Who makes the best boats?

Whitelighter

Whitelighter

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Is there one particular country that consistantly produces the best boats in terms of design, build quality and finish? Is there a part of the world you wouldn't buy a boat from because of the general reputation? Is country of origin important or do you judge each builder on their own merits?

Hmm, I think I am in a Powerskip mood today /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
 
I'd say the UK are (for once) world leaders when it comes to quality motorboats. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
with respect Gludy, you said that a couple of years ago about the Taiwanese, I;m not sure you qulified yet to say who makes the best boats, the worst boats maybe, ( all said tongue in cheek).
 
Well you misunderstand - I am an extremist hence I do both ends. .... so there! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
In fairness I have always regarded the Marlow as the best. Even in my Trader heaven days. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
A sorted Trader is a very good boat - in my case its just that I have a limited life span. Maybe its better for much younger person with their life ahead of them!
I would not be out off a second hand Trader - they offer great accomodiation, good seakeeping etc. Very good boats. Just not as good as a Marlow.
 
My boats so far

Albin 25 made in Sweden very well built
Coronet 32 deepdea sedan built in Norway very well built as well.
Mainship 40 well designed and built made in the us of a.

I could never afford a british boat but you never know.

My dream boat is gb 46 europen so I would have to say usa.

Tom
 
when you say "best", do you mean overall, given all manufacturers, or do you mean continually has a yard (or two) that consistently make the worlds best, (meaning forget all the crud yards)? Still, I think you would have to add criteria. You might say Finland produces some high quality 26-ish hartops (or Sweden), but then they dont chuck out many top grade Med floating sunbeds. Or USA probably produces the best sportsboats/runabouts. Norway might produce the most expensive (!). France clearly produce some extremely successful models, if you want to call that "best". Generally, though, the best of anything if life isnt far away from the most expensive...

How about, which country has the most enviable boat manufacturing competence and skills? Not a country, but Nordic region to me would be high up the list.
 
For overall combination of design, build quality and finish, IMHO you can't beat the Italians but then I'm biased
 
Scandinavian boats are generally very well put together and sorted, if sometimes a bit challenging in the looks department (Botnia Targa, anyone?).

My Scandinavian faves include:

Swan
Nauticat
Botnia (in spite of the above)
Windy
Nimbus
Aquador

All excellent boats in their different ways.
 
[ QUOTE ]
... My dream boat is gb 46 europen so I would have to say usa.

Tom

[/ QUOTE ]
Err, does "gb" mean "Grand Banks"? If so, they have always been built in Asia, never in the US.

The top quality US builders are all specialists. Go-fast boats, offshore fishing boats, and ski boats. Never mind mainstream pleasure boats.

Kelly
 
"(Botnia Targa anyone)" - Pah, you obviously cannot see timeless elegance when it's moored just in front of you /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

I'd vote for Finland, Sweden and Norway, in no particular order. It's odd that the Danes don't seem to produce similar quality boats as the above, or do they? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Sportscruisers under 28ft are best made in the USA/Canada. All weather boats 20-35ft are best made in Scandanavia. Sexy sportscruisers over 28ft are best made in Italy. The Uk used to lead all of the sportscruiser market but I think they have lost there quality and pricing!

Scandanavia has always lead the great all weather boat market.

Flybridges are best jointly in the UK/Italy. I think UK Flybridges better built and better priced than UK soprtscruisers even though most are the same manufacturers!

As for Big stuff......no idea as I can not afford to even dream of owning one!....(Yet!)

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Pah, you obviously cannot see timeless elegance when it's moored just in front of you

[/ QUOTE ] Actually, if you remove the potting shed on top, the hull is a thing of perfect beauty and functionality - which is why it still goes on my list. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
"when it's moored just in front of you"
Which is exactly what most of them spend their time doing,when was the last time anybody actually saw one moving.Our local EA boat has not moved from its mooring in months,mind you has been a bit rough lately with lots of F2 and F3 breezes gusting up to 10mph,enought to keep any Targa tied up . /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
re Danes.. no, they go in for sail.. got to do something with all that bloody wind.
Or oars maybe, a gentle row being about 500 miles south westwards. Lovely people, unless you annoy them, in which case you are liable to get an axe through your door.
 
I like Your list James.
I add Nord West. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I haven't checked Saturday's lottery results.
I would be knocking on the door of NW and Nimbus if six in a row appear! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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