We are looking to start actively looking for our future liveaboard boat, and would appreciate any recommendations from those that are more knowledgeable and experienced.
About us:
Married couple, planning to retire in less than 5 years. Our plan is to buy a boat (most likely in Florida or east coast) and take her to Bahamas where we will spend 6 months or so of the year once retired.
We have 20 years boating experience on inland lakes, with our largest boat so far being a 30ft Searay. This boat is good for weekends, but its not suitable for liveaboard, its basically camping on the water.
We are looking to purchase this year, while we are still working, the reasoning is that we assume whatever boat we decide on will need some repairs, or updates, most likely outdated electronics, etc. We want to do this while we still have salaries, our combined gross income is currently $215,000 CAD per year.
Pre-COVID our budget was around $500,000 USD, to purchase our boat however given our portfolio has taken a beating, and the current housing market, I would like to try to find something this year less than $250K USD.
I could go up to $300K USD if the boat required very little repairs/updates.
We are looking mostly in the 45-55 feet range, although if the perfect boat comes along that happens to be a few feet shorter or longer we would certainly consider it.
Since this will be our home, and we hope to be anchored most of the time, only booking into marinas when absolutely necessary we are looking for a stable, comfortable boat, both when crossing the gulfstream and when at anchor. I am not sure if this means we must have stabilizers, or if certain brands/models are more stable then others even without stabilizers?
Must have list so far:
- separate shower (she does not want a wet head)
- normal size bed with entry from both sides (min. queen)
- fly bridge
- diesel engines
- air conditioning / generator
- storage space, both lazarette and interior
Nice to have:
- hard top on flybridge (future solar)
- watermaker (if it doesn't have, we will be adding)
- washer/dryer (if it doesn't have, we will be adding)
- large fridge/freezer or space to add 2nd chest freezer
Things we do not want:
- ladder down to the swim platform (this eliminates most aft-cabin models)
- outside wood (I don't want to be stripping or vanishing wood)
We are open to many styles of trawlers, cruisers, sportfish, convertibles, and considering both displacement and semi-displacement. I think having the option to go fast if required would make my wife happier, instead of spending longer time in bad weather.
Would really appreciate any advise of models/years to consider, and any to stay away from?
About us:
Married couple, planning to retire in less than 5 years. Our plan is to buy a boat (most likely in Florida or east coast) and take her to Bahamas where we will spend 6 months or so of the year once retired.
We have 20 years boating experience on inland lakes, with our largest boat so far being a 30ft Searay. This boat is good for weekends, but its not suitable for liveaboard, its basically camping on the water.
We are looking to purchase this year, while we are still working, the reasoning is that we assume whatever boat we decide on will need some repairs, or updates, most likely outdated electronics, etc. We want to do this while we still have salaries, our combined gross income is currently $215,000 CAD per year.
Pre-COVID our budget was around $500,000 USD, to purchase our boat however given our portfolio has taken a beating, and the current housing market, I would like to try to find something this year less than $250K USD.
I could go up to $300K USD if the boat required very little repairs/updates.
We are looking mostly in the 45-55 feet range, although if the perfect boat comes along that happens to be a few feet shorter or longer we would certainly consider it.
Since this will be our home, and we hope to be anchored most of the time, only booking into marinas when absolutely necessary we are looking for a stable, comfortable boat, both when crossing the gulfstream and when at anchor. I am not sure if this means we must have stabilizers, or if certain brands/models are more stable then others even without stabilizers?
Must have list so far:
- separate shower (she does not want a wet head)
- normal size bed with entry from both sides (min. queen)
- fly bridge
- diesel engines
- air conditioning / generator
- storage space, both lazarette and interior
Nice to have:
- hard top on flybridge (future solar)
- watermaker (if it doesn't have, we will be adding)
- washer/dryer (if it doesn't have, we will be adding)
- large fridge/freezer or space to add 2nd chest freezer
Things we do not want:
- ladder down to the swim platform (this eliminates most aft-cabin models)
- outside wood (I don't want to be stripping or vanishing wood)
We are open to many styles of trawlers, cruisers, sportfish, convertibles, and considering both displacement and semi-displacement. I think having the option to go fast if required would make my wife happier, instead of spending longer time in bad weather.
Would really appreciate any advise of models/years to consider, and any to stay away from?
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