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Best boat for family of 5 new to living aboard

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by biminiblues, Jul 21, 2020.

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  1. biminiblues

    biminiblues New Member

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    Brunswick GA
    We decided to take the plunge and step into a larger boat. We currently have a 34 foot center console.

    Our children are young, 8YO, 7YO and 5YO.

    We plan to boat mostly in South Florida and spent a lot of time in the Bahamas (assuming the borders remain open for private boats).

    We will probably spend a 2/3 weeks at a time on the boat, staying in marinas and on the hook.

    Snorkeling and introducing spearfishing to the kids is my main priority but we would also fish some. But fishing ability of the boat won’t really move the needle for my purchase. I *think* I’d be better off getting the boat that’s most comfortable for us and adding a small tender with fishing capabilities if it becomes a priority.

    Requirements are:

    three bedrooms, one with at least queen size bed
    Galley you can actually cook in
    Washer/dryer
    Watermaker

    because we’ll be in the Bahamas, I’d like to keep the draft as shallow as possible. And because I’ve not driven a boat this size, bow/stern thrusters would be nice.

    We’d like to cruise as close to 30 knots as possible but high 20s is acceptable.

    I know NOTHING about Diesel engines or most systems on a big boat but am committed to learning if we’re going to do this.

    I can figure out the unknowns, but it’s the “unknown unknowns” that worry me.

    I was looking at M/Ys but some suggested I not exclude SFs.

    Budget is flexible depending on the boat. I’d prefer to stay in the 500-750k range but would stretch that for a great boat.

    There are a lot of 2000-2005s in that price range but I worry about a boat that old.

    Any suggestions are appreciated.
  2. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Cruising at around 30kts is going to cost you a LOT of fuel and probably limit your options to sportfish.

    I would also put stabilizers on the must have list.

    Personally even with the ability to cruise at high speed, I usually prefer to take it easy at hull speed. Less noise, smoother motion, less wear n year and less fuel. Even when I am the captain and not paying for fuel :) Also don’t forget that fuel is twice the price in the Bahamas (just paid $3.85 here in the Exumas) and with most boats in the 50/60 size range range will be limited.

    If you stick to a quality brand 2000/2005 vintage is not an issue. Personally I ll take a 2000 Hatteras or Viking over a 5 year old Mutt, Carver etc... better systems, better quality. Fewer issues

    As an owner operator pay close attention to ER space and system accessibility... make sure you can easily reach and service the generator, water pumps, watermaker etc.

    Pretty much everything will have a bow thruster. Stern thruster? Sometimes as it s really not needed on a twin diesel.
  3. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    I think you'll need to figure a captain's salary into your first year's budget along with his or her sleeping arrangements. I agree with Pascal that Hatteras or Viking would be a good choice. 15 or 20 years is not old for a well maintained vessel in this size range as most of their life is spent on the dock.
  4. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I can think of a few that might fit your needs. A Maritimo is a cross between a MY and a SF and I'd look there. A 52' or 58' Searay sedan bridge from mid to late 2000s. Hatteras didn't build anything that small in MY's in that era, but 63' or newer 64' would be a good option and is a very comfortable boat for your needs. Viking SC is not a good liveaboard 60/61 from early 2000's IMO because the galley down is tight and in a dark hole and stairs going up to salon level are steep.
  5. biminiblues

    biminiblues New Member

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    thank you for the feedback. great advice and much appreciated.
  6. gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    I missed the L.O.A. range. The three sleeping rooms combined with High 20's cruise will put you closer to Sport Fish I think.
    Does a Searay 58 Sedan bridge cruise at 27 knots?

    My search found so many great options, have fun. I love boat shopping:)

    https://www.**************/boats/2002/hatteras-60-convertible-3672294/
    Spend more get more. If I were you...

    https://www.**************/boats/2006/riviera-60-flybridge-3195911/
    Like Capt J is thinking

    https://www.**************/boats/2009/sunseeker-manhattan-60-3663767/
    probably not fast enough but classy and comfy and quality and a budget stretcher

    https://www.**************/boats/2007/sea-ray-580-sedan-bridge-3657605/
    Lot's of these around and certainly fit the bill and on the lower end of the budget.
  7. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes, the Searay 58 sedan bridge cruises at 28+ knots.
  8. KoffeeCruising

    KoffeeCruising Member

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    My setup is close to your sweet spot. After looking for a few years I decided against a trawler and went for the speed of a M/Y. I have a 2007 Pama 54 Flybidge; nice salon, good galley, 2 queens and a bunk room down. 2 heads— and frankly the showers are better than I have at home. Washer and dryer are used constantly. Great grill fridge sink and ice Maker on FB, and a 13’ tender fits up top. Great teak and holly interior. I upgraded the bimini and installed a Yacht Controller (to save my marriage)

    Twin Volvo D-9s will cruise 20kts @35 GPH, but hull
    Speed closer to 5gph. we have a water maker and big lazarette. Engine room access is Good. Holds 700 Gals of diesel. I’ve taken it to Abacos, Chubb, Bimini, Key West and back up west coast, Naples and across Ocochobee Waterway. I wish I had stabilizers, but don’t think I want to spend the $$- even though i would love them and it would help me sell in future.

