Sail to Trawler - Gone with the Wynns opens the floodgates???

[Fletcher500]

They are in the entertainment business, so the stage/boat is an important consideration for their videos. It’s open plan, larger windows, and Euro (IKEA) styling will work well in that regard. A more traditional blue water boat with more robust systems and dark teak/cherry interior wouldn’t film as well. I had the same Volvo D6 in a previous boat and wouldn’t take one if they offered it for free.

 

[GMS]

Really everything about the boat and the purchase process is kinda perfect for their channel. Boat is new and looks great (especially to the non-boater crowd). The Auction purchase adds more than a bit of drama and some on-going discovery good for a few episodes.

The fact that the boat may not actually be particularly good for what they say they want to do (high altitude adventure cruising) will also make for great future drama.

In the end, they will likely do some amazing coastal cruising in places their viewers (and I) would love to go.

At least this time, their decisions and need for entertaining content will not put a serious boat builder in peril (e.g., HH Catamarans). In case people haven't seen some follow up content from HH Catamarans, they hired Nigel Calder to do an assessment and discovered a relatively minor wiring issue that was causing the allegeldy stray current issues the Wynn's thought they were experiencing (apparently it wasn't ever really a stray current problem). To be fair to the Wynn's, HH Catamaran was unable to fix it the problem in a reasonable manner until after they bought back the boat.

Haven't been a regular viewer of the Wynn's and probably won't be in the future, but this has been a fun diversion...

 

[sean9c]

Not sure that I've seen a more sophisticated , thought out build than that Globemaster, it's really something, way more sophisticated than a Nordhavn or any production boat. Saying that, sure it's odd and does reflect the original owners preferences, whether that works for the Wynns who know. IMO they should have chosen a production boat. Trying to come to grips with all of the systems and engineering in that boat will be daunting and you're likely not going to find anyone familiar with it to help. Also IMO it feels like a coastal cruiser, a very capable high latitude one.
Also thinking that in todays world everyone expects active stabilizers, as well though out and as complete as that boat is the fact that it doesn't have them is likely because they couldn't find a place for them.
Also, also, the thing better stay in europe, if it came to the US you'd really struggle to find anyone to work on it, and likely a lot of the parts used aren't even available here.

 

[Delta Riverat]

That should make for very good drama. Something I don't want on my boat.

It'll be great for all the reality show drama fans I'm sure. Should keep the dough rolling in!

 

[RedRascal]

I was also wondering how you do an engine check/repair when you're at high latitude and it's freezing cold and blowing snow. Maybe I missed it, but it seems like you'd need some kind of tent to put over that area.

I've spent too much time looking at that boat so I am getting reeled in. I did notice there appears to be a door in the transom area and I wonder if that gives you crawl in room to get to the front of the engine(the end facing aft). If not, it sure looks like a bugger to adjust/change a belt or anything on the front side of the engine. I'll be curious about the stuffing box access too. It does seem like you'll get wet in the rain tending to the engine. I wish them all the best as they get that boat sorted out.

 

[twistedtree]

I agree, I don't understand the hate either. Well, it's kind of in character for the stereotypical grumpy old guy trawler owner, so I guess a lot of us have that going on. I got to know the Wynns pretty well, and I have to say that they are some of my favorite people. Is their channel for everyone? Of course not. No channel is. One of my least favorite channels is the Tony Flemming channel, but I don't feel the need to burn it down. I think the Wynns picked the boat that was the best match for them. And its clear that they put a lot of effort into this decision.

It was a pretty bold leap to buy that boat at auction. I loved hearing their story about how they bid on the boat, went over their budget (I know that feeling) and ultimately "won". I would have had a hard time doing it, but I'm not them. I'm really excited for them, they have what is essentially a new boat they they'll need to break-in and then they're off for some exciting adventures. I don't think that it's going to be a repeat of the HH experience.

Fun fact for *all* of these YouTube boating channels -- The *vast* majority of viewers/subscribers do not own a boat.

Mike, you and others helped them progress through a few decades of boat learning and evolution in about a year. I.e. it takes most people decades to get over sail boats and move to a trawler of some sort. So hats off to the Wynns for that.

