone. First, let me introduce myself. I live in Venezuela where I now have a Crownline 27' express cruiser. My wife and myself love spending long weekends at the "Morrocoy National Park" on our boat.
We will be moving to Panama in 4 - 6 months and we need a new boat. These is where we need your advise.
We would like to stay in the 42' - 48' range since we do not like to have crew on board. The boat must have a minimum range of 250 nm. Our budget for this is US$ 1 million.
Also, I have read a lot about the Volvo IPS on yachts. Has anyone here have any experience with this? Is this something I should be looking for on my new boat?

Pascal · 03-10-2008, 09:35 AM

IPS offer a number of advantages over conventional inboard including better fuel efficiency. However, make sure that you can find a dealer/yard that is familiar with them in Panama or it will quickly get very expensive.

as to size, keep in mind that layout, access to lines from helm, etc... is far more important when short on crew, of even single handling, than size. For instance, with a lower helm and side doors from the pilothouse you are just a few steps from your spring lines. once those are set, you have all the time in the world... With the right layout, there is no reason you single hand a larger boat.

Loren Schweizer · 03-10-2008, 11:28 AM

Hi Vornado and welcome to YF.
If you are moving to Panama--and especially if you'll be based out of Panama City, i.e., on the Balboa end of the Canal--you will be roughly 100 miles away from some of the best Black Marlin fishing on the face of the Earth: Pinas Bay.

This would suggest a Sportfishing vessel, none of whom, to the best of my knowledge, are equipped with IPS drives.
Might be less worrisome with conventional running gear, as well, if you nick something running back & forth to Contadora, a bedroom community for many businesspeople in PC.

vornado · 03-10-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loren Schweizer

Hi Vornado and welcome to YF.
If you are moving to Panama--and especially if you'll be based out of Panama City, i.e., on the Balboa end of the Canal--you will be roughly 100 miles away from some of the best Black Marlin fishing on the face of the Earth: Pinas Bay.

This would suggest a Sportfishing vessel, none of whom, to the best of my knowledge, are equipped with IPS drives.
Might be less worrisome with conventional running gear, as well, if you nick something running back & forth to Contadora, a bedroom community for many businesspeople in PC.

Hi Loren: We are not really into fishing. We are looking at a motor yacht with a Fly bridge. Something like the new Meridian 441 Sedan. I like the space you gain with the Fly bridge but I am a little worried about how it will behave on rough seas.
We will be based in Panama City, on Balboa or Flamingo. Perls islands (Contadora) will be one of the places will be visiting often.

vornado · 03-10-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pascal

IPS offer a number of advantages over conventional inboard including better fuel efficiency. However, make sure that you can find a dealer/yard that is familiar with them in Panama or it will quickly get very expensive.

as to size, keep in mind that layout, access to lines from helm, etc... is far more important when short on crew, of even single handling, than size. For instance, with a lower helm and side doors from the pilothouse you are just a few steps from your spring lines. once those are set, you have all the time in the world... With the right layout, there is no reason you single hand a larger boat.

Hi Pascal:

Thanks for your advise. I will keep it in mind.

Loren Schweizer · 03-10-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vornado

but I am a little worried about how it will behave on rough seas.

The Meridian 411 Sedan and other early (2003) models "were essentially warmed-over Bayliners" and have a relatively flat 7-degree aft deadrise, according to 'Powerboat Guide'.

BTW, Bayliners were never notable for their rough seas capabilities.

vornado · 03-10-2008, 02:17 PM

Loren: Do you have any info on the new Meridian 441?

Loren Schweizer · 03-12-2008, 10:05 AM

Here's Meridian's brochure...she just made her debut at the NY show in January.

http://www.meridian-yachts.com/broch...modelid=113585

Pascal · 03-12-2008, 10:45 AM

i havnet' seen the 411 personally, but i've read a few comments about very tight engine room and lousy access. personally, i put ER design very high on my list, even if you dont' do your own work, cramped ER will cost you in labor...

vornado · 03-12-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pascal

i havnet' seen the 411 personally, but i've read a few comments about very tight engine room and lousy access. personally, i put ER design very high on my list, even if you dont' do your own work, cramped ER will cost you in labor...

Hi Pascal: The model that I am interested on is the 441, not the 411.

vornado · 03-12-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loren Schweizer

Here's Meridian's brochure...she just made her debut at the NY show in January.

http://www.meridian-yachts.com/broch...modelid=113585

Thanks Loren: I was just wondering if someone here has seen this boat in person. The Meridian website does not show much and does not have any performance data.

Loren Schweizer · 03-14-2008, 09:44 AM

Carl, if they are not practicing what fighter pilots call 'avoidance posture', this could very well be an excellent opportunity for you to sign up the Meridian folks to the YF site.

Loren Schweizer · 03-14-2008, 11:52 AM

Vornado, just five minutes ago, one of those archaic paper publications known as a boat magazine was tossed onto my desk and there is an article about this 441.
Look on your local newsstand for a big orange 'P***r' on the cover.

vornado · 03-18-2008, 09:35 PM

Thank Loren, I will look it up.