Which boat? Liveaboard with children

andycollenette

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We are planning on doing a 2 year trip with 4 adults and 4 children. Which boat would be best? Would consider cat or monohull. Budget around the £200k mark. We have already circumnavigated in a Rival 38.
 
An outsider's opinion

...2 year trip with 4 adults and 4 children...

I've never gone extended cruising with kids (or even another couple) but based purely on observation, I'd suggest that you'll have a better chance of success (measured on the basis of all eight participants enjoying, or at least staying the course) if you were to spend your budget on two £100k boats.
 
Welcome to the forum.

As you have already done it, you are probably in a better position to work out what is suitable than most people planning such a trip. That many people requires a big boat if you want any individual privacy. A Cat is probably better as the accommodation is more split up, but you will struggle to get a modern one fully kitted out in that budget. Obvious place to look is ex charter boats where you will also find a supply of large monos with enough berths but maybe not the type of boat you would like.

It is difficult to advise because there are few boats specifically made for that kind of use, so you have to decide where your compromises are to fit into what is available. You may well find that you have to go for an older boat because of your budget, so much will depend on your ability to prepare and maintain a big old boat.

Good luck with your project.
 
I would have thought a Cat will give you more comfort and would be looking at a Privilege or Leopard.

Or for something completely different how about this

Eight berths, two saloon areas and lots of privacy.
 
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You might consider a Southern Ocean Shipyard Ocean 60. Some have five double cabins (some four) and two heads. We have lived aboard ours as a family of 6 for years and sailed for months with 10 people. The simple split rig makes it easy to sail. You would easily get one within your budget google ocean 60 schooner and a number will come up. Ours will be back in the UK late June and you are welcome to have a look.
 
doesnt it depend on where you plan your two years? if its just around the med i would have thought Benneteau, Bavaria or Jeanneau would be best. Lots of living space daylight and ventilation. Also the bigger the more restricive on ports/marinas.
 
Personal choice for that use? - something with a slow roll motion, loads of space for 'toys' (bikes, windsurfers etc.), simple maintenance (not necessarily low maintenance, just simple maintenance, hand paint etc.)

Jonic's on the right lines I think. My 2p.
 
X482

Went to view this boat in spain about 4 months ago, in astonishing condition, professionally maintained with bags of extras and huge amount of space. only drawbacks are pretty plain interior (although easy to maintain) and ageing rod rigging. Only reason we could find for low price is the Greek nationality of the owner.

http://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/173850/?searchid=&page=

Probably a bit sporty for what you want but very well kitted and very affordable.
 
Went to view this boat in spain about 4 months ago, in astonishing condition, professionally maintained with bags of extras and huge amount of space. only drawbacks are pretty plain interior (although easy to maintain) and ageing rod rigging. Only reason we could find for low price is the Greek nationality of the owner.

http://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/173850/?searchid=&page=

Probably a bit sporty for what you want but very well kitted and very affordable.

That is very cheap and looks good. Some of these larger high end sporting yachts can be had at a good price on the used market and do in fact make excellent cruisers. Its a bit like 5 series BMW's, most people go for a three because the five may be too big etc for them, when in reality its probably one of the best second hand buys on the market. (Guess what I drive ;) )

Different price bracket but similar boat here.
 
Simpson 46 and Ocean 60

The Ocean 60 and the Simpson 46 both look really good. Found 4 Ocean 60s on he market and you appear to get a lot for you money.
 
and they sail reasonably well too and their very stable with hardly any heeling.

i have to admit i am slightly biased as the owner of the Simpson in question.
they are a good strong boat with a good turn of speed.
 
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