Enyar
Member
I'm sure you guys are sick of this but going through some rough times at work/personally and I need something to fuel the dream machine. In about 7 years time we will be retiring and I am looking for a mothership to take us on some adventures. Home base will be Tampa FL and I want a rig to make the middle grounds/dry tortugas/ keys/ Bahamas more accessible for short to medium length trips (extended weekends to a couple months). The budget will be all in for under $250k but I am VERY DIY friendly and should have plenty of time for a project. I want to be able to handle it with just my wife and I, comfortably sleep 4 and somewhat uncomfortably sleep 6 adults + associated children. Goal is maximum diving/fishing/kitesurfing and spending time together as a family. Minimal annual operating costs would be important but dockage isnt a factor.
I could see this going in 3 completely different directions and this is where I want your input. Either a 40'+ sailing cat which would be efficient, good amount of space and moving without engine noise is a great feeling. The problem is tender/toy storage and it really sucks when you're short on time and conditions don't cooperate. The next option would be something like a Defever 49 with a cockpit. This is short a stateroom but otherwise checks a lot of boxes. The final option and the one I am leaning towards is something like a Hatteras 52' sportfish. It checks all the boxes and when conditions suck we can power up to 20k and get to where we want to go fast and with minimum sea sickness. And they are CHEAP! The biggest problem is they are thirsty and old tech but at hull speed it seems reasonable.
By the way, the current rig is a 42' beneteau first + 13' whaler which my Dad owns. It's an awesome rig and the inspiration behind this post. Unfortunately it's starting to get a bit tight now that everyone is an adult and there are grandchildren coming into the mix. I want to continue the adventure with a little more space and a better cruising speed.
Help a day dreamer out! What route would you go?
I could see this going in 3 completely different directions and this is where I want your input. Either a 40'+ sailing cat which would be efficient, good amount of space and moving without engine noise is a great feeling. The problem is tender/toy storage and it really sucks when you're short on time and conditions don't cooperate. The next option would be something like a Defever 49 with a cockpit. This is short a stateroom but otherwise checks a lot of boxes. The final option and the one I am leaning towards is something like a Hatteras 52' sportfish. It checks all the boxes and when conditions suck we can power up to 20k and get to where we want to go fast and with minimum sea sickness. And they are CHEAP! The biggest problem is they are thirsty and old tech but at hull speed it seems reasonable.
By the way, the current rig is a 42' beneteau first + 13' whaler which my Dad owns. It's an awesome rig and the inspiration behind this post. Unfortunately it's starting to get a bit tight now that everyone is an adult and there are grandchildren coming into the mix. I want to continue the adventure with a little more space and a better cruising speed.
Help a day dreamer out! What route would you go?