NGM
Well-Known Member
We've had our Sealine S450 since 2013 and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment. However, I’m sure like many we were always thinking of the next boat and what might tempt us to change to get something different from our boating.
Our boat is kept in SE Spain, and is typically used for very long lazy days at anchor. As much as our kids love the adventure of overnighting we rarely did except for one week a year when visiting Ibiza. We have clocked 250 hours in four seasons but that doesn’t tell the truth of our use given the time spent with engines off.
The huge cockpit and bathing platform of the S450 worked really well for us as did the overall accommodation on what is essentially at 42’ boat. However, the main draw of a sports boat was the comfort of the kids in constant eyesight, being only 4&5 when we initially purchased. My main gripe as helmsman was being stuck behind a screen for the duration of a passage – especially the 5 hours direct to Ibiza. Additionally, the benefits of such a beamy boat at anchor were sometimes offset in a bumpy sea state.
We attempted 2 different offers on larger sports boats but on both occasions the seller pulled out – you hear how difficult it is to sell a boat, we didn’t find buying that easy! This year at LIBS my wife warmed to the idea of a flybridge – particularly now the kids are older and very boat wise. This obviously opened many more options.
I was mentally planning a trip to Dusseldorf just as we were viewing the Princess 49 -- for the first time since our upgrade itch kicked in we both felt this boat could work perfectly for us. We definitely wanted an open aft galley, for practicality and to give that bigger cockpit feel. The accommodation was more than sufficient and the overall finish was very impressive. The vast spaces in the engine room allows for sufficient storage and alleviated the issue of an expensive crew cabin fit out that would only be used as a lazarette ! I was excited by the prospect of a 360 helming view and having people close by when on passage. The saloon will be great for our week away and will tempt us to stay on the hook overnight more often rather than heading home. I’d thought our next boat would likely be on shafts but I was equally happy to engage with IPS. We have already taken a sea trial and I was very pleased with the handling and balance of the boat.
We spent the rest of the day agreeing a provisional spec that I don’t think will change too much. The highlights being - teak flybridge, BBQ/wetbar, passerelle, hilo platform, aircon, Seakeeper 5.
Our completion date isn’t until next May which suited us somewhat. Given, the time lag and the standardised options there’s likely little to update for some time but I will follow up if manage a factory visit or nearer to delivery.
Our boat is kept in SE Spain, and is typically used for very long lazy days at anchor. As much as our kids love the adventure of overnighting we rarely did except for one week a year when visiting Ibiza. We have clocked 250 hours in four seasons but that doesn’t tell the truth of our use given the time spent with engines off.
The huge cockpit and bathing platform of the S450 worked really well for us as did the overall accommodation on what is essentially at 42’ boat. However, the main draw of a sports boat was the comfort of the kids in constant eyesight, being only 4&5 when we initially purchased. My main gripe as helmsman was being stuck behind a screen for the duration of a passage – especially the 5 hours direct to Ibiza. Additionally, the benefits of such a beamy boat at anchor were sometimes offset in a bumpy sea state.
We attempted 2 different offers on larger sports boats but on both occasions the seller pulled out – you hear how difficult it is to sell a boat, we didn’t find buying that easy! This year at LIBS my wife warmed to the idea of a flybridge – particularly now the kids are older and very boat wise. This obviously opened many more options.
I was mentally planning a trip to Dusseldorf just as we were viewing the Princess 49 -- for the first time since our upgrade itch kicked in we both felt this boat could work perfectly for us. We definitely wanted an open aft galley, for practicality and to give that bigger cockpit feel. The accommodation was more than sufficient and the overall finish was very impressive. The vast spaces in the engine room allows for sufficient storage and alleviated the issue of an expensive crew cabin fit out that would only be used as a lazarette ! I was excited by the prospect of a 360 helming view and having people close by when on passage. The saloon will be great for our week away and will tempt us to stay on the hook overnight more often rather than heading home. I’d thought our next boat would likely be on shafts but I was equally happy to engage with IPS. We have already taken a sea trial and I was very pleased with the handling and balance of the boat.
We spent the rest of the day agreeing a provisional spec that I don’t think will change too much. The highlights being - teak flybridge, BBQ/wetbar, passerelle, hilo platform, aircon, Seakeeper 5.
Our completion date isn’t until next May which suited us somewhat. Given, the time lag and the standardised options there’s likely little to update for some time but I will follow up if manage a factory visit or nearer to delivery.
