It seems to be more difficult for us, the novice, to find out just what are the best boats, brand etc. I know it can be subjective but somewhat easier when comparing cars. I personally don't want a daily driver, but something that is substantial like a G Wagon. We just had one totaled on FL 91 upon leaving the boat we had under contract, Queen B, the 64 Grand Alaskan in Stuart. I think it saved our lives. Regarding the 64 Grand Alaskan, I still like a lot about that boat, like the long term ownership and long term fresh water use, the crispness, and I found out a lot about Grand Alaskan. I even found the original owner, and the original salesmen, including Gary Oviatt who had them built. And I found that in certain circles they were not highly regarded, but also that some of them where much better than other ones. We chose not to buy it after a survey and sea trial. It was extremely loud and it had what I would consider to be an odd vibration on the fly bridge starting at about 1600 up to 92%. But what a pretty boat and nice layout. That brings me to your comment on Outer Reef. They came from Grand Alaskan, but according to OR got it right and they say they build a superior boat. I looks like a great boat. Then when you talk to Hampton, theirs is even better. They use 5 to 7 layer whereas the others use 3 or 4. And so forth. I've heard people talk of Marlow and the problems with them, the vibrations, the flex, the this the that. The Flemings with leaks and rot in the foredeck, etc. Bottom line, I wish there was a SUBJECTIVE review of this class of boats. I do know this, they all have gone up exponentially, and it will be interesting to see just what rising rates, war, and who knows what will do to all markets. I stupidly did not by the 53 Salene with the powder blue hull because of what China did, convinced I would buy a US boat. What US boat? Hatteras? Sabre? I probably should have purchase the Salene that was in my back yard in Hilton Head but did not. Not only is it much more expensive, it was a good boat.
Back to Outer Reef. I have been focusing on these as of lately. How is this boat lessor quality than the Selene and Nordhavn? I did read what you said, that they are not bad boats at all, just not as good in some regard. Can you quantify this for me or point me in the right direction? I have read a great deal about Nordhavn and would consider that to the a boat to cross an Ocean. They appear to be the top of the food chain in production "expedition yachting". I suppose this could be splitting hairs, but I wonder if anyone has ever really tried to provide a fair comparison of brands and models?
Oh well, just did Miami, on the Palm Beach, our favorite show.
https://www.pbboatshow.com/en/home.html
