Discussion
Good Evening all, I’m mainly a “lurker” but have posted a bit in the past - to mixed reactions. All good fun, however.
Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to start and exit a few business ventures. Still on the board for all, but my involvement is only at a top level.
I’m still in my 30s, so I’m certainly not planning for retirement yet. Instead, I plan to take 5 years or so out with my young family.
I’m in the market for a boat. I’ve been a guest and have been in control of (sailed and moored) a Fairline 43, and I’ve been on a Sunseeker of a similar size. However, I’m considering something a little larger. I’d like something we can live in through summer months quite comfortably, with guests. 4 cabins probably. Whilst being small enough that I don’t need a crew or kitchen staff. It’s not my thing. I’d like a decent tender too - enough for a small rib for 6-8, ideally.
I am considering a Pershing 60/70ft motor yacht, but this is based on limited research. The Pershing seems to be a level above boats I’ve been on in terms of design, fit, and finish.
I’d plan to keep the boat in the Mediterranean. Should I aim for a “home” for the boat (I am considering Nice) or can mooring be more flexible than this. I’ll probably look to take the boat to several locations and don’t really want to be tied to any one Mariana.
Budget isn’t really a concern. <£8mn is my expectation. I would go more for the right solution.
I look forward to any guidance fellow PistonHeaders can offer.
Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to start and exit a few business ventures. Still on the board for all, but my involvement is only at a top level.
I’m still in my 30s, so I’m certainly not planning for retirement yet. Instead, I plan to take 5 years or so out with my young family.
I’m in the market for a boat. I’ve been a guest and have been in control of (sailed and moored) a Fairline 43, and I’ve been on a Sunseeker of a similar size. However, I’m considering something a little larger. I’d like something we can live in through summer months quite comfortably, with guests. 4 cabins probably. Whilst being small enough that I don’t need a crew or kitchen staff. It’s not my thing. I’d like a decent tender too - enough for a small rib for 6-8, ideally.
I am considering a Pershing 60/70ft motor yacht, but this is based on limited research. The Pershing seems to be a level above boats I’ve been on in terms of design, fit, and finish.
I’d plan to keep the boat in the Mediterranean. Should I aim for a “home” for the boat (I am considering Nice) or can mooring be more flexible than this. I’ll probably look to take the boat to several locations and don’t really want to be tied to any one Mariana.
Budget isn’t really a concern. <£8mn is my expectation. I would go more for the right solution.
I look forward to any guidance fellow PistonHeaders can offer.
Firstly well done on your business ventures.
You might want to re-explore not having crew, A 70 foot boat would be right at the limit of what someone could single handed manage. In terms of volume, weight it will likely be more than twice the 43 foot boat you have been on.
My friend has a 110 foot Riva (Italian shipbuilder) it is bloody amazing, like staying in a modern hotel, fitted with stabilisers means eating and sleeping at anchor, is a joy.
However 5 full time crew, who all seem pretty busy, looking after the boat, attending to guests, sorting out the toys, cleaning the boat, kitchen, guest cabins, dinning areas, preparing meals etc and when departing or entering a mooring they are almost all “hands on deck”.
He is based out of Palma, plenty of coves to explore on the island, and places like Ibiza are only a couple of hours away. The sea is also lovely and warm (I’ve swum in the sea in late October).
I’d suggest you enjoy chartering a few boats (including with Crew), and get a feel for different boats, and locations.
You might want to re-explore not having crew, A 70 foot boat would be right at the limit of what someone could single handed manage. In terms of volume, weight it will likely be more than twice the 43 foot boat you have been on.
My friend has a 110 foot Riva (Italian shipbuilder) it is bloody amazing, like staying in a modern hotel, fitted with stabilisers means eating and sleeping at anchor, is a joy.
However 5 full time crew, who all seem pretty busy, looking after the boat, attending to guests, sorting out the toys, cleaning the boat, kitchen, guest cabins, dinning areas, preparing meals etc and when departing or entering a mooring they are almost all “hands on deck”.
