Open bridge VS enclosed for live aboard 58/60 SF

[hyperfishing]

More great info thanks, the "library" of documents sounds great, going there next. MicroKap, meet anyone who lived aboard a 60 SF at the Hat fest in RI? Likes, dislikes? Ever use the enclosed bridge while at the dock?

How does your boat behave offshore at 8-10 knots for best fuel economy? There is some thought that the SF likes to run faster else it will roll more than a YF with stabilizers at the same speed. I am assuming your captain was at 17 knots for most of the trip, what about in the 8 foot seas?

It is the likelyhood of meeting 8 foot seas offshore that most interests me in the SF. It seems logical that it is a better sea boat than the YF, but hey what do I know. <gg>

That is a generous offer to see your boat, I will certainly think about it.

 

[MicroKap]

My wife and I have been living onboard since May 15th. We are renovating a new house we bought and the timing worked out fine. Now consider that my wife is now 5 months pregnant and living onboard. That's a really big statement about the livability of the 60 SF.

As far as the 8 footers coming up from Florida last summer, the captain said that he didn't have to back off the throttle too much. I think he said that he was running around 15 knots with no problems, no rattles, no creaks, etc. There were no items hurled around the cabin. Coming up from Cape May a couple of weeks ago, I was in 3-5 footers taking them from the starboard rear quarter. We had it on autopilot (Robertson DL100). It kept us on course, but the autopilot is known for overcompensating and making the boat roll a little more. The hull is modified V versus more of a round bottom on MY. The slight roll is very comfortable. You can also put stabilizers on a SF. You'd probably lose a knot. The 53 and the 58 are a very "rolly" boat without stabilizers. Also, as another note, ask any owner of a 53 or 58 if they get water over the bow. It's known to be a wet ride, hence the need for the lower station. The captain that had my boat out in 8 footers never had a drop hit the windshield. You will get a little spray when the wind is from abeam above 10 knots in a 3-5' chop.


Also, I know a few people who have installed Bennett Auto Trim for their trim tabs with very good results as far as dampening the rolling motion. Also, much better economy since the boat continues to ride at its optimum angle that you preset. It's a cheap investment compared to stabilizers.

Larry K.
1980 60' Sportfish
Monmouth Beach, NJ

 

[hyperfishing]

Thanks Larry, great info. Good luck with the house modifications and the new addition to the family!

 

[saltshaker]

Either the motor yacht or will be a great live aboard. You need to determine how you want to boat. If all you want is a floating home, then go for the best interior layout. I have been on Larry's 60SF and can tell you it is very roomy. The pump room and engine room are fantastic. Nice size salon, great galley and all nice sized staterooms and heads. The moter yacht maybe a bit roomier inside, but you won't have that big ER or pump room (both offer lots of storage for tools, spare parts and anything else you may need).

If it were me, I would go for the Sportfish. They are better sea boats, they're faster, and the large cockpit is great.

Both boats are great but also differ greatly. No Hatteras should just sit at the dock all year. The main reason for owning one is the way they handle/perform away from the dock. Determine how you will live and run it first. Then you should be able to make a clear choice.

Jack Sardina

 

[hyperfishing]

Just wanted to thank Admiralty58 and his wife for the grand tour of his 58YF. That boat is mint inside and out, and every access panel, everywhere I looked, displayed new hoses, clamps and wires. Frankly, it looked like a new boat, quite the opposite from the doggy 58 YF I looked at in Miami.

The custom enclosed rear deck was really great and a feature you will not find on any other YF to my knowledge. It adds many square feet of interior volume to the boat.

If you want a 58YF, you NEED to look at Admiralty58's boat to see how other 58YFs should look.

Thanks again Admiralty58 for the education!