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Looking for Coastal Cruiser

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by LuvBigBoats, Jan 1, 2021.

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  1. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Thanks--if I pursue the OA further I'll look into painting instead of gel coating. Not sure how much effort it would be to strip down the gel coat before painting, but sounds like a big job.

    The MTUs are referred to as "MTU 1200" that are 1000 hp each. They don't seem very popular. Originally I was going to avoid MTU altogether, but after talking to some people I got comfortable that parts and service for the Series 60 were easily available in my area so I expanded my search to include the Series 60 boats. These MTU 1200s, not so much.

    On a side note, has anyone here replaced an enclosure panel (eisenflass, strataglass or similar) with a panel that is more solid and has a windshield wiper? Trying to figure out what I would have to do if I forego the lower helm. Definitely want a wiper in front of me and possibly one on each side as well. Do they work well? Do they hold up over time?
  2. GPO

    GPO Member

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    Re your side note. I have a Riviera open flybridge with no lower helm. Replaced the factory clears with higher quality thicker acrylic panels. Customized with sliding panels either side and aft of the helm for ventilation. On hot summer days the flybridge can become a greenhouse, especially at rest. Have flybridge heat but not AC. Don’t really need AC here and don’t want it. I avoid running the genset while on the hook to better enjoy quiet anchorages. Also have zippered opening portions both sides at the helm for easy opening for docking (and ventilation). Front windshield is a curved rigid 3 ml panel with dual windshield wipers, a must in the Pacific Northwest. Works well. Eight years life thus far with very minor repairs. Common arrangement in PNW. Canvas Supply in Seattle and Philbrooks in Sidney, BC. both very capable fabricators/installers. Don’t know who in your market does this work.
  3. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Great info, thanks. Does the front windshield attach to the enclosure on the sides with zippers? What about on the top?
  4. GPO

    GPO Member

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    A slotted runner is installed on the underside of the flybridge roof. The windshield "frame" has a rail along the top that slides into this runner and another rail along the bottom that slides into a runner that's installed on the top of the venturi. Zippers along the sides enable you to join the windshield frame to the frames of adjacent panels. Some additional notes: The windshield material itself is mounted within the surrounding framing material with a 3M adhesive tape. There's another boat in my marina done with this 3M product that has lasted for 14 years (probably due for a "refresh" though). Some installers use a glue because it's easier to work with than the 3M tape but I'm told it doesn't hold up as well. I went with the 3M product. Hope this helps.
  5. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Yes it helps. Sounds like you have a hard top. Any idea whether this could be done on a bimini style top?
  6. GPO

    GPO Member

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    Yes, my flybridge roof is a hardtop. I've not seen an example of an installation on a bimini top myself. I asked my tech and he stated that he's done numerous installations on bimini/canvas tops. Here in the Pacific Northwest there's demand for this solution, so this doesn't surprise me. Hopefully an experienced tech in your area will also be familiar with these kinds of installations.
  7. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Good to know, thank you.
  8. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Still shopping. I really like the 62 Navigator, especially the seating area on the bow, which would be great for up to 7 or so people relaxing in the sun while moored at Catalina or cruising around the island. They come with Volvo D12s or Yanmar/Scania 6SY 720s. Trying to do some research on those engines, especially the Yanmars, since local parts and service could be an issue. Not much written about Navigators on this forum, but from what I can tell they are a solid boat.

    Also still looking at the Hatt 63 RPH, though the one that's local is now off the market there are a few on the East Coast. They don't have a seating area in the bow, and the master bed is turned sideways with hte head against the hull side, which seems less than ideal.

    1. Any info on parts availability for those Yanmars, even if not local to the West Coast?

    2. Anyone know of another boat in the 60' range that has bow seating like the Navigator?

    3. Anyone know if the sideways oriented bed up against the hull will end up rocking a lot more when moored or anchored than if it is centerline facing forward?

    4. Anyone know much about Pacific Mariners? There are a couple for sale. Engine room height seems lacking and they would require some serious interior updating, but they seem like solid boats.

    Thanks
  9. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    The master stateroom Queen used to be headboard against the port side on my old 53 and it was fine. No difference when sleeping compared to headboard against the transom as it is now.

    only reason I moved it is because I combined the guest and master into one big suite and it made more sense having the bed on the centerline. But I slept well either way
  10. gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    I think the main stateroom and split head arrangement with the tub/shower between the his and hers heads is pretty cool too.

    I always hear that Volvo parts are spendy, my wife's sailboat has a Yanmar and it is bomb proof. Yanmar parts and service have been no issue. I might call one of the Yanmar service centers like this to ask about that 6SY yanmar: CCmarine.biz in Marina Del Ray. The Navigator group can tell you all about volov's in navigators too.
  11. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Thanks! My wife is pretty sensitive to this so it's an important issue. Good to know.

