Head2Head - 2010 Selene 47 vs. 2010 American Tug 49 Limited - what would you choose for Great Loop/Coastal/Bahamas?

[Maerin]

I am shopping. Decided to pass on an older Fleming 55 that I could afford to buy but maybe I did not want to afford to own. Have two other good candidates I'm looking at.

As a former 43 owner, I can attest to the stability of the Selene line, they are a great cruising platform. If you plan to do the loop, neither of these will not do well on the Trent-Severn. Our 43 was 5 ft draft. When we transited the T-S westbound the water levels were at record high levels, when we did the return route, they had dropped. We bumped the bottom both directions, not consequential, but real disconcerting! The Selene is a great Bahamas boat, you won't have problems there with the 5.5' draft, we cruised with larger Selenes, no issues. Concerns, yes. Issues, no.
Have the surveyor pay close attention to the bow pulpit & winch platform. Penetrations in that area are notorious for water ingress. Look for staining/discoloration on the master stateroom fwd bulkhead, telltale sign. I'm in agreement with the other posts re: the Volvo. OTR trucks with Volvos may be dee-lux, but in a cruising boat, they're not.
RE the teak caprails, I found that Awlwood is the ticket for longevity. I was not averse to keeping after mine (and others, as well); they looked great, and added a classiness that set the boat apart from others. Yes you could paint them.
We did not complete the loop. We did the Down East loop, the Triangle Loop, and the T-S plus 7 Bahamas trips mostly Exumas and logged around 48K miles in our 43. Very comfortable, capable, was home for 12 yrs. Selene joinery will be much more refined than that on the AT. Plus the FB deck is a great spot on the 48.

 

[kthoennes]

If I had the money, I'd go with the Fleming (I know, already out of the running apparently) or the Selene. I've been on a few American Tugs (boat shows). Very nice, but always felt just a little claustrophobic to me, interior packed too tight. I've never been on a 49 AT but I have been on a few 485's, including one with an upper helm. To get from the upper helm to the bow you needed to walk all the way to aft cockpit (a ladder and stairs as I recall) then back up and forward either through the lower helm side door or along the side decks. Maybe I'm spoiled by my walk-through helm but the AT's just didn't appeal to me.

 

[chanprr]

I 'm thinking about a Helmsman 43. Do you have any more input good or bad on your Helmsman 46. To me they look like a good deal for what you get for the money ?

To be honest, there's nothing I would say that's 'bad' about our 46. With 250 hours cruising since handover in Feb 2025, we've become very familiar with all systems on board. No complaints. The one option we are extremely glad to have are the DMS twin rotors for stabilization. They perform exactly as intended making our travel on the water very comfortable. If you are acquiring a vessel over 40 feet, and will be on the water a lot, having stabilizers is worth every penny.
The Helmsman 43 is a very roomy and comfortable trawler. If you can visit one, you won't be disappointed.

 

[bumpkin]

You have picked fine boats. I don't believe any are suited for a pleasant loop journey. If there is any drought the time you are on the loop you will be scraping bottom in a lot of places with a 5 foot draft. I went in a drought and I scraped a couple of times with a 3 foot draft at high tide. Since your choices have one engine perhaps your skeg will make that annoyance mute but it something to keep in mind.

In many marinas you will be stuck on the face dock because your length is longer than the interior slips often leading to a rocky night. Even when the slips can accommodate a 50+ foot boat the fairways are tight.

Hook up with the AGLAC and go to one of their conventions. You will be able to tour and talk to the owners of boats that are on the loop or have finished it. There are seminars about all aspects of the looping and boating to keep you busy while you are there.

I had a great time on the loop and recommend it as wonderful boating adventure.