He is based out of Palma, plenty of coves to explore on the island, and places like Ibiza are only a couple of hours away. The sea is also lovely and warm (I’ve swum in the sea in late October).
I’d suggest you enjoy chartering a few boats (including with Crew), and get a feel for different boats, and locations.
That sounds like very sound advice.
I don’t want a boat with compromised accommodation but, as you point out, larger boats become a bit of a handful for one or two people to manage. I’m happy with the idea of crew on board, but they’ll require separate accommodation, etc. It sounds like I’ll be pushed up to a larger boat still.
Any view on how Pershing compares to Fairline, or others? The former seems to have a very good rep for overall quality and are a bit more opulent. Any difference in maintenance or reliability? I’m aware that the rule of thumb is for annual maintenance is 10-20% of the boats value.
I don’t want a boat with compromised accommodation but, as you point out, larger boats become a bit of a handful for one or two people to manage. I’m happy with the idea of crew on board, but they’ll require separate accommodation, etc. It sounds like I’ll be pushed up to a larger boat still.
Any view on how Pershing compares to Fairline, or others? The former seems to have a very good rep for overall quality and are a bit more opulent. Any difference in maintenance or reliability? I’m aware that the rule of thumb is for annual maintenance is 10-20% of the boats value.
We looked at buying a crewed yacht before Covid and went as far as hiring an appropriately qualified Captain to advise and look for a suitable boat and where it would be best to keep it. This was well worth the outlay as it was invaluable having an expert to ask the right questions and advise on what is possible and necessary, as well as all the pitfalls and things you don't imagine.
As has been mentioned, it's worth spending a few weeks on various charters researching exactly what you're after rather than going in more or less blind.
Happy to answer any questions but I'm positive there are others more qualified on this forum when it comes to the technical aspect.
As has been mentioned, it's worth spending a few weeks on various charters researching exactly what you're after rather than going in more or less blind.
Happy to answer any questions but I'm positive there are others more qualified on this forum when it comes to the technical aspect.
lucky enough to poke around some 60-70ft Azimut / Fairline / Sunseekers at the boat show - that size gives separate crew quarters and definitely the way to go IMHO.
to keep a boat that clean, and fingerprint free, toys prep etc etc - and of course have the boat prepped to step aboard on your arrival ready to roll, full of fuel, food and beers.
Have fun I say
to keep a boat that clean, and fingerprint free, toys prep etc etc - and of course have the boat prepped to step aboard on your arrival ready to roll, full of fuel, food and beers.
Have fun I say
I am coming from a 60 foot open (Sarnico) and am now on a 70 foot trawler type (Navetta). Whilst the open/targa/sportfly boats look the part, in hindsight I consider them not practical for longer durations of holidays.
What I am trying to say is that you need to plan what types of holidays you are aiming to do.
It is a vast difference if you have a 30 knot + passage where no one can do much other then lying/sitting about (galley below deck, lots of movemnt, high wind velocities etc.) or if you do a 12 knot passage where you can you use all the space and amneties on board without much restriciton. It is simply a different type of holiday and you need to decide if you want to be dashing from one location to the other or use the passages as part of your time off.
Living volume is also vastly different between flybridge and the other boats, so if you are planning to stay aboard for long stints at a time (remote islands etc.) you may feel you are lacking space on an open/targa.
The Pershing 62/6x is a great boat, Stay well away from the 5x it has a horrible ride. Lots of myths about Arneson surface drives, don't belive them.
Drives are another service item adding to your yearly bills, but that is about it, the boat is as easy to manouver as any other 60+ footer on shafts.
On the Pershing, the props are well visible under the swimplatform as they end exactly at the end of the platform which may put some guests off when swimming.
Well built boats.
Edited to add: No problem running a 60-70 foot boat with the wife or even alone. Just expect a lot of your holiday time to go into cleaning, prepping and fixing stuff. For me, it's part of the fun.
What I am trying to say is that you need to plan what types of holidays you are aiming to do.
