Who still makes a Bluewater boat?

mbarksdale · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Who would you put on your short list of Bluewater boats still being manufactured today?

Here is some general criteria: protected rudder, lead keel, good tankage, two double berths (not counting settee), less than 50 feet.

The manufacture should also have a decent dealer in the US.

Now the catch. It doesn't have to be cheap, but it does have to be a good value. Luxury yachts need not apply!!!

Above all "It needs to be a good family boat for a couple and two kids".

Just to get things going I will throw out Passport, Cabo rico, Island Packet, tartan, Pacific seacraft???, gozzard.

What do you think?

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Hallberg Rassy, Valiant and Nauticat come to mind. While these boats are a bit on the higher price side, I wouldn't call them luxury...not like the Moodys or Swans. Amel is also out there... but ugly IMHO.

Melrna · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

I would also say Caliber yachts would fit your bill. Not sure why you excluded Island Packet, Cabo Rico and Passport other than their tankage for which than I would agree. Not sure why boat manufactures would not figure out how to put more fuel on the boat. 500 miles motor-sailing is a must in my opinion if bluewater cruising. I cannot count that high on how many cruiser logs I have read where they run out of fuel due to wind dies or wind on the nose and are forced to motor-sail. It seems like 20-35% of bluewater cruising is motor-sailing. Carrying fuel Jerry cans on deck is not my thing. I like a clean deck.
Now for the more exotic boat, I would drool over a Vagabound 47'. Great family boat. Plus it looks soo cool. Can one say "Argggg matie"! Here is there link! http://www.contemporaryyachts.com/default.htm

SanderO · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Contest

TrueBlue · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Does Oyster qualify? The ones at our marina sure look like they can easily cross oceans in both luxurious comfort and style.

SanderO · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Yea they qualify.

mbarksdale · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Sorry my bad. I was suggesting those as a starting point for the thread. However I do think the IP's are a little overpriced.

[QUOTE=Melrna;186903]I would also say Caliber yachts would fit your bill. Not sure why you excluded Island Packet, Cabo Rico and Passport other than their tankage for which than I would agree. QUOTE]

mbarksdale · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Oyster is just what I am not looking for. While they are very nice, I was looking for a family cruiser not a luxury yacht.

Valient is a good out though.

mbarksdale · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Unless I am mistaken contest is also more of a luxury yacht.

I guess I should have put in a price range of 500k or less. Not a million.

SanderO · #10 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007

Contest is a yacht and reasonably well appointed. But if you look at older models they are pretty basic.

What is considered luxurious? Which is an interesting question. Some might say roller furling is a luxury... or self tailing winches... or an electric windlass... or hot water.

I consider those necessities for cruising and I could go on.

jef
sv shiva