ARC and cruising

Do look at the Discovery 55 - very Oyster-like but for a lot less money! They make a 50ft cat too, which is very bluewater cruisey.
 
OK you've got me going. I am a fan of cheap funtionality but what are the bits that Oysters and other posh boats can't do? Apart, that is, from leaving enuf cash left over to buy a cottage in France, a flat in London and a new car.

benny 57 has helm out of the way with not-huge wheel near companionway, good for protection in heavy sea. Oysters have hardass massive wheelsteering that looks the part but is hardly ever used and clutters up the cockpit. Benny 57 has clever not-hydraulic rear cockpit/swimming thing, nothing like that on Oysters. Both Benny and Oyster 56 have exactly the same type of light switches (or did when swmbo noticed it two years ago) and Oyster 56 has screws indoors above companionway that say "A2" (ie not 316 stainless) which is v poor imho.

As per earlier post, those who worry about it being a handful havent ever experiencd the less dramatic and far more predictable movement of a larger boat in a marina. PLus you get loads of help, plus everyone keeps a long way away, cos they all think 2x displacement =2x harder. Not so.
 
Once you get to 50 feet, are there really any bad boats that won't look after you I wonder?

Certainly your weather windows effectively get wider, you are less effected by cold temp and heavier seas.

As has been rightly said, the individual condition, kind of miles logged, the quality of the set up and extra gear will all be more significant to reliability and your pocket than actual differences between manufacturers. If in doubt pick conservatively from a volume builder for straightforward resale down the line..

The great thing about big boats is that they carry all the same things you have to put in a little boat-but you get all that extra deck and interior space 'left over' to enjoy! And extra cabins for visitors, the heads can be at the far end of the boat etc
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The only down side I see is that marina berths are charged per length, but it is much nicer and cooler at anchor with a good dinghy to connect you to shore life. Where you may not need Air "Con'' at all.
 
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