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52' Motor Yacht for exploring BVIs & Other Islands?
#166048
07/18/2018 07:29 AM
07/18/2018 07:29 AM
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Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 7
classick
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Hi folks,
New poster here. I am planning to acquire a 52' motor-yacht (flybridge variation) for spending a great amount of time living off and exploring the Caribbean. I was planning to base the boat in the BVIs but would really like to take the boat for longer trips like to St Barths and Turks and Caicos.
Are there any motor-boat owners (ideally with Caribbean experience, but all welcome) who could chime in with their opinions whether a boat like this would be suitable for the longer journeys like moving between Caribbean countries? I will usually be cruising solo... which means I am reluctant to go much for a boat with more length becuase it will make single handed management and maintenance (and cost) more difficult... and I would very rarely, if at all, hire a skipper because I like this time to myself or with a friend.
Over the years, my boating experience has been limited to smaller express boats on calmer Italian lakes, and a good 10 years ago, the med.
Many thanks, K
Last edited by classick; 07/18/2018 07:36 AM.
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Re: 52' Motor Yacht for exploring BVIs & Other Islands?
[Re: classick]
#166096
07/18/2018 07:03 PM
07/18/2018 07:03 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 322 Hilton Head, SC
Steve27
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If your not into speed, but rather able to go longer distances, then take a look at a trawler. They cruise along at around 10 knots but can have ranges well over 1000 NM.
Cruising the local waters here in SC and GA. Love the BVIs and miss the Tradewinds!
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Re: 52' Motor Yacht for exploring BVIs & Other Islands?
[Re: classick]
#166109
07/19/2018 05:08 AM
07/19/2018 05:08 AM
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Posts: 7
classick
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Thank you guys for your responses. At this time I have narrowed my choice to the Sunseeker Manhattan 52', 2017+ model. It has a fuel cap of 580 US gallons (2200L) and max range of 470nm at 10 knots, and 250nm @ ~27 knots. I don’t yet know if this can be improved with pods drives instead of shaft. I have looked at some long range trawlers, like Bering, because it is a dream to make at least 1 oceanic voyage. But I think that idea is better saved for later... for one thing I don'e have the experience at sea so make that sort of voyage yet :0 Also, I am hoping to get this first yacht in early 30s, so the Manhattan's dazzle factor is still rather appealing I have also given the Manhattan 66' consideration, but the added range is only up to 70nm (despite an almost double cap fuel tank), and everything else seems like it will be added hassle, from cost to maintenance, specially as an often solo captain.
Last edited by classick; 07/19/2018 08:02 AM.
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Re: 52' Motor Yacht for exploring BVIs & Other Islands?
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#166140
07/19/2018 12:24 PM
07/19/2018 12:24 PM
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classick
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I would recommend against pod drives. I have them in the U.S. and can't imagine how difficult it is to get them serviced in the BVI. Keep it as simple as possible. I heard similar before - which really seems like a shame if pod drives really can offer ~30% better fuel efficiency.
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Re: 52' Motor Yacht for exploring BVIs & Other Islands?
[Re: Christo]
#166207
07/20/2018 06:56 AM
07/20/2018 06:56 AM
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classick
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...over a decade of experience with Sunseekers...and they were always breaking! Always something wrong with them! Which as we were UK based was easier...just nip down to the factory and get it fixed. Possibly not so much in the BVI.
That's certainly discouraging and disappointing to hear. Has there been no evidence of improved quality control since then? If sailing is definitely not your gear... definitely not for now. then something like the Fleming would be my pick. Less 'bling' sure, but more seaworthy, better range and I reckon you'd get lot more fun out of it in that part of the world (especially not fixing it every 5 minutes!). The Fleming 55 is not something I had considered (or really heard of) before. I am looking into it. What it certainly lacks in pure sexy-factor relative to the Manhattan, it clearly makes up for in range. 1000-2000 nautical miles would pretty much get everywhere around the Caribbean without refuelling, if that's the important thing.... to be honest, that will take more thought. On the other hand, the Manhattan 52' can easily go around the BVIs all day long, and a trip to St Barts well within its range
Last edited by classick; 07/20/2018 08:00 AM.
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Re: 52' Motor Yacht for exploring BVIs & Other Islands?
[Re: classick]
#166255
07/20/2018 05:07 PM
07/20/2018 05:07 PM
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Joined: Jul 2018
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classick
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Any idea how Princess are in comparison? I also like the Princess F series 55'. I noticed this particular flybridge model carries an extra 600L of fuel over the Manhattan 52', but the Princess website doesn't say anything about the boats range, which is odd.
Last edited by classick; 07/20/2018 05:08 PM.
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