I don't know exactly what cruising plans they have in mind now that they own a boat and ar starting in Europe, but I'm sure the boat will serve them well for a quite a few years. I also doubt it will be their last boat. I suspect that the small and exposed machinery space will grow old, and I don't think a planing hull is ideal for much of what they have talked about. But none of that should stop them from using the boat for a long time and many miles.

I just hope they down't get sucked into Humphres stabilizers, given all the issues that Starr has had. And they REALLY need to get a basic physics lesson to have realistic expectations about solar, wind, hydrids, fuel efficiency, etc. And a kite? Really?

 

[twistedtree]

You bring up a really good point about ER checks which would be all but impossible (let alone any repair). But the bigger issue is the aft deck is often awash. Nordhavn has combatted this problem since the very beginning - many an inverter has been lost due to water intrusion. It's only been fairly recently that Nordhavn went with a very robust double-seal on the lazarrete hatches that has more or less solved the problem. It's one of the thinks I worry about on my Willard 36 (my inverter is located there) - if I were to be in rougher seas, I'd plan on duct-taping around the perimeter of the hatch.

Peter

Exactly. You have the issue of water intrusion while underway in heavy seas, or even just rainy weather. Then consider doing an ER check under those condition where you have to open the hatch? Then consider doing some sort of repair - even a fuel filter change - under those conditions. This is an example of how I don't think the boat is really suitable as an "expedition" boat.

But none of this needs to stop them from getting a lot of use out of the boat, which I'm sure they will.

 

[twistedtree]

The previous videos showed them shopping for used boats with Nautistyles channel.

That's the blind leading the blind.

 

[twistedtree]

Not sure that I've seen a more sophisticated , thought out build than that Globemaster, it's really something, way more sophisticated than a Nordhavn or any production boat.

What do you mean by this? More "sophisticated" in what ways. Can you give examples? Are you talking about styling? Machinery? Electronics? Suitability for expedition operations?

To me, it's a coastal cruiser. And hopefully a good one.

 

[Mambo42]

Not sure that I've seen a more sophisticated , thought out build than that Globemaster, it's really something, way more sophisticated than a Nordhavn or any production boat.

I am also very curious how you got to that assessment. For a 'rough weather' boat it needs to be possible to get to all the technical areas of the boat without having to go out into that rough weather.
Imagine yourself in the North of Norway, lots of snow falling, rain turning into ice and now you have to try to open that engine hatch ? First need to clear out the whole stern deck to ensure it does not change into an ice skating ring.
I saw the space in the engine room and you cannot even get around the engine. No idea what else they have in that engine room, but I would not want to crawl there in a rough sea, me inside that engine room, somewhere in the back, with the hatch open and a big wave crashes over the stern. And in Scandinavia that is a realistic option.
The absence of a wing engine in those seas and those remote areas is not something I would want to have. Norway is sparcely populated, it is almost like BC, lots of areas where nobody is living.

It looks to me that interior design was leading the design of the boat, with an emphasis on internal space in the salon / pilot house. I don't think this vessel was designed for long hauls.

 

[Jklotz]

Wonder what the rest of the systems access is on that boat? Bilge pumps, electrical, plumbing, thruster motor, tanks, etc.

Then again, it's a new boat that's been sitting up for a while. What could possibly go wrong?

 

[mvweebles]

Here are the spec's for YETI when she was first for sale. Note the 7kw generator......

Details | GlobeMasterYachts

Unique Long Range Cruiser for sale at Devalk Amsterdam, GlobeMaster 50 LRX - YETI - Explorer

www.globemasteryachts.com

PassageMaker Magazine write-up from last year

The Roamer

Long-range, sustainable exploration is the tenor of the aluminum GlobeMaster 50 LRX.

passagemaker.com

Builder claims 2200nms at just under 9-knots. She carries 818g of diesel. 3.25 gph which I think is highly unlikely (for comparison, I delivered a Nordhavn 57 from Dana Point to Florida averaged just under 9-knots and burned right at 6 gph, and is an efficient hull).

Peter

 

[Crux]

What do you mean by this? More "sophisticated" in what ways. Can you give examples? Are you talking about styling? Machinery? Electronics? Suitability for expedition operations?

