Quote Originally Posted by jim rosenthal View Post
I think you are on the right track. Of the brands mentioned above, the Nordhavn would be my first choice, as much as I love Hatteras yachts. Nordhavns are really built for exactly what you are describing as your intended use. Maybe there is one in your price range- I'm sure they are the most expensive per foot of the boats on the list. If you are going to make blue water passages, then you need a boat built for doing just that.

From everything I've heard and read, Nordhavn's backup of their boats and their service network is equal or better to anything out there. Their owners take their boats all over the world and have to be able to contact the factory with service needs from very remote areas.

I've been on a few of them, sadly only at boat shows, but they are the most sturdily built small boats I've ever seen. They aren't exactly pretty like a Hatteras, but it's a different design philosophy- strong and functional and safe. Speed isn't in the equation, but getting you there safe and sound is. If you can find a Nordhavn, that's the choice I would make.
I have to agree with Jim. One of my marina neighbor's husband died unexpectedly and she asked me to help her move their 47 Nordhavn. The boats are not built for speed, but they are tough as nails and designed for long distances in deep water and less than desirable conditions. This one had a Lugger main engine and a wing engine and top speed with a good current is around 9.5 knots. The interior had sufficient space for a couple and a well designed & equipped galley and a super pilot house & high level flybridge. This boat was 6 years old and still looked like new after heavy usage and many long trips. It was easy to dock with wind and current with thrusters and smooth underway with stabilizers.

It was not the type of boat I would buy because i want the speed to be there if I need it. It does fit the niche for slow cruising and when you want to run night and day on long trips while using less fuel.