Even more rich getting richer

Kevin · 03-10-2007, 11:35 AM

Did anyone else notice the latest "Billionaires" list from Forbes that was published last week?

All the usual suspects are there, of course. What I find interesting is that there are more this year than ever before... a total of 946 billionaires worldwide, for a combined total wealth of $3.5 trillion (which is 35% more than last year). Bill Gates tops the list (again... surprise!!) but he lost a little ground to Mr. Buffet who made himself $10 billion last year. Still, not much "news" at that end of the list.

Like I said though... it's notable just how many new names made the list. There were only 746 billionaires worldwide last year. This year there are two hundred more!

I guess the yacht industry is pretty safe for now.

More about a few interesting whos and hows here: LINK

Codger · 03-10-2007, 12:34 PM

I wonder how many of those listed have yachts of any consequence.

MaxResolution · 03-11-2007, 06:34 AM

Or, let's put it this way, how many of those 200 'newbies' were smart enough to make "YachtForums.com" their first port-o-call?

Ken Bracewell · 03-11-2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Codger

I wonder how many of those listed have yachts of any consequence.

I can say with confidence; MANY

veryfastboat · 03-11-2007, 10:36 PM

How big is too big when it comes to yachts and marinas. Is anything over 250 feet difficult to place in a marina environment? Thanks.

Kevin · 03-11-2007, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Codger

I wonder how many of those listed have yachts of any consequence.

Have, or will want...

With numbers like what I read on that list it's hardly surprising the order books keep filling up so fast.

MaxResolution · 03-12-2007, 01:54 AM

Wow, 250 ft? I believe you are talking about a ship. If you look at all the sales brochures for these new destination get-aways, you'll find about 75% more berthing opportunities for boats under 90 to 100 ft. That leaves 25% or less for the largest of the fleet. The cost of ownership, or even a time-share is priced according to the scarcity. 'Rybovich's New Marina' -listed here, proudly boasts accomodations up to 240'.

But, from all I've seen, it's your 175' boats that earn the greater interest of the yachting community, and it's the rare bird, like Paul Allen, who wants to bother with housing two helicopters onboard just to shuttle to-and-fro. Look at Christensen's offerings and get back in touch.

AMG · 03-12-2007, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veryfastboat

How big is too big when it comes to yachts and marinas. Is anything over 250 feet difficult to place in a marina environment? Thanks.

Yes it is. I think 300 feet is where it is getting very difficult to find marina berthing. Up to 200 feet is easier but not always possible and a realistic size if you would like to enter the most beautiful ports is 150' or smaller.

Eventhough there are many yachts around 200 feet coming out now, the highest demand seems to be for recent yachts close to 150 feet. This is the size where you can get three decks within a good looking exterior.

And if you ask me, cruising with more than six guests onboard is no fun, why anything between 100 to 150 feet is my perfect size for a private superyacht.

Loren Schweizer · 03-12-2007, 07:38 AM

Assuming the majority of the marinas accepting these larger vessels were conceived & built some years back when a 75 gph/hr-burning boat was typical, what new plans exist for yachts burning more than three times that?
I have heard anecdotal evidence of marinas in the Bahamas offering only small allotments of diesel to ascertain that all get some without their own tanks going dry.

K1W1 · 03-12-2007, 08:35 AM

Hi,

Getting any berth in the Med can be difficult these days regardless of size.

I was on a 52 ft Sunseeker a few years ago and even though the Owner had a 50+m yacht and considerable pull in many ports it was often only possible to get a berth tied up alongside the bigger boat causing many a bottle neck in some of the narrow access ports we were in then.

As for fuel rationing in the Bahamas I have not experienced it but then again I haven't bunkered in any small Bahamian places since 1996.

veryfastboat · 03-12-2007, 10:09 AM

Thank you for all the resposes. I am currently reviewing the Christensen, Westport 164 and a trinity custom build. It appears that staying in the 160-200 feet is my best option. I want the ability to travel in and out locations that the megas struggle with.

Neil Rooney · 03-12-2007, 05:54 PM

The limit for yachts in St. Barth's , stern to, in Gustavia is 200 feet.

MaxResolution · 03-13-2007, 03:38 PM

I'm grateful to learn this from the Captain's position, as well as the designer's sketch-pad. My objective, were I in such a buying position, would be to pick a classic hull; having proven its maneuverability, smooth ride and efficiency many times over. Also, I would not hestitate to begin to learn all this by shopping 'used.' Since 1999 is hardly 'old' in nautical terms, here's the sort of 'archetype' I would study as a guide. At $34M, this 158' Feadship is no 'starter model.' The next question might be, what's it going to involve to get her outfitted to suit my unique needs? Lars is probably correct to place this at the lesser-end of his scale, if we are concerned with outright portability... 14.5kmh isn't exactly a 'ski-boat,' but I bet she's a lot more fun to own!

AMG · 03-13-2007, 04:04 PM

The 2003 Katrion from Feadship is 30 feet lesser than this one...

The 1997 Katrion in your example is a very nice Feadship and first time John Munford designed a contemporary motor yacht interior instead of his usual classic panels. Her speed is 14,8 knots!

MaxResolution · 03-13-2007, 05:09 PM

You're right, pardon me. Seller lists 1997 "De Vries Scheepsbouw" at 14.8 km, without mention of the interiors. Evidently, you are very impressed with their -30' loa, 2003 model. You see why I like Feadship's designs, -no similarity to a '90's Chevy Caprice!