ValhowellPower
Veteran Member
We currently live aboard a 51' sailboat in Socal. We have spent a lot of time evaluating boats and have started to firm up a list of must haves. We will likely have a cruising profile of 8-10 knots regardless of destination. Not interested in doing 22 knots. We entertain a lot so some of our galley needs seem to set up apart from the norm. I will try to add some questions as I go for your thoughts and lessons. BTW, I am an ABYC electrician and we do a lot of our own work, so some projects are acceptable.
Basic needs:
Size: 58-63' if at all possible (dockage considerations)
Engine considerations: Diesel only. Single with a get home or twin engine
Leaning toward Cats or Lugger if possible. Cummins may also be on the list. Detroit Diesels are on a lot of boats and not a first choice but may have to settle.
Accommodations: Three cabins preferably with a centerline master
Stabilization and auxiliary control: Socal can be lumpy so stabilizer is a must (not sure of major variations in manufacturer for reliability and effectiveness)
Bow Thruster is a must and stern would be nice but not required. Leaning towards hydraulic but not sure this is a must have.
Galley: Definitely not galley down configuration. A galley that two can work in would be preferable. Biggest want is a full size oven. We have not seen many boats that have this and have wondered why. Any insights would be appreciated. We do a lot of baking.
Pilothouse: Lower helm station is a must. A dedicated pilothouse would be nice, but not necessarily mandatory. Wing access on at least one side, preferably both.
Boats in consideration: 1990 or newer is the general focus area with starting price in the low to mid $500K
Tollycraft 61 and maybe 65: Love the galley and bridge, can't easily find one without DD engines and many don't have stabilizers. May need some updating but could accommodate our needs nicely. We have seen on 61 at a low price in need of re-engining. I figure this is easily a $200K effort. Any thoughts on re-engining would be most appreciated.
Selene 53: Really closer to 59'. Would take some modifications to put a full-size oven or even a 24' wide fixed oven in
Nordlund 61/65: We have seen a few, but hard to come by and some are pretty big project boats
There you go. We would love to hear your thoughts.
Basic needs:
Size: 58-63' if at all possible (dockage considerations)
Engine considerations: Diesel only. Single with a get home or twin engine
Leaning toward Cats or Lugger if possible. Cummins may also be on the list. Detroit Diesels are on a lot of boats and not a first choice but may have to settle.
Accommodations: Three cabins preferably with a centerline master
Stabilization and auxiliary control: Socal can be lumpy so stabilizer is a must (not sure of major variations in manufacturer for reliability and effectiveness)
Bow Thruster is a must and stern would be nice but not required. Leaning towards hydraulic but not sure this is a must have.
Galley: Definitely not galley down configuration. A galley that two can work in would be preferable. Biggest want is a full size oven. We have not seen many boats that have this and have wondered why. Any insights would be appreciated. We do a lot of baking.
Pilothouse: Lower helm station is a must. A dedicated pilothouse would be nice, but not necessarily mandatory. Wing access on at least one side, preferably both.
Boats in consideration: 1990 or newer is the general focus area with starting price in the low to mid $500K
Tollycraft 61 and maybe 65: Love the galley and bridge, can't easily find one without DD engines and many don't have stabilizers. May need some updating but could accommodate our needs nicely. We have seen on 61 at a low price in need of re-engining. I figure this is easily a $200K effort. Any thoughts on re-engining would be most appreciated.
Selene 53: Really closer to 59'. Would take some modifications to put a full-size oven or even a 24' wide fixed oven in
Nordlund 61/65: We have seen a few, but hard to come by and some are pretty big project boats
There you go. We would love to hear your thoughts.