We’re buying a new boat !!

henryf said:
Thanks for the comments ;)

I’ve got a provisional spec drawn up. When looking at the Sirena 58 I had a huge mental debate re: a hard top. Looks much better without but really needs one to make the huge flybridge work. Our current 50 came with a bimini - another one of the bit’s I wouldn’t have specced but inherited and I love it. It stays up all the time. Provides a bit of shade but also holds off a bit of rain as well. Bizarrely I inherited a spare almost new Bimini frame which we’ve got stored in one of the sheds here.

The 55 hard top is a big chunk of cash and I'm not sure looks that great. My biggest fear though is the weight. Weight high up is a bad thing which only detracts from the ride and rolling at anchor so my initial spec was a manual Bimini. I don’t think it’s going to be up and down much So couldn’t see the point in a £10k motor.

Speaking of comfort at anchor we’re also going for gyro stabilisation. Princess spec the Seakeeper 9, Sunseeker only fit the Seakeeper 6 to their M55. From a charter point of view I see gyro stabilisation as a good USP. In many cases it may be the fear for people who don’t get out on the water much although in places like Colwell Bay for the Hut where it is often a bit choppy gyro will be interssting.

I’ve had a bit of a sea trial in a P55 and we did a quick gyro exercise - very interesting. It‘s an expensive box but on a charter boat I think it makes sense. On the sea trial front it was a very different handling boat to the P50 Mk3. I hadn’t realised how sporty the 50 is, I just assumed all boats that size were like it. I’ve been spoiled !
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The stabilisation debate is really interesting, and of course for your less experienced guests, reducing swell at anchor will be a real bonus. Does Princess have a standard installation on the 55? Agree with you on the hard top, although not having one might impact residuals?
 
Very exciting, Henry. From the video Aquaholic made at the Cannes show there looks to be very much to like about the F55. Hope it all goes well.
 
SpottyDog5 said:
Congratulations Henry, looking forward to giving her the once over, especially the heads.
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I shall be taking a roll of toilet paper to the factory with me Roy and trying out some of the boats on the production line. You make a very valid point.

Joking aside the 50 Mk3 has brilliant toilets which exceeded my expectations in terms of function and noise and I would fit anything but fresh water flush any more.
 
Bajansailor said:
It is a real shame that JFM is no longer on these forums - I have always very much enjoyed and learned from his comments and experiences with new builds, and I am sure that he would have happily got involved with yours Henry.
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JFM is indeed a font of knowledge and wisdom. Someone who definitely gets the most out of boating.

I can confirm he is still alive and well, we bumped into each other on the pontoon at the Southampton boat show this year.

I suspect we will be easier clients for Princess and won’t cause them to re make the moulds. Having said that if there was a way to pop a crew cabin door in the transom……… :)
 
henryf said:
I shall be taking a roll of toilet paper to the factory with me Roy and trying out some of the boats on the production line. You make a very valid point.

Joking aside the 50 Mk3 has brilliant toilets which exceeded my expectations in terms of function and noise and I would fit anything but fresh water flush any more.
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Why not fresh water loos ?
I had vacuum fresh water ones on the Hatteras, no issues, but I need keep on top of the maintenance schedules, they did block twice, but that was due to human error.
 
henryf said:
JFM is indeed a font of knowledge and wisdom. Someone who definitely gets the most out of boating
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I digress, I’m sorry but whenever JFM’s name appears I always remember a thread on reducing the cost of boating and JFM recommended rather than using a plane charter company who will charge for coming to your local airport, its cheaper to phone the airport directly and see what they have on the ground.
Very handy tip :unsure::)
 
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SpottyDog5 said:
Why not fresh water loos ?
I had vacuum fresh water ones on the Hatteras, no issues, but I need keep on top of the maintenance schedules, they did block twice, but that was due to human error.
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Sorry my wording wasn’t clear. I would ONLY fit fresh water flush toilets as it totally removes the smell associated with seawater flush.
 
DavidJ said:
I digress, I’m sorry but whenever JFM’s name appears I always remember a thread on reducing the cost of boating and JFM recommended rather than using a plane charter company who will charge for coming to your local airport, its cheaper to phone the airport directly and see what they have on the ground.
Very handy tip :unsure::)
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And THAT is why we all come on the forum for handy money saving tips ?
 
Congrats H nice choice

we did a sea trial on a 55 in Oct and tested the gyro as heard it was not great from another owner who did not spec it.

it’s expensive but saw the difference even running down the river - boat was ‘planted’

off calshot it was F5 wind over tide and huge effect so a must have even for resale althoughretro fit is quite easy I hear. Get control to both helms

also skipper used the thrusters and shafts to manoeuvre although joy stick was available when asked he said force of habit and no fuss and little noise compared to joystick that rocks the boat and causes a right commotion
Thinks if you carpet the galley area the aft galley integrates better to the
Saloon

but agree galley down is preferred if you cook O/B which we do all the time

mjf
 
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