    Yes that head arrangement is cool. The bow seating actually could sway me to forego other boats in favor of the Navigator.

    Someone on this forum posted that Navigators were "underbuilt" (putting them in the same camp as Carver and Bayliner). Any idea what they are referring to? With a solid glass hull I was kind of surprised about this, but maybe I'm missing something.

    Thanks for the info on the Yanmar dealer. I'll call them tomorrow. Hopefully not an issue.
  12. GPO

    GPO Member

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    Hull integrity aside, I’d elaborate that the level of their fit and finish (mechanicals, equipment, hardware, etc.) is generally below better builds (Hatteras, etc.). In this regard I’d agree that Navigator is in line with Carver and Bayliner. To use an automotive analogy, they are Chevs rather than Mercedes. Fine for cruising in relatively moderate conditions. Offering good interior volume at an attractive price point, these three has gotten more people into cruising. And that’s a good thing. Entertainment and social space aside, your cruising grounds and budget will determine your choices.
  13. gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    I have never heard of an "underbuilt" Navigator. They make passage from AK to Mexico in the Pacific Ocean all of the time. Sure, many stay in the San Juans or Gulf Islands but not all. The hull is indeed 3/4 to 1" solid hand laid glass and resin.
    The wood work with solid and laminate treatments are crafted by Loatian wood working craftsman.

    There are no doubt electrical and plumbing deisgn/install issues and dislikes. Fuel capacity is a limiting factor. Generally considered under powered for the LWL and Displacement. But.... this is a big deal to the designer Jule Marshall, the hull is unique and is on planes with less HP that one would think.

    They are not bayliners or carvers, just not the same deal, one look at the interior wood joinery will give this away. They are not Nordavens or Hatteras either with wonderful systems, tankage, installations and so on.

    The car analogy never really sounds quite right to me. Chevy, Ram and Ford make some nice pickups.

    Yes, I own on, I am very biased.

    As @GPO pointed out cruising grounds and budget are a big part of the final answer.
  14. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    I was on a 62 Navigator and the fit and finish were pretty darn good. I don't have the keen eye that a lot of you have, but it was very nice.

    My grounds will be 95% Los Angeles/San Diego/Catalina, with the possibility of a trip down to Cabo and maybe even through the canal to the East Coast. I spoke to someone who did the trip from Washington state to Southern California on the 62 and said the boat did very well.

    No one else knows of any in this range with the bow seating and no opinions on Pacific Mariners?
  15. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Newer yeah. 55' Princess fly has bow seating. 65'/66' Sunseeker Manhattans have bow seating. I don't think the older 63' did. How often do you really envision the bow seating as being useful?
  16. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Quite often actually, especially at Catalina or harbor cruises.

    Sunseekers' interior doesn't work well for me or else I'd be all over it. Also the Man engines we discussed before, though I may make an exception if the layout worked. Once in a blue moon I see one with Cats, but not with bow seating, at least not yet.

    Newer models will probably be out of my budget but will check out some older models to see if I can live with the layout.

    Thanks
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2021
  17. GPO

    GPO Member

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    The car analogy never really sounds quite right to me. Chevy, Ram and Ford make some nice pickups.

    My intent wasn’t to disparage Chevs. Though perhaps not the best idea, I used the auto analogy to point out the differences in build quality. I own a GM SUV, a BMW and a Mercedes. Though of different quality, each serve their intended uses very well.

    Getting back to boats, the differences being discussed aren’t necessarily relevant in your case. I’m reminded of your thread title - coastal cruising/floating condo. You also state your intended use is “95% Los Angeles/SanDiego/Catalina”. Plus, the layout (bow seating) appear to be important criteria. I get it.

    Given all this, a Navigator could well serve your needs admirably. Good luck finding one that checks all your boxes.
  18. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Sunseekers are a great sea boat. Better quality than most of your choices, and they tick all of your boxes......lower helm......bow seating.....etc......I would take a real hard look at one. MAN's would be my first choice in engines as I've been seeing some issues on new CATs that I don't really want to see (have heads being taken off of a set of 2020 C18's right now) in addition to the aftercoolers every 6 years, then CAT, then Cummins.....then MTU......then Volvo.......then Yanmar.......
  19. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Thanks. Frankly if I could find a Hatt that checks the boxes I'd be all over it. The 63 Raised Pilothouse comes very close and I'm thinking hard about that one. Only thing is the lack of bow seating but the flybridge is pretty immense, which may make up for it.

    After your last post I checked again and could not find any Manhattans in the 60' range that have bow seating and that are under $1mm. What years are you saying the 65-66' had bow seating?
  20. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The 65's were first built in 2014 I think. Might be out of your price range. Some of the later 2010+ 63' Manhattans might have had bow seating I cannot remember.

    The 55' Princess has bow seating as well, and might be close to your budget....I'm not sure the first year they made the 55' but it's a later model.