MERILYN’S TOP 10 LIVEABOARDS- 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. - 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. - 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 - The Lazzara family now build Lazzara yachts. A Gulfstar will set
you back $180,000 upwards depending on condition. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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 AboardTOP MIke Blenkinsop (right) and crew aboard Pelikan.
CENTRE Geoff Craig claims the freedom is the best part of the
liveaboard life.
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