Olivia: Great to have you aboard. I do have a Manatee but my expertise only comes from tearing it apart and doing modifications that compliment our way of using the boat.
Because the Manatee has a cult following, many of the best examples have sold without being advertised because someone else was waiting for it. There are a few good reasons to buy a Manatee. Here they are:
1. They are relatively simple to maintain with uncomplicated systems.
2. Extremely economical.
3. “Cult” appeal boosts demand & value.
4. Gorgeous, voluminous interior and storage is more like a 42’.
5. Shallow 3’2” draft gunk holes and gets you into best anchorages.
6. Superior four-corner visibility from helm.
7. Full keel with skeg keeps boat straight and protects prop.
8. Large outside deck seating areas such as veranda, boat deck, and bow permit group entertainment and private conversations.
9. Cored hull makes for a quiet, insulated boat with little or no condensation.
10. Full displacement design provokes nearly zero wake at hull speed, silent at helm, and lifts (rather than broaches) in following sea.
Liabilities:
1. Closed-cell foam coring in hull won’t absorb water, but lack of care can still get it wet. It poses little danger, but can be costly. Survey the hull well.
2. These boats are getting old in the tooth and some of the still original examples may need pilothouse roof rebuilt, deck coring work and window replacement.
3. The original Volvo engines are fantastic, but parts are getting rare and ALWAYS expensive.
4. In a man-overboard situation, they are difficult to re-board.
5. Only one helm with no inside access.
6. High profile makes them windy.
7. Genset in original space under galley is terrible.
8. Previous owners installs/de-installs can make for wiring nightmares.
9. Good initial stability gives into uncomfortable roll in beam seas over 3 ft.
10. They are slow.
If it is space you’re looking for but still under 40’, you may also want to look at the Great Harbour GH-37 and N-37. Best of luck with your search.
