Which layout would you choose?

[Tranona]

There are plenty of modern boats not targeted at the charter business if you choose to look for them - Arcona, HR, X Yachts etc - as well as twin cabin versions from other builders

Yes, some production builders have gone down this route. Bavaria have had several attempts - the 2 cabin version of my late 90s 37 had a saloon layout with 2 armchairs on one side like some HR models, but inevitably sold in small numbers and still sought after. The Vision range the original 40 and 44 and the second generation 42 and 46 all focused on a couple plus guest. Beneteau have tried similar with the Sense range and Jeanneau with the DS range. However they all inevitably sell at a premium and appeal to only a small sector of the market compared with loads of bunks majority.

 

[lustyd]

saloon layout with 2 armchairs on one side like some HR models

Exactly the problem. They all focus on various places to sit, eat or crap. The Bavaria Vision at least put in an office and walk in wardrobe, and was a very good example of thinking differently. Perhaps other boat owners spend all their lives eating and defacating, but my life includes other activities that would be great to include on the boat. For cruising it's surprising how few include a workshop or somewhere to set up a sewing machine properly (dining table with fiddles works for neither).

 

[fredrussell]

…For cruising it's surprising how few include a workshop or somewhere to set up a sewing machine properly (dining table with fiddles works for neither).

I would absolutely love to have a workshop on my boat. At present I have a vice that clamps on the companionway steps and it’s an awful way of working. Mine’s a 31 ft boat so not a likely proposition, but as boats approach the 40ft mark I see no reason not to incorporate a workshop.

 

[Tranona]

Exactly the problem. They all focus on various places to sit, eat or crap. The Bavaria Vision at least put in an office and walk in wardrobe, and was a very good example of thinking differently. Perhaps other boat owners spend all their lives eating and defacating, but my life includes other activities that would be great to include on the boat. For cruising it's surprising how few include a workshop or somewhere to set up a sewing machine properly (dining table with fiddles works for neither).

That is just a reflection of the market - new boat buyers do not want such things, at least on smaller (sub 50') boats, but are very common on semi custom boats as well as long term voyagers who are prepared to permanently convert cabins for workshop. The Visions do actually have a workshop option - or at least an undefined space in the starboard aft that can be fitted out in this way. Move up to the big 50'+ C range and you will find these features as options. However, with sub 40' boats such features just would not sell in sufficient volume because buyers value the space for food preparation, sitting and eating, sleeping and in line with modern household practice ready access to private ablution facilities. Such preferences just follow household developments (nobody had heard of en suites when I first bought a house - just had to make sure the loo was indoors!)

 

[Stemar]

I rather think that most of those with the means to buy a new boat and keep it in a marina just don't want to be bothered with getting their hands dirty or, like my former boss, an extremely competent accountant, become a public danger the minute they pick up a screwdriver. There are plenty, like me, who run their boats on a shoestring budget, and we have no choice but to get down and dirty with resistant electrics and stroppy diesels, but the more affluent practical boat owners are, I think, in the minority.