Any thoughts on new Passports or Tayana's?

labatt · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

We're considering the purchase of a NEW Passport 515CC or a Tayana 54 as opposed to purchasing on older boat and refitting it. Other than comments about how much more I could get for my money by buying used, the fact that new boats can come with their share of issues, and that there are a ton of other boat manufacturers out there, I would love to hear any comments on the build quality TODAY? I currently own a Passport 40 from 1984 and am very happy with the quality, but 23 years later... how are the yards and the boat qualities?

svrenovatio · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2007

We might have discussed this before. I will be the owner of hull number 2 of the new 615. We looked at Tayana, Oyster, Hylas, Morris and IP. To each his own regarding what they like or dislike regarding how the boat is laid out and such but we ended up on the Passport for several reasons. I know they are all fairly expensive to very expensive when looking at new and I believe that they could all take you around the globe cruising in comfort. If I had not gone with the 615, I would have purchased the 515CC. Thom has been a joy to work with in all aspects. I think you get more boat for the money without any compromises. I think the Morris is a very nice boat but for the money, the Passport won.

I visited the plant in Xiamen a few months ago and was very impressed with the yard and those managing the process. No worries. I do believe that in the not so near future the cost to build or purchase a yacht built in China could be significantly more expensive so it may be a good time over the next year to lock in pricing.

The one thing Passport Yachts does not do is spend tons of money on marketing and sales. I’m sure this is one of the reasons for the reasonable price for a new 60+ foot bluewater boat.

As you are a current owner of a Passport, I’m sure this is not news to you. I found it difficult to find too much of anything negative about the boats or the company.

camaraderie · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2007

Labatt...if you are going new...get the Passport. Great build quality still...though the Hylas 54 would probably be my choice in this range if I were buying new.