Trade-A-Boat — February 2018

(WallPaper) #1
MERILYN’S TOP 10 LIVEABOARDS


  1. HUNTER 45 CENTRE COCKPIT
    This is a beautiful liveaboard. A lot of thought has gone into the
    design of the interior. Good off-shore vessel. When world markets
    toughened up this company didn’t slacken off on quality. This boat
    depending on age and condition can set you back $500,000.

  2. PERRY PASSAGEMAKER
    A comfortable and roomy sailing catamaran with good freeboard.
    Perfect for families who plan to sail behind the Great Barrier Reef.
    You can anchor in close to the islands. Second-hand, one of these
    luxury catamarans will set you back around $500,000-plus.

  3. GULFSTAR YACHTS & POWERBOATS 43FT-PLUS
    It’s a personal preference for reasonably priced boats that were built
    solid to last, are roomy and have easy access to all engine
    components. The man behind Gulfstar was chemical engineer,
    Vincent Lazzara, who built his first fibreglass sailboat in 1955. Lazzara
    launched Gulfstar Inc, producing boats from the early 1970s until

  4. The Lazzara family now build Lazzara yachts. A Gulfstar will set
    you back $180,000 upwards depending on condition.

  5. CAVALIER 37
    This is a top boat for single-handers or couples who plan to cruise
    internationally. It’s strong and dependable. This proven bluewater
    sailing boat took Kay Cottee around the world. You may pick one up
    around the $100,000 mark.

  6. HALVORSEN CRUISERS
    These gentlemen’s boats have definitely stood the test of time. This
    company and its shipwrights simply didn’t cut any corners. Love the
    traditional fitout. Terrific for rivers and inland waterways where you
    need to pass under bridges or powerlines. In top condition, a
    Halvorsen can set you back a few hundred thousand dollars.

  7. NAUTICAT 38FT
    These are very strongly built, traditional, ketch-rigged motorsailers
    and pilothouse sailing yachts that are engineered to last. Electronics
    in most of these vessels are superbly set-out and user-friendly. The
    pilothouse offers shelter from both the burning sun and freezing
    winds. Price range second-hand is $180,000-plus.

  8. S&S 34
    May not be the roomiest of boats but this proven vessel is easy to
    handle. It will look after a single-hander or a couple planning to
    bluewater sail. If you are looking at safety first then this yacht “keeps
    on doing it’s best”. The S&S 34 took Jesse Martin around the world
    and now Jesscia Watson. Upwards of $40,000 depending on age
    and maintenance.

  9. NORMAN WRIGHT BAYCRUISER
    These traditional cruisers were built by true tradesmen. Don’t forget
    wooden boats require substantial dedication to a maintenance
    program but it’s worth the effort. Prices vary dramatically depending
    on condition and age, usually upwards of $40,000.

  10. ROBERTS 38FT-PLUS
    These are roomy, safe, sea boats for the budget-minded, which
    means you can afford to buy extra safety equipment and luxuries to
    make your life more comfortable. They are often homebuilt, so pay
    extra attention to detail when shopping for one. Prices vary between
    $80,000 to $160,000.

  11. BENETEAU 39FT-PLUS
    This is a popular charter-fleet vessel.
    It’s a reasonably priced day-sailing boat. If living aboard doesn’t fit
    with you, a good-quality Beneteau in survey can be put to work in a
    bareboat fleet. Second-hand ranges from $140,000-plus. Prices do
    vary dramatically on second-hand boats and just because it is
    cheaper than you expected to pay doesn’t mean that it’s not a good
    boat. Yet there are bargains to be had. Similarly an over-priced boat
    doesn’t necessarily guarantee any extra qualities. It is a case of a
    buyer doing their homework and having the boat surveyed and
    valued before purchase.


Living Aboard

TOP MIke Blenkinsop (right) and crew aboard Pelikan.


CENTRE Geoff Craig claims the freedom is the best part of the
liveaboard life.


tradeboats.com.au 47
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