I am also very curious how you got to that assessment. For a 'rough weather' boat it needs to be possible to get to all the technical areas of the boat without having to go out into that rough weather.
Imagine yourself in the North of Norway, lots of snow falling, rain turning into ice and now you have to try to open that engine hatch ? First need to clear out the whole stern deck to ensure it does not change into an ice skating ring.
I saw the space in the engine room and you cannot even get around the engine. No idea what else they have in that engine room, but I would not want to crawl there in a rough sea, me inside that engine room, somewhere in the back, with the hatch open and a big wave crashes over the stern. And in Scandinavia that is a realistic option.
The absence of a wing engine in those seas and those remote areas is not something I would want to have. Norway is sparcely populated, it is almost like BC, lots of areas where nobody is living.

It looks to me that interior design was leading the design of the boat, with an emphasis on internal space in the salon / pilot house. I don't think this vessel was designed for long hauls.

Buy it on the big print....own it on the fine print.

 

[twistedtree]

Here are the spec's for YETI when she was first for sale. Note the 7kw generator......

Details | GlobeMasterYachts

Unique Long Range Cruiser for sale at Devalk Amsterdam, GlobeMaster 50 LRX - YETI - Explorer

www.globemasteryachts.com

PassageMaker Magazine write-up from last year

The Roamer

Long-range, sustainable exploration is the tenor of the aluminum GlobeMaster 50 LRX.

passagemaker.com

Builder claims 2200nms at just under 9-knots. She carries 818g of diesel. 3.25 gph which I think is highly unlikely (for comparison, I delivered a Nordhavn 57 from Dana Point to Florida averaged just under 9-knots and burned right at 6 gph, and is an efficient hull).

Peter

800 G of fuel? Really? Geeze, my grand banks held 1000 and I found that very limiting. And there is no way that boat gets 2+ NMPG at 9 knots. 1 to 1.5 would be doing really well.

Also any get home will presumably be powered off the generator. 7.5 kw won't move the boat much.

I really think there is no comparison at all between Yeti and Mike's Northern Marine, or the various other exploration boats they spent time on. They are different boats suitable for different missions

Yeti will place limits on their cruising mission, but that's may be just fine. I think a huge part of Europe can be cruised on Yeti just fine. I hope they accept that, and enjoy Yeti for what it is rather than spend a lot of time and money trying to make it into a true expedition boat, because it simply will never be one.

If they really wanted a go-anywhere boat, I think a Nordhavn 52 would have been a good fit, and likely available for $1-$1.5m. That's probably more than what they would have into Yeti after adding stabilizers, but they would also have a much more capable boat.

 

[mvweebles]

.......I think a Nordhavn 52 would have been a good fit, and likely available for $1-$1.5m. That's probably more than what they would have into Yeti after adding stabilizers......

.....and better resale value. Bare aluminum motoryacht won't be an easy sale in US waters unless one of their disciples coughs up the money when time comes to sell

Peter

 

[man n black]

Gone with the Wynns lost me as a longtime subscriber when they literally gave away pets they had for many years so that they could continue to be famous through sailing thier first catamaran sailboat.

Thats reprehensible to me. You dont give away family members.

 

[mvweebles]

Gone with the Wynns lost me as a longtime subscriber when they literally gave away pets they had for many years so that they could continue to be famous through sailing thier first catamaran sailboat.

Thats reprehensible to me. You dont give away family members.

I happened to see that episode. They found a really nice home for their pets on a small farm in Colorado. They seemed to take a lot of time and effort to re-home the pets properly (2-3 cats as I recall). They were traveling to New Zealand and Australia and just couldn't make it happen.

I've met several longtime international cruisers with pets. Each and every one of them have had to make some pretty big compromises and endure some stress because of their pets. Many restaurants and museums are off limits. They often have trouble renting a car or finding a taxi that will take them. Finding pet food and vets can be a challenge. I personally have no problem with someone saying their pet and their cruising dream are mutually exclusive. But I also have no problem with owners who say once my vet bills hit a certain amount, I'm done.

