Click for YF Listing Service Click for Westport Click for Ocean Alexander Click for Mag Bay Click for Nordhavn

Searanger/ Atlantic research vs Fairline

Discussion in 'Fairline Yacht' started by SoCalMoto, Jan 5, 2009.

  1. SoCalMoto

    SoCalMoto New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    Hello,
    I am a new kid in the yacht community, coming from power boats (Donzi and Baja). Shopping for a moto yacht, in particular I have Fairline and Searanger/ Atlantic (NOT the old Sea Ranger) in mind, in range of 48-56 feet. There is one problem: in order to compare these two British builders and make a final decision, I have to see both. It's quite difficult to find Failine in The US, and even more difficult to locate Searanger Atlantic (the new version- after 1994) anywhere along West Coast. It would be great to see one of those locally before I take a trip to UK to purchase the boat. Would someone happen to have any recommendations? Knowledge of any dealer or owner selling/ showing Searanger 2001-2009 and Fairline 48-50 ft ranging from 2001-2009?
  2. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Can't say I've ever seen a Searanger on the east coast. I don't know that they have any representation here so I would strongly recommend against it. The Fairline is a nice boat, but personally I prefer the Viking Sport Cruiser (made by Princess) which is a comparable boat.
  3. SoCalMoto

    SoCalMoto New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    Here is their website:
    http://www.searanger.com/index.php

    I contacted them directly. They are rather small and don't have actual dealership system, they sell directly, however, they have an established network of tech support providers for the boat itself worldwide (Volvo and nav equipment are aslo suppoerted directly by the corresponding manufacturer).
    From what UK sources state it's being built for a serious waters and nicely done inside too. Associated with Atlantic models. Sure it would be great to see one....
    Viking is definitely on top of my list, but there is one concern: aren't those geared more towards serious fishing? Or do I have a wrong concept about it?

    I keep looking around San Diego harbor for the models/ sizes of all 3, to see them side by side and compare.
    Locally, in SoCal, most of the brokers are trying to push Navigator, Californian and such. But I am not really looking for something that resembles a house boat. There is Fairline dealer in San Diego/ Ventura, but they don't stock any new or fairly new used boats, only a few 8-10 years old, 43' and 48'- footers.
  4. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    You're thinking of the Viking Sport Fish (excellent boats) built by Viking in New Jersey. The Viking Sport Cruiser is built by Princess Yachts in England, imported by Viking and brought up to their standards. It's style is similar to the Fairline. I spent the past 2 years captaining and managing a 2002 50' which is currently in Ft. Lauderdale and up for sale. Sweet boat, upper & lower helm stations, 2 staterooms, burns less than 35gph, cruises at 19 to 21 knots and tops at about 27. I've had her in 8'seas with no problem. Best of all she's backed by Viking. 062107_14241.jpg
    When considering a boat consider what will be involved in getting replacement parts. When our neighbor crunched our bow sprit we called New Jersey. They did have to get the replacement from England, but when the wrong part came in it was just one more call to New Jersey and they got it straightened out. Also, consider resale. If most people haven't heard of them (or worse, they're out of business by then) finding a buyer won't be easy.
  5. SoCalMoto

    SoCalMoto New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    Yes, definitely I was thinking about Viking Sport Fishing. However, even though I am a bit more familiar with Princess boats, I don't know much about their Viking line.
    Is this the line of cruisers you are referring to?
    http://www.vikingsportcruisers.com/main/fromHelm.asp

    Definitely, very nice. The good thing it is present on the west coast. Not as well as in Florida or anywhere along east coast, but I found online 2 (48' and 50') in Newport Beach and 56-footer in Marina Del Ray, at least to take a first look. There is a dealer in San Diego, called Crow's Nest (they are in Newport Beach and Seattle too).

    Also, I have noticed they have, just like the most. two engine options: Cat and Volvo. I am very familiar with "land" version of Cat, since I currently own Ford F-350 diesel (my 3rd), and it has been a great motor. Volvo I just know by the reputation. Which one would be a better choice? An which model?
  6. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    That would be them. If you're familiar with Princess just take a step up and you've got the Viking. The one we had was with Volvos, but my personal preference would be for Cats. It's too early to bother discussing models, but I'd vote for the smaller of your choices. The speed diference isn't that much and you'll get better fuel economy. Best of all though the engineroom won't be as cramped.
  7. SoCalMoto

    SoCalMoto New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    Definitely, makes sense when diesel runs much higher than premium, at least around here. Engine room is another important feature I would like to check out on every optional boat. It's good to be able to function in there.
    As far as speed- it's time to trade gas thursty triples and power for long cruising range, room and comfort.
    Also, what concerns me besides the power plant is the general integrity and craftsmanship: rough sea sailing performance, handling and rolling, hull strength and geometry, and also creature comfort such as thermal and sound insulation, etc (I don't really care about excessive luxury and decor, but rather non-flashy basic functional livability for an extended period of time without sacrifice of performance, sort of boat counterpart of BMW concept). And midrange BMW- not Ferrari price tag. Are Viking Sport Cruisers something that you would consider to be well suited for that?
  8. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    With big motors there is very little room between them. Very inconvenient. Unfortunately that's the same story with most boats in this class. Speaking of class, this boat has it as opposed to the glitz you'll find on some other boats. Nice woodwork, fit & finish, understated elegance, solid. Your comparison to BMW is funny as that's what the owner of this boat drove although I'm sure he could afford a Ferrari. The salon, staterooms and heads are all of decent size. The outside area's include a layout area on the foredeck although we didn't bother putting a cushion there since there is one on the aft-upper deck. The upper deck also has very good seating. The cockpit has the normal (nice) bench seat with teak sole running through the swim platform. There is room for a dink on the platform. The generator is in the lazarette which puts 2 walls between there and the sleeping quarters. Jeez, it sounds like I'm selling them. Suffice to say that I never found anything I wasn't happy with (given it's a boat).
  9. SoCalMoto

    SoCalMoto New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    I use BMW for an easy comparison as an example of performance, technology, quality, taste and class that just satisfy so many different people with broadest spectrum of demands (hopefully soon I won't need a pickup truck any longer and enjoy BMW again).
    I believe your recommendation has added a contender, not just to my list, but rather placed on the top of it. Your description suits what I've been trying to narrow my search to. Most of brokers have been trying to steer me towards glitzy, flushy rather tasteless gaudy monsters which is not what I am looking for. I am definitely convinced that I need to take trip to the broker and check these units out.
    There is 56 footer 83_6_55_38-PM56-VSC-2000.jpg in Marina Del Ray, I hope to see it sometime this week.
  10. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    I recently noticed something about one of those glitzy yachts. All of the furniture was slightly undersized as was the galley sink and counter. Combine that with the mirrors and you think it's more spacous than it really is. Felt like a time share presentation. Previously all I'd noticed was that I kept smacking my head as I went for the lower helm station. Stick with quality. Good luck.
  11. SoCalMoto

    SoCalMoto New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    Very interesting observation!
    And thank you. I really appreciate your advice and your comments.
    I will be looking for my marine version of BMW.