 

[La Sirena]

I used to own a Nordic Tugs 32 and now own a Selene 57, so it's not an apples to apples comparison. But I'm shocked that the price of the AT is $100K more than the Selene. The Selene seems like it should be worth more. They really are two pretty different boats. The Selene is a full displacement, very heavy, holds lots of fuel and water, good for long distances. The AT is lighter, can be faster, probably doesn't have the range of the Selene, and doesn't have the quality of fit and finish. The Selene is a solid boat. In bad weather, I'd rather be in a Selene over a AT hands down. We've gone 16k miles in 4.5 years living full time on our boat and it's very comfortable. We've been to the Bahamas 4 times and to Maine twice. Next year we're going through the Panama Canal to the West Coast. Many people come by and say how nice our boat looks and are shocked when they come inside and see the woodwork. It really is a nice boat. Here's some things to consider:

The hardtop is a huge advantage. I'm Jonesing for one and may have one built at some point. It's a good platform for solar and enclosures, it's less maintenance than canvas, and it's way better when the current has you pointing 90 degrees from a 40 kt wind (ask me how I know).

My NT had a Volvo and my Selene has a Cummins. I prefer Cummins, but a Volvo wouldn't be big negative. Volvos are a little more costly to maintain and not as many people service them in the U.S.

I have a bit of teak on the exterior of my boat. The condition of the cap rails wasn't that good when I got the boat, so I spent 2 weeks removing the old varnish, sanding and applying about 10 coats of varnish. They looked amazing! Now, once a year, I have to mask, lightly sand and apply about 3-5 coats of varnish. It takes about 2 1/2 days. Actually, I procrastinate doing the job, but when I'm in the middle of it I get into the Zen of it and enjoy it. I do have covers for the cap rails that I keep on about 1/2 the year.

The flybridge of the Selene is really nice and a great entertaining spot with guests.

Does either boat have stabilizers? That would be a big benefit if one did and the other didn't.

Also, the Selene owners are a great group of people with an active forum and an East and West Coast rendezvous. Maybe AT has something similar. Selene Americas have taken an active role in providing parts and technical support to existing Selene owners.

Congratulations! You have a First World problem. I'd go with the Selene.

 

[l00smarble]

Does either boat have stabilizers? That would be a big benefit if one did and the other didn't.

Yes both boats have fin stabilizers.

Since my original post the AT has lowered their price twice. They were too high to start if they want the boat to sell. I am under contract on the Selene with no broker for savings for both buyer and seller.

Survey and seatrial went well. Boat ran perfectly and feels like a tank. There are a few items that will need to negotiate through to close the deal but the big/important systems all check out good and hulls, decks, and superstructure are all very dry. I have my mechanic coming on Monday for a deep dive on the Cummins and Northern Lights genset.

I agree that the flybridge and hardtop are much, much nicer than the flybridge on the AT that seems like an afterthought. Woodwork and overall fit and finish much better on the Selene. Cummins is a much better choice. After doing weighted pros/cons the Selene came out as clear winner. The biggest con for loop/Bahamas on the Selene is the deep draft but we will not be the first to manage this.

Hopefully will be able to post back soon when I have the keys in my hand.

 

[Jklotz]

Yes both boats have fin stabilizers.

Since my original post the AT has lowered their price twice. They were too high to start if they want the boat to sell. I am under contract on the Selene with no broker for savings for both buyer and seller.

Survey and seatrial went well. Boat ran perfectly and feels like a tank. There are a few items that will need to negotiate through to close the deal but the big/important systems all check out good and hulls, decks, and superstructure are all very dry. I have my mechanic coming on Monday for a deep dive on the Cummins and Northern Lights genset.

I agree that the flybridge and hardtop are much, much nicer than the flybridge on the AT that seems like an afterthought. Woodwork and overall fit and finish much better on the Selene. Cummins is a much better choice. After doing weighted pros/cons the Selene came out as clear winner. The biggest con for loop/Bahamas on the Selene is the deep draft but we will not be the first to manage this.

Hopefully will be able to post back soon when I have the keys in my hand.

I am very excited for you! I admire Selene's a lot. I can spot them a mile off with their beautiful hull shape. We saw one at trawlerfest last year and I almost made an offer, timing just wasn't right, and like you mentioned, a lot of our cruising ground is skinny water, so I wanted something with a bit less draft. Insurance would have been a stretch for us as well. Boat was called Finish Grade at the time. Beautiful boat.

I hope this works out for you.