I respect what pet owners do. Until 10-years ago or so, I had dogs and cats. And I worked on a ranch when I was young so have always been around animals. Bruno, my dog from when I was in my 20s, still makes an occasional cameo appearance in my dreams. But I wouldn't alter my life for an animal. No judgement for those who do, but for me, wouldn't happen.

Peter

 

[sean9c]

I am also very curious how you got to that assessment. For a 'rough weather' boat it needs to be possible to get to all the technical areas of the boat without having to go out into that rough weather.
Imagine yourself in the North of Norway, lots of snow falling, rain turning into ice and now you have to try to open that engine hatch ? First need to clear out the whole stern deck to ensure it does not change into an ice skating ring.
I saw the space in the engine room and you cannot even get around the engine. No idea what else they have in that engine room, but I would not want to crawl there in a rough sea, me inside that engine room, somewhere in the back, with the hatch open and a big wave crashes over the stern. And in Scandinavia that is a realistic option.
The absence of a wing engine in those seas and those remote areas is not something I would want to have. Norway is sparcely populated, it is almost like BC, lots of areas where nobody is living.

It looks to me that interior design was leading the design of the boat, with an emphasis on internal space in the salon / pilot house. I don't think this vessel was designed for long hauls.

Well, in an earlier post, I think I was the first on this thread to criticize the engine space. So, again, I think it's ridiculous. Now saying that and based solely on what I can see on the internet, it appears to me that they were very thoughtful and again sophisticated with their choices. There is earlier Globemaster, called BOR, that has twin engines with the engines under the pilothouse. So whoever commissioned YETI, for whatever reason, assuming that it was for their intended to use the boat, that it made sense, to them, to change the configuration to a single engine and put it under the cockpit floor. I also understand that this was not a simple modification, so it must have been important to them, it's not just move the engine, it now has a remote v-drive. So a bunch of engineering involved.
The interiors of YETI and BOR are pretty similar, they didn't gain any or much interior space my moving the engine aft. None of the pics or videos that I've seen of YETI has shown what's under the pilothouse, where the engines were on BOR. My assumption is it's a systems room.
As I also mentioned in my post, my feeling is that this was created as a high latitude coastal cruiser. Certainly if I was looking for a passagemaker it wouldn't be this boat. And I said that I didn't think it was the right boat for the Wynns. But I think YETI is pretty damn cool, I'd have to look at it, in person, to decide if the engine configuration and access was a deal breaker.
The Norwegian coast, all the way up to the tippy top, is covered with small workboats and fishing boats. A tiny fraction of them have any form of get home power. If it's important to you, knock yourself out

 

[sean9c]

What do you mean by this? More "sophisticated" in what ways. Can you give examples? Are you talking about styling? Machinery? Electronics? Suitability for expedition operations?

To me, it's a coastal cruiser. And hopefully a good one.

I also said that I thought it was designed as a coastal cruiser.
As far as sophisticated goes, I was talking about the quality. Reading the spec sheet and looking at pics and videos everything looks to be of the highest quality and the construction looks beautiful. The aluminum work is crazy.
I think the boat is very cool. Do I agree with everything, of course not.
It's also really hard to be critical, it's apparent to me anyway, that whoever commissioned it knew what they wanted and spared no expense to try and achieve that. Though seeing as the boat was built in 2023 and only has 200 hours on the engine, something didn't work as planned.

 

[engine room]

That's the blind leading the blind.

They are just collaborating to boost viewership and engagement on both channels. This boat is a business decision. They need constant change and some drama to drive viewership and engagement. There are multiple Nordhavn owners doing Travel Vlogs. These two are appealing to a different viewer and judging by their success over time know exactly what they are doing. If that boat turns into a huge headache poorly suited to what they use it for they can "suffer through it" and continue growing their sympathetic user base and income.

 

[psneeld]

Thankfully I learned early that not all success is worth it. Also, that user base and income are no measures of an individual.

Wish them luck but hope most boating newcomers don't think all You Tubers are role models.

 

[Mambo42]

I happened to see that episode. They found a really nice home for their pets on a small farm in Colorado. They seemed to take a lot of time and effort to re-home the pets properly (2-3 cats as I recall). They were traveling to New Zealand and Australia and just couldn't make it happen.