    It’s kind of like a how a Hyundai Genesis surprises you on how nice it is. Look at lots of boats, find a good buyers agent, and listen to the wise counsel of these gentlemen

    34EAEC2A-BCDB-4F30-8D2A-AEC15AF0F0A2.jpeg
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 22, 2020
  9. Soulstice

    Soulstice Member

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    Out of curiosity, how often do you find yourself at hull speed versus cruise? I have always thought a trawler was my future plans but the M/Y's are really nice and spacious. I just don't want to always be burning do much fuel in retirement especially when I want to leisurely cruise.
  10. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I did the entire great loop, 90% of the time at 1000 rpms @ 12 GPH (total) in a older 75' Hatteras MY.
  11. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    And except where there were speed limits we did it between 18 and 27 knots. Just proves that different people will run differently. If you have a fast boat, you can always run it slow. If you have a slow boat, you have no choices.
  12. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    In Comparison, I ran a 60' defeaver from Green Port, NY to Stuart, FL. It had a hull speed of 8 knots, but many days we we're down to 5.7-6.2 knots in the ICW due to current on the bow, too slow to run outside and make any sense during daylight hours due to the 15-20NM in AND out of each inlet. EVERY day was a 12 hour day and exhausting......it seems every stop is 30-40 miles apart, so we'd pass marina's at 1pm and push till the next one......which was like 7pm.......good thing we only needed fuel every 7 days because the fuel dock was never opened when we got into the marina. LOLOLOLOL It was horrific as you never knew when you'd get in because you couldn't guarantee your speed......whereas semi-displacement, or planing, current doesn't have nearly as much effect on them.
  13. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Sounds like a typical slow-boat delivery. To contrast (for OP), the same trip as a vacation or as a liveaboard means every one of those 30-40 mile stops is an opportunity to see some sights, smell the coffee, drink the roses...

    Just an observation, not a recommendation...

    -Chris
  14. biminiblues

    biminiblues New Member

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    very much appreciate this feedback and discussion. im about 10% into the learning curve on this search but can safely say we'd like the ability to go 25-30knts when needed, even if we plan to cruise much slower once we cross over or are in cruising grounds. in large part because we may have to make our trips 2 weeks at a time due to school and work obligations.

    i also think i've narrowed the search down to below 60' in order to learn the systems, navigation, handling etc.

    The Maritimo Capt J pointed out looks great. i've heard those are more difficult to sell simply due to lack of name recognition.

    bertram 570 is a lot of boat for the price, as long as the hull is in good shape.
  15. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Bertram I would avoid the 570 completely. Bertram had LOTS of serious structural issues of the hulls on the 570's and 630's from around 2001-2010 and I wouldn't touch one if you gave it to me.
  16. KoffeeCruising

    KoffeeCruising Member

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    I’m mostly hull speed- However I run fast 20-22kts doing a Gulf Stream crossing; being a Native flatlander I tend to minimize the time doing blue water crossings. It’s also great when you need to “buy time” to make a bridge opening or hit a weather window. We did that in Feb from Key West to Naples; we departed first light and ran hard 90mi to be @ Naples before the wind picked up in afternoon.

    we like the galley up and interior stairs to the FB.
  17. leeky

    leeky Senior Member

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    Really, really well put! I think what you describe appeals to detail-oriented people and not to big-picture people.
  18. PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    With the young kids onboard you will want a pilot house design in order to keep a better eye on them, otherwise you will be stuck solo on the Flybridge while everyone is gathered in the salon, especially in inclement weather.

    https://www.**************/boats/2008/marquis-59-3613001/

    You are going to have to compromise on speed and focus more on a family friendly layout as you spend less time at speed and more on anchor/dockside.
  19. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Another issue with SF is boarding at fixed docks. Usually the dock is 1 to 3’ than the cockpit. Can be hard for some people. Alternative is to go forward on the narrow side deck and climb over the railing. Awkward either
  20. Alzira II

    Alzira II Member

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    I had a similar search Over the past couple years although my budget was down around the 300s. I settled on a sport fish for our family with 3 kids. We are a pretty hardcore boating family and the ladder and lack of m/y type accommodations didn’t bother me plus the sport fish hopefully will allow us to be a fishing family. We got 3 rooms and 2 bath, comfy salon to hang inside on off days or when it’s 1000 degrees or raining but not feel like we are in a cave like our cruiser. The cockpit doubles As a big playpen. Tender on bow for our adventures.