Go big or go home?

[Solent Sailor]

In our search for the perfect family mobo, we have now looked at quite a number of things. In fact, we've even made an offer on one but (fortunately it would seem in retrospect) the discussions went nowhere and the broker performed all the usual last minute tricks of "oh look, someone else has made a near asking price offer" etc. Pathetic really, but suppose you've got to roll with it.

Anyway, we are now clear that a shaft driven boat is the way ahead for us. However, two radically different approaches are in our minds at present.

We've seen a Fairline Squadron 50 (1996) that we really like. Its exceptionally well cared for and has massess of space.

We've also seen a considerably smaller ACM Dynasty (2002) that would fit our bill on many levels but would be between 1/2 and 2/3 the price of the Fairline.

My concerns are the costs of fueling the Squadron and presumably heightened general maintenance costs compared to the Dynasty. However, the Dynasty isn't exactly a popular make/model in the UK. I'm wondering whether most of the depreciation is done on the Squadron but is it a bit too big and old to be saleable next time around? Is the Dynasty just not mainstream enough to be saleable next time too?

Any thoughts on these two - I appreciate they are very different boats, but we're happy to explore alternative options.

 

[rafiki_]

Go for the boat you really like. You’ve answered your own question on brands. Everyone knows Fairline, ew of us the Dynasty, so inevitably selling on will be harder. Of course the Fairline will use more fuel, but this is far from your biggest cost. Depreciation, mooring and maintenance are much bigger costs for me. You don’t buy a boat as an investment, you buy it to enjoy.

 

[MapisM]

You’ve answered your own question on brands. Everyone knows Fairline, ew of us the Dynasty

How true.
So few, that the brand is actually ACM, Dynasty being one of their models! Sorry P, couldn't resist...
That aside, I couldn't agree more with your conclusion/suggestion. :encouragement:

 

[[165042]]

ACM are French and build quality is above the usual Beneteau/Jeanneau fare and below that of Nimbus which a few of their models are based around.

My ACM sold easily within a month or so of advertising - really depends on condition and price and probably the colour scheme. Early models were offered in cream gelcoat which looks a bit dated - blue hulls and teak decks will always sell IMO.

43' to 50' is a huge leap in terms of running costs but if you can afford either then buy the boat you think you'll be happier with long-term. Personally I would find the right boat at the right price as no one boat fits the bill all of the time in my experience. Probably explains why I change every season or two!

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

My concerns are the costs of fueling the Squadron and presumably heightened general maintenance costs compared to the Dynasty. However, the Dynasty isn't exactly a popular make/model in the UK. I'm wondering whether most of the depreciation is done on the Squadron but is it a bit too big and old to be saleable next time around? Is the Dynasty just not mainstream enough to be saleable next time too?

Its stating the obvious but most of the battle with depreciation is not what you can sell them for but what you can buy them for. Are either of these 2 boats at a significant discount to what you think the market selling price should be? Yes all things being equal, the Fairline will probably resell quicker, at least in the UK but if youre paying top dollar for it because its a nice boat, then youre probably going to take a significant depreciation hit on it. With the ACM its much lower price is going to limit the depreciation anyway and you do always have the option to truck it to France for resale

With regard to the relative fuel consumption, I dont think that should be a big factor in your consideration. Say the Sq50 does 0.75nmpg and the ACM 1.0nmpg, over a 100hr season at an average 15kts, the Sq50 is going to consume 9000 litres of fuel and the ACM about 6800 litres. At £1/litre thats a obviously a difference £2200 a season which is neither here nor there compared to what the depreciation and maintenance costs of either boat are going to be. My guess would be that because the Sq50 is a bigger older boat, your maintenance costs are going to be significantly higher than the ACM assuming that the ACM has been equally well looked after. You could easily spend £10000 or more a year on maintenance and upgrades for the Sq50 and thats without any big bills. The biggest potential maintenance cost with any boat is a major engine rebuild. The Sq55 is a 22yr old boat and whilst it may be in very good condition, it is that much closer to needing an engine rebuild than the ACM. With either boat but particularly for the Sq50, you absolutely must have a full engine (and generator) survey and oil analysis done by an expert (ie somebody like volvopaul of this parish). That would be in addition to a full hull and machinery survey by a competent general surveyor. Money spent on these 2 items would be money very well spent both in terms of identifying major faults and giving you leverage to negotiate the price down