I've met several longtime international cruisers with pets. Each and every one of them have had to make some pretty big compromises and endure some stress because of their pets. Many restaurants and museums are off limits. They often have trouble renting a car or finding a taxi that will take them. Finding pet food and vets can be a challenge. I personally have no problem with someone saying their pet and their cruising dream are mutually exclusive. But I also have no problem with owners who say once my vet bills hit a certain amount, I'm done.

I respect what pet owners do. Until 10-years ago or so, I had dogs and cats. And I worked on a ranch when I was young so have always been around animals. Bruno, my dog from when I was in my 20s, still makes an occasional cameo appearance in my dreams. But I wouldn't alter my life for an animal. No judgement for those who do, but for me, wouldn't happen.

Peter

Before we moved to more or less living on the boat, we lived on the island of Curacao. We had a large house with a large terrain around it, where we used to take care of stray dogs. When we decided to move to the boat we had 4 dogs left and it was clear from the beginning they would bey coming with us. We were not going to dump them on the street again, nor separate them, nor take their known life away from them, just so that we could be on a boat.
Yes, travel, life etc with them on a boat is complicated, we can indeed not go everywhere with them, but we have managed now for 4 years to make it happen. Sun, rain, no wind, storm etc, we need to take them to shore 3 times a day at least. Food is a matter of stocking up and if we need a vet we will take the boat there.

We simply think that they deserve a good life in the time they have left to live, they are part of our family and we will not abandon them just so that we would be able to do our own thing.

When we started living on the boat, had 4 dogs. One of them died while we were in Turkey, he is also buried there. Of the three remaining two are quite old, they may have 1 or 2 years left. The youngest one still has many years ahead of her, but she will stay with us. All of them are ferocious guard dogs, they protect our boat (and us) against any intruder, so that is a welcome extra.
For us they are just with us for a few years of our lives, but we are basically their whole life.

 

[Jklotz]

I happened to see that episode. They found a really nice home for their pets on a small farm in Colorado. They seemed to take a lot of time and effort to re-home the pets properly (2-3 cats as I recall). They were traveling to New Zealand and Australia and just couldn't make it happen.

I've met several longtime international cruisers with pets. Each and every one of them have had to make some pretty big compromises and endure some stress because of their pets. Many restaurants and museums are off limits. They often have trouble renting a car or finding a taxi that will take them. Finding pet food and vets can be a challenge. I personally have no problem with someone saying their pet and their cruising dream are mutually exclusive. But I also have no problem with owners who say once my vet bills hit a certain amount, I'm done.

I respect what pet owners do. Until 10-years ago or so, I had dogs and cats. And I worked on a ranch when I was young so have always been around animals. Bruno, my dog from when I was in my 20s, still makes an occasional cameo appearance in my dreams. But I wouldn't alter my life for an animal. No judgement for those who do, but for me, wouldn't happen.

Peter

We just completed a 530nm journey from Hilton Head to Marsh Harbor, where we now are. We have 2 dogs. I can tell you, first hand, how much more difficult it is cruising with pets. Since our dogs won't use the pee pad, that means I can only use anchorages where there is easy access to the shore, preferably a dingy dock or boat ramp. It also means taking the dingy down at every anchorage, even just a quick overnighter, and putting it back up in the morning. It also meant staying at marinas when, otherwise, I'd have been anchoring out. Having a weather window for a crossing at Lake Worth meant finding a pet friendly uber (they have a sur charge for that BTW) so we could get the health certificates from a vet, required 48 hours before checking in. Overall, I can attest that having dogs on board has equated to one gigantic PITA. And it's been very expensive - the extra nights at marinas, vet and permit fees for traveling abroad, stocking up on food for a lengthy trip, etc, etc.

We got our dogs mainly because I'm a softie. One was a rescue from a neighbor going through some mental health issues, and the other was my dad's when he went into assisted living. Don't get me wrong, we take very good care of them and treat them very well, and I will continue to do so as long as they are with us, however, for those considering cruising, I'd highly recommend doing so without pets if that is an option.

 

[mvweebles]

..... however, for those considering cruising, I'd highly recommend doing so without pets if that is an option.

Nice way of putting it. I've heard that from even the most devoted owner (one of whom just told me one of their small dogs has epilepsy - they just roll with the issues).

