Ocean 56 cockpit mY vs Hat 53 cockpit motor yacht

[hyperfishing]

I think I know my answer, but which is better at crossing the stream to BeeHams?

I really do prefer the layout of Ocean.

A 65 Sportfish no doubt is way better, but too wide for my canal off the New River.

,

[cww]

Those Oceans are pretty cool in my opinion, you won't get any judgment out of me. The 56' yachtfish Oceans are really just the 48' MY with an extended cockpit tacked on. The big plus side is they somehow figured out how to fit walkaround queens into all 3 staterooms in those boats, they're an ingenious use of space. Another plus is they're fast, they turn in an honest 20 knot cruise. I don't think there's any comparison at all in terms of build quality versus a Hatteras though.

[Captain Ralph]

We have delivered a few boats up & down the Fla coast. There was this Fleming we were bring up the coast with a f$%^&*ng SE wind and seas on our stb tail, what a miserable ride.
I felt the stabilizers made the ride worse and turned them off, not locking them center, just off and they flew with the flow.
Yes we still rolled but the violent stern push went away.
The AP was now able to drive nicely. Turned the AP gain down a bit more and we were in a baby rocking crib.
In talking with others, Stabilizers in a following or off stern following may make it a worse ride and be quicker to turn them off or center lock them and experiment when your having rudder issues in sloppy waters.

I bring this up because I wonder if stabilizers on an Ocean CMY would help or not (???)..

Hello motoryacht lover, Did your bud have stabilizers?

[motoryacht lover]

I can’t remember but I don’t think so. I assumed he was planing when all the “fun” started.

[Captain Ralph]

Let me run this down;
A fairly built 56 CMY.
Built by Ocean Yacht.
With 671TIBs.
Don't think he had stabilizers.
Was planing.
Had issues in a following weather and had to turn around to return to the dock he started from (into the weather?)..
He was scared to operate his boat under these conditions.
We know it was not that bad since the smaller point boat continued.

First, Not dumping on the owner if he was nervous.
I wish more nervous operators had turned around after some stories I have heard.

Just what made him nervous, Really bad boat behavior or an less confidante operator? (smooth water sailor???)

There are just to many Oceans Yachts out there doing well to call it a bad boat.
That Fleming was another learning moment. I've run some Bayliner MYs thru some slop also.
Mostly retired these days, I'm still learning how to operate different boats. But I'm not scared of any properly maintained boat.

Back to the Original Post
I would not bad mouth the Ocean but there may be some reservations on hull design and a previous nervous operator.
I feel my first post is still good. More room and taller.
The Hatt will always have better support. This web site proves that.
What are your cruising limits? Smooth water only or some surfing?

So, When do we close and go fishing?

[motoryacht lover]

When I get back home I think I have that article by Powerboat Reports on Ocean Yacht stability problems. Mainly the 29 but atleast 1 other model as well. No ax to grind. As well as I remember Powerboat reports interviewed the naval architect who drew the 29 and when told the 29 had a fly bridge he said I told them no flybridge. But let me get the article before testing my memory much more. I think you will find it interesting.

[Captain Ralph]

The Ocean may have a deeper draft. I think the Ocean may offer a better ride but consume a little more fuel on plane.
If you stand tall, I think the Ocean may offer better head room in some places.
But sleeping vs boat operation; The Hatt helm may be more comfortable.

[motoryacht lover]

I had a dock neighbor that had an Ocean 56 cockpit MY. I have been onboard a number of times but not underway. His boat had 671 TIBs. He sold the boat because it scared him and his wife in following seas. At that time I had a 42 Bertram and we were leaving the same place and headed back to our home marina. It was a late fall run downsea in the Chesapeake bay. I made the run and he turned around because it was scaring him. It was a while ago but I would say the wind was about 15-20 knots. In the bertram it was a non event. I think he sold the boat for that reason. I am far from a naval architect but the stern was very narrow on that boat. Also Ocean had handling problems on the 29 and I believe the 58 in and around 1989-1991 if my memory is correct. I may have the article from an old issue of Powerboat reports. Based on what my neighbor said that boat is not suited for offshore running.

[hyperfishing]

Thanks good feedback. The cruising plan is crossing the Stream, both the Ocean and 53 cockpit Hat have 4 foot drafts. Any comments on the 53 cockpit Hat in following seas?

Obviously deeper draft and wider beam is better, except in my canal and around shallow waters we will be traveling in.

[Steve Mannshardt]

Thanks good feedback. The cruising plan is crossing the Stream, both the Ocean and 53 cockpit Hat have 4 foot drafts. Any comments on the 53 cockpit Hat in following seas? Obviously deeper draft and wider beam is better, except in my canal and around shallow waters we will be traveling in.

I have a 53’ YF. The forefoot is very deep as with all 53’s. In a following sea of course tabs up and you’ll want to match the speed to the sea state. Too slow and she’ll bow steer and wear out the helmsman. Run with or better than the wave speed and she’s fine.