 

[l00smarble]

Insurance would have been a stretch for us as well.

How so? Why is insurance worse on a Selene vs. your North Pacific?

 

[Jklotz]

How so? Why is insurance worse on a Selene vs. your North Pacific?

Because my NP is 45 ft. The Selene I was considering was 60. My previous boat was only 32 feet. Insurance, for some reason, make jumping to a new boat more than 15 feet bigger a challenge. I'd have had to hire a training captain for a certain amount of hours, until he gave the insurance company his stamp of approval before I could leave the dock without him/her, which I'm told is 50 - 60 hours. These guys aren't cheap, at least the ones the insurance company would accept. That's not the only reason I chose an NP, they are great boats and I wanted modern mechanical and electrical components. Plus the support I've recieved from the company has been invaluable. The Selene was a 2006 I think? I have no doubt, had I jumped through all the hoops required, and updated some of the systems, I'd have been very happy with the Selene. It just wasn't what worked out for us at the time.

BTW - you didn't mention what you've owned in the past. My recommendation would be to have your insurance lined up before you make the purchase. You might be surprised at their demands. You probably already know about that, I hope it doesn't sound condescending to mention.

 

[chanprr]

l100smarble, congrats on selecting the Selene. Wish you many happy hours on the water.

 

[CaptBillFL]

You might consider a Kadey-Krogen 48 of a similar vintage. I know of a 2008 about to come on the market that has very similar features to those you describe above. She has twin John Deere 4045s and two Northern Lights generators (a 12KW and a 6KW).

Wow…. Where is the KK 48 located? We have a 42 and it is a bit too small for our needs. Thanks!

 

[l00smarble]

Deal is done. I'm a Selene owner.

 

[Jklotz]

Congrats! Beautiful boat.

 

[chanprr]

A beautiful Selene...congrats!!

 

[kthoennes]

Ah, beautiful boat.

 

[ranger58sb]

Deal is done. I'm a Selene owner.

Nice!

In the grand scheme of boat shopping, that was FAST!

-Chris

 

[l00smarble]

Nice!

In the grand scheme of boat shopping, that was FAST!

-Chris

This thread was the "end" of the boat shopping after months of narrowing things down.

 

[ranger58sb]

This thread was the "end" of the boat shopping after months of narrowing things down.

Your "months" seemed short, compared to our year +.

-Chris

 

[Delta Riverat]

Congrats on your very nice boat, that is one sweet looking craft!

 

[Jklotz]

Your "months" seemed short, compared to our year +.

-Chris

Year? We took a year and a half. You were quick!

 

[Serene]

Deal is done. I'm a Selene owner.

IMHO you made the right choice, but would love to see some more pics.

 

[l00smarble]

Year? We took a year and a half. You were quick!

the deal "fell into my lap" after running around looking for a trawler the Selene turned up right under my nose in for some service work at my local marina. I was admiring the boat and spoke to the owner and he said "I'm preparing to list it." My next question: "Did you already sign a listing agreement?" Him: "No, but I have a meeting with the broker tomorrow and was planning to sign one." Me: "Postpone that meeting!"

Got a deal done first with a handshake and then followed up with DIY purchase/sale agreement and bill of sale. I ended up getting the discount of what would have been the substantial broker fee and he got an instant troublefree sale. I got so lucky and am quite pleased with the buy and the price.

 

[ABfish]

Congrats! Enjoyed the discussion here about two fine vessels.

 

[ranger58sb]

the deal "fell into my lap" after running around looking for a trawler the Selene turned up right under my nose in for some service work at my local marina. I was admiring the boat and spoke to the owner and he said "I'm preparing to list it." My next question: "Did you already sign a listing agreement?" Him: "No, but I have a meeting with the broker tomorrow and was planning to sign one." Me: "Postpone that meeting!"

Got a deal done first with a handshake and then followed up with DIY purchase/sale agreement and bill of sale. I ended up getting the discount of what would have been the substantial broker fee and he got an instant troublefree sale. I got so lucky and am quite pleased with the buy and the price.

Nifty, easy as pie! Can't imagine easier than that!

-Chris