We really missed our pets when our last cat died of renal failure 10-years ago. But we both traveled a lot for work and knew we wanted to travel more when retired. With exception of RV, pets and travel don't mix well. We've thought about a car but even that has its drawbacks for cruising. Watching so many friends with Covid pets, we're glad we resisted the urge.

Hope you'll post on your trek to Marsh Harbor and such. Its on our dance card down the road.

Peter

 

[Jklotz]

Hope you'll post on your trek to Marsh Harbor and such. Its on our dance card down the road.

Peter

Hmm, I suppose I could. Let me think about it, don't want to make a boring post.

 

[Fletcher500]

I don't normally comment much about other peoples boats, but they are in the public domain generating publicity for their new boat. The discussion on here probably helps their channels algorithm for views.

The engine room is similar to a newer go fast Rivera, Absolute, and other popular brands especially pod/joy stick boats. IE, maximize living space to the detriment of the engine space as others have already noted.

As far as “quality and sophistication” is concerned, if you got on this boat for a closer look it may result in a different opinion. The interior fit and finish, build construction, and systems are not equivalent to a Nord, KK, Selene or other blue water boat in this price range. And yes, I can tell that from the photos. I would also argue the same goes for an Asian built Nord, vs the newer ones in Turkey. They are not comparable IMO. But, the boat is open, lots of windows, light interior and will look nice in their videos that are directed mostly at non boaters. It’s entertainment, all good, no judgement there.

I don't think the lack of a wing engine is a big deal if they had a reliable, well maintained JD, Cat, or Cummins. I wouldn’t trust that Volvo to be in the middle of nowhere but that’s just from my own experience with the same engine that wasn’t good including putting me in a compromised position offshore. With that said, there are lots of Volvo D6’s out there that seem to do fine.

I don't think anyone is “hating” on the YouTube crowd, just keeping it real. Heat….Kitchen.

 

[RDJackso]

Years ago I saw a video of Warren Buffet saying he wouldn't buy all the crypto in the world for $20. Right or wrong, I've been skeptical of it ever since.

You know what hookers, helicopters and crypto have in common? No visible means of support...

 

[billdomb]

Think they HAVE settled on that nordic boat for around $800K by auction.

Peter

 

[Mambo42]

In their last video they stated at least 880.000, but possibly even more. 800 was their max bid, but that was surpassed by someone else and then they bid twice more as far as I understand.
But that is only the bid, after that comes 16 % auction fee, which is about 130.000 at 800 K, but if they bought it for 880, we are talking 140 K extra, making is 1.020.000 euro and that is 1.180.000 in USD.
Now add stabilizers and other items, that will cost around 200.000 USD total and we are looking at about 1.4 million USD.

For that price they could have almost bought a brand new Nordhavn 51 or this one, which is also offered by DeValk and which is in tiptip condition.

TERRANOVA 68 motor yacht for sale | De Valk Yacht Brokers

TERRANOVA 68 for sale | Built by: Terra Nova Shipyards | Built: 2008 | Dimensions: 19.40x5.90x1.60m | Material: GRP | 2x MAN D2876LE404 diesel

www.devalk.nl

 

[slowgoesit]

In their last video they stated at least 880.000, but possibly even more. 800 was their max bid, but that was surpassed by someone else and then they bid twice more as far as I understand.
But that is only the bid, after that comes 16 % auction fee, which is about 130.000 at 800 K, but if they bought it for 880, we are talking 140 K extra, making is 1.020.000 euro and that is 1.180.000 in USD.
Now add stabilizers and other items, that will cost around 200.000 USD total and we are looking at about 1.4 million USD.

For that price they could have almost bought a brand new Nordhavn 51 or this one, which is also offered by DeValk and which is in tiptip condition.

TERRANOVA 68 motor yacht for sale | De Valk Yacht Brokers

TERRANOVA 68 for sale | Built by: Terra Nova Shipyards | Built: 2008 | Dimensions: 19.40x5.90x1.60m | Material: GRP | 2x MAN D2876LE404 diesel

www.devalk.nl

Holy Cow! That at least TWICE the boat as the globemaster, and less money too!