It is a vast difference if you have a 30 knot + passage where no one can do much other then lying/sitting about (galley below deck, lots of movemnt, high wind velocities etc.) or if you do a 12 knot passage where you can you use all the space and amneties on board without much restriciton. It is simply a different type of holiday and you need to decide if you want to be dashing from one location to the other or use the passages as part of your time off.
Living volume is also vastly different between flybridge and the other boats, so if you are planning to stay aboard for long stints at a time (remote islands etc.) you may feel you are lacking space on an open/targa.
The Pershing 62/6x is a great boat, Stay well away from the 5x it has a horrible ride. Lots of myths about Arneson surface drives, don't belive them.
Drives are another service item adding to your yearly bills, but that is about it, the boat is as easy to manouver as any other 60+ footer on shafts.
On the Pershing, the props are well visible under the swimplatform as they end exactly at the end of the platform which may put some guests off when swimming.
Well built boats.
Edited to add: No problem running a 60-70 foot boat with the wife or even alone. Just expect a lot of your holiday time to go into cleaning, prepping and fixing stuff. For me, it's part of the fun.
As above, fortunate to muck around on some big stuff at the baot show this year with a pal looking to buy.
We did not intend, but ended up speaking to the Sunseeker guys and the MD of Sunseeker London offered us a wealth if advise and what a raconteur he is.
My pal was after a GT / Targa type thing as he though the Flybridges look naff.
After a very considerate tour and show of the range and pro's and con's by the Sunseeker chap, it was clear for a family life a Flybridge is a must.
Acres of space - also super handy with staff
We did not intend, but ended up speaking to the Sunseeker guys and the MD of Sunseeker London offered us a wealth if advise and what a raconteur he is.
My pal was after a GT / Targa type thing as he though the Flybridges look naff.
After a very considerate tour and show of the range and pro's and con's by the Sunseeker chap, it was clear for a family life a Flybridge is a must.
Acres of space - also super handy with staff
Sounds good.
Would 70ft be too big to get into some marinas? A few years ago a 45ft I was on got a bit tight at times around Italy.
I can see staff being a hassle to sort, as well as the loss of privacy.
Hopefully you will keep us updated with your decision making process and how it goes.
Would 70ft be too big to get into some marinas? A few years ago a 45ft I was on got a bit tight at times around Italy.
I can see staff being a hassle to sort, as well as the loss of privacy.
Hopefully you will keep us updated with your decision making process and how it goes.
AndyC_123 said:
Sounds good.
Would 70ft be too big to get into some marinas? A few years ago a 45ft I was on got a bit tight at times around Italy.
I can see staff being a hassle to sort, as well as the loss of privacy.
Hopefully you will keep us updated with your decision making process and how it goes.
I've been up and down the med and the Adriatic for the past 5 years with about 4-5 weeks per year spent on board - very few marinas that won't take a 70 foot let alone a 45 footer..Would 70ft be too big to get into some marinas? A few years ago a 45ft I was on got a bit tight at times around Italy.
I can see staff being a hassle to sort, as well as the loss of privacy.
Hopefully you will keep us updated with your decision making process and how it goes.
I'had a Sunseeker 82 Yacht so am happy to help with any questions you may have.
Getting a home berth is pretty much a must. It gives your boat a base and is much more cost effective than hoping from marina to marina finding availability (which you won't in season). Decent marinas tend to have waiting lists and the Med ones are not known for their flexibility!
I would also strongly recommend crew (or at the very least a captain). I had three crew (captain, stewardess/cook and deckhand) but it also worked with two. There is always something that needs doing and the cleaning alone is a full time job. The expertise of a good captain is invaluable in any event and a stewardess who takes care of everything else make all your time on board a pleasure.
Pershing are good boats, but consider Sunseeker and Azimut too. Fairline are nice, though 'only' go up to 68 feet now days. I would not buy new as you are just burning money that could otherwise cover (the very large) ownership costs for quite some time.Your yacht will eat money!
They are absolutely fantastic though and as others have said you really need make sure you are buying the right boat for what you want from it. I went for mine as it offered lots of space and privacy for me and guests, accommodated 3 crew in separate quarters and had a large flybridge.
