Days and nights of research, decision-making aids for boats we already know, looking at what’s on the market, budget checks, and ultimately that gut feeling: will the boat find me? In the end, the shortlist has been narrowed down to just a few boats and—lo and behold—all previous rankings have been radically cleared.
Reality simply dictates that you can only buy what is available. Above 40 feet, the prices for berths in the Mediterranean, as well as maintenance costs, increase significantly. Prices have virtually exploded over the last four years, but currently, my Excel market tracker shows a clear downward trend. Is that a good thing? Well, for us it is.
Since we want to convert to an electric propulsion system, Length = Weight = more kW. The step from 15/17 kW to 20/25 kW costs a significant 10,000 Euros more.
Then we have two fundamentally different drive systems: Shaft drive or Saildrive. I have plenty of experience with shafts and can easily implement a relatively inexpensive motor (< €4,500). To handle a saildrive, I need a matching flange to connect a standard motor, which I haven’t found separately yet. There are saildrive solutions that are pretty cool, but they all start at a minimum of €12,000.
Then there are POD drives. I could mount one in the existing saildrive hole. However, these also start at around €13,000 (always including the controller and necessary accessories).
More within the Projects section.
So, the following points need to be evaluated (the order does not imply priority):
A. Propulsion
B. Performance / Sailing characteristics
C. Displacement (Weight)
D. Cockpit Layout
E. Interior / Living Layout
F. Companionway (low and shallow = good; high and steep = bad) we have a large dog and aren’t getting any younger.
G. Battened Mainsail
H. Bowsprit or attachment points for Code 0 / Gennaker
I. Spacious Forward Cabin (V-berth)
J. Twin Helm (Twin steering wheels) or one large wheel
K. Build quality and previously fixed issues
L. Cutter stay (inner forestay) or the possibility to add one
That’s quite a lot of points, and those are just the most important ones.
But which boats fit the bill, provided they stay within budget? Since I always assume we will invest another €30,000 to €40,000, the initial purchase price needs to be reasonable.
Our planned upgrades (if necessary): Mainsail, Genoa, Storm jib, Parasailor, Code Zero, Gantry (Arch), PV system, Dodger/Bimini canvas, Electric propulsion.
It’s going to be tight with the planned budget. If the boat has a saildrive, we will probably stick with the diesel for the time being.
The search has begun. I’ve already sent out two inquiries; for the second one, I was already too late. But as of today, I have two years to find the right boat—though I hope it won’t actually take that long! 🙂