New member - Advice needed

Welcome to YF Hovy. Wow, is that ever an open-ended question with just too many correct answers to do you much good, even in just that style. Two suggestions I'll make are: first, that you do some chartering to get more of a feel for the life before plunking down a few million $. Second that you search the threads here about 'New boater, new owner, thinking of buying, cost of ownership, etc., etc.' There has been so much written that it could keep you busy for months. The good, the bad and the ugly has all been written about here.

Hi, these are not typical long range cruisers. If you can, I would recommend a visit to the Genua Boat Show as well.

How are you planning on using the yacht, how long do you plan to be onboard at a time, how many guests during these trips, how far do you plan on traveling, what ammenities and activities do you enjoy?

Take a look at Westports and Lazzaras.

Westport would be well worth a look. (98 or the 112) Great tooth cutting boat. Good friends with a captain on a 112, which he speaks highly of the boat in most every scenario. They're a little wet in a head sea but the fit, finish, quality, layout etc. is very well done for the price point and an easy boat to cut your teeth on. Westport's customer service is also outstanding.

Depending on your use and likes / dislikes, it may be worth a look and spend some time on. They charter frequently at a fair price point as well. Particularly in the current market.

I'd also consider Ocean Alexander with their larger offerings that have splashed. Nothing in the >100 range (yet), but their '90 Motoryacht is another very well thought out boat. Different in style and function than the Westport, so worth a comparison look if she catches your eye.

Best of luck to you and welcome to the forum. There is a wide and deep breed of knowledge here. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

How deep is your checkbook?
Speed is entirely dependent on your desire. Do you want (or need) something that does 30 knots? And are you willing to pay for it, up front, and after 1000 nautical miles of sailing? The latter being the pivotal strike. The faster you go, the more fuel you'll burn (for the lack of a perhaps lengthy debate). >30 kts and +/- 100' of boat is going to narrow your search down considerably.

I'm happy at 15 to 18 knots with the kids and family on board. If we need to push the sticks and beat bad weather, then we pay for it at 2X the burn rate.

That depends on how much money you are willing to pay in fuel per hour and what kind of range you want for the boat. Also some of the faster large boats are not the most comfortable when it's rough. And you have to slow down anyway.

IF speed is what you want

Come on you guys!! Give him some GOOD advice:

Hovy, Look at the 42 meter "the worlds not enough".
She'll get you there quick at 60+ knots.

Good luck with your search!

Here are a few links to keep the mind occuppied, prior to the boat shows:


http://www.charterworld.com/index.html?sub=yacht-charter&charter=lazzara-motor-yacht-lsx--sb-5858 Checkbook is open.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hpNduXi4Yc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJv3iGmI8NA

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/technical-discussion/5855-volvo-ips-cmd-zeus.html

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/technical-discussion/16217-volvo-ips-500-overheating.html

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/technical-discussion/15893-volvo-ips-drive-crash-video.html

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/lazzara-yacht/9701-feature-preview-new-lazzara-lsx-92-a.html

http://www.lsx92.com/