Mine did not have stabilisers and if I were to buy another I would definitely have them. It was never really an issue though as we always planned travel and went to anchor in calm waters, but having them give your more options/flexibility.
Give me a shout with any questions, but I would certainly recommend experiencing it and if you are going to do it then do it with a crew - they are not like villas where you can just turn up - they are floating machines that need constant attention.
Cheers!
Getting a home berth is pretty much a must. It gives your boat a base and is much more cost effective than hoping from marina to marina finding availability (which you won't in season). Decent marinas tend to have waiting lists and the Med ones are not known for their flexibility!
I would also strongly recommend crew (or at the very least a captain). I had three crew (captain, stewardess/cook and deckhand) but it also worked with two. There is always something that needs doing and the cleaning alone is a full time job. The expertise of a good captain is invaluable in any event and a stewardess who takes care of everything else make all your time on board a pleasure.
Pershing are good boats, but consider Sunseeker and Azimut too. Fairline are nice, though 'only' go up to 68 feet now days. I would not buy new as you are just burning money that could otherwise cover (the very large) ownership costs for quite some time.Your yacht will eat money!
They are absolutely fantastic though and as others have said you really need make sure you are buying the right boat for what you want from it. I went for mine as it offered lots of space and privacy for me and guests, accommodated 3 crew in separate quarters and had a large flybridge.
Mine did not have stabilisers and if I were to buy another I would definitely have them. It was never really an issue though as we always planned travel and went to anchor in calm waters, but having them give your more options/flexibility.
Give me a shout with any questions, but I would certainly recommend experiencing it and if you are going to do it then do it with a crew - they are not like villas where you can just turn up - they are floating machines that need constant attention.
Cheers!
Edited by JulianPH on Thursday 3rd October 10:00
noneedtolift said:
Living volume is also vastly different between flybridge and the other boats, so if you are planning to stay aboard for long stints at a time (remote islands etc.) you may feel you are lacking space on an open/targa.
Exactly why I chose the Sunseeker Yacht over the Predator. People say the flybridge on it is like having a second boat and there is much more internal volume, particularly on the lower deck where space isn't taken up by the placement of the kitchen and the tender garage.A friend has a Predator 86, so 4 foot longer than my 82 Yacht, and as beautiful as it is it just never feels as big.
Opens and Targas are lovely things, but I wanted something that felt like a floating home and the extra deck space achieved that perfectly.
Can recommend giving Adrian at Nicolle associates a call (think his oppo might post on here who can also help)
https://www.findaboat.co.uk/
If you want to name drop Robin from Despo but nothing in it for me just know happy customers.
https://www.findaboat.co.uk/
If you want to name drop Robin from Despo but nothing in it for me just know happy customers.
ecsrobin said:
Can recommend giving Adrian at Nicolle associates a call (think his oppo might post on here who can also help)
https://www.findaboat.co.uk/
If you want to name drop Robin from Despo but nothing in it for me just know happy customers.
Thanks Robin, Ado will appreciate the name drop. (I'm the oppo)https://www.findaboat.co.uk/
If you want to name drop Robin from Despo but nothing in it for me just know happy customers.
I've already PM'd the OP.
AndyC_123 said:
noneedtolift said:
I've been up and down the med and the Adriatic for the past 5 years with about 4-5 weeks per year spent on board - very few marinas that won't take a 70 foot let alone a 45 footer..
Sorry - I meant with them being so full at times.
Needs some planning and booking in advance that is absolutely correct!
JulianPH said:
noneedtolift said:
Living volume is also vastly different between flybridge and the other boats, so if you are planning to stay aboard for long stints at a time (remote islands etc.) you may feel you are lacking space on an open/targa.
Exactly why I chose the Sunseeker Yacht over the Predator. People say the flybridge on it is like having a second boat and there is much more internal volume, particularly on the lower deck where space isn't taken up by the placement of the kitchen and the tender garage.A friend has a Predator 86, so 4 foot longer than my 82 Yacht, and as beautiful as it is it just never feels as big.
Opens and Targas are lovely things, but I wanted something that felt like a floating home and the extra deck space achieved that perfectly.
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