Smallest size "luxury" yacht

[Wckoek]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Oysters and HR's in the 60's of feet have often large master cabin, two guest cabins, and crew cabin for 2. The longer the boat, the more volume you have to work, which is especially useful if you are doing long passages and/or are going to remote places and need storage space. But more than 60-odd feet is not strictly necessary, especially if you are doing normal (i.e. coastal) cruising with the odd long passage/ARC, etc.


In my opinion 62-65 feet is a very good size, still quite handy for two or single handed, but with enough space for a few guests plus crew.


Still able to fit into, and maneuver inside, many pleasure boat harbours and marinas (not all, of course, by a long shot -- I can't get into many of those in the Baltic even with my 54 feet).


Once you get over 70 feet or so, this starts to become tricky.

Yeah, it is difficult to get a slip once you get above 60' in many places.

[theDangerz]

I guess we see this the other way.

Living a life of freedom, full of ocean views, gin sunsets (see what I did there?) and the ability to swim untouched reefs by simply diving off the back of our boat is already a luxury... whatever the size of the vessel that got you there!

As soon as the boat is big enough to require crew (whether to help sail her or to help clean/maintain her)... that's no longer true.

If we have to pause and consider whether to include clothing before leaving the berth, or if the lovely lady captain and I have to pause before getting romantic at the helm or anywhere else on the boat... we would no longer call it luxury.

[LoudMusic]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

I wouldn't consider a monohull sailboat "luxury" until the professional crew took the time to bring me a really good gin and tonic while I watched, fascinated by their work.

I've experienced that on a 34 footer on a lake.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

"Luxury" does not describe cruising unless you have professional crew. Cruising on whatever size of boat is hard work otherwise, and hard work and "luxury" are mutually exclusive concepts in my book.

To comfortably accomodate professional crew -- at least one guy to fix stuff and run errands and keep the odd watch, better a couple so that there is someone to cook and clean up -- you would like to have a boat of at least about 65'.

I had one pro crewman for the first 3 years or so I had this boat. A little tight on a 54 footer but it was GREAT. Unfortunately I lost him when he moved to Australia. I think I need to start looking for a replacement.


English aristocrats like to say -- we'd rather be underhoused than underserved. They know something about luxury! It's all about the crew, not the boat.

It depends entirely on your definition of luxury .

For me it has nothing to do with staff. It is a boat that engages the senses in the very best way.

I consider our boat to be luxurious primarily as the cabin is entirely watertight. That instantly removes any negative sensations of touch and smell . Leaks are the absolute pits and are the opposite side of the spectrum from luxury.

Safety and reliability are next. Being able to anchor in almost any conditions and still sleep soundly is paramount, as is a boat that is low maintenance and fitted out with the best quality equipment and redundant systems, which means minimal breakdowns and time wasted sourcing parts and technicians.

Although we are happy to do without many things that folks nowadays consider essential, ever changing multi million dollar 360° views from the pilothouse, good insulation, superbly functioning work areas, enough easily accessed storage space to live independently for months if desired, solid timber, leather seating, a massive comfy bed with 1000 count cotton bedlinen and goosedown quilts and pillows, well designed lighting, bone china, crystal glasses and beautifully crafted utensils and tools plus the best food and drink that can be sourced make our boat luxurious for us.

Size matters, but not much. It is what you do with it that counts .

[Narfi]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

It depends entirely on your definition of luxury .

The story goes that when my father grew up and moved out, his parents sold the cows and got indoor plumbing.

I think luxury could be defined as the perceived quality of life better than what you are currently experiencing.

Therefor, if any given yacht requires less physical, mental and emotional work than you are currently experiencing while at the same time allowing you to relax, enjoy, and/or follow dreams, then it must be luxury.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Narfi

I think luxury could be defined as the perceived quality of life better than what you are currently experiencing.

Therefor, if any given yacht requires less physical, mental and emotional work than you are currently experiencing while at the same time allowing you to relax, enjoy, and/or follow dreams, then it must be luxury.

By that definition you can never experience luxury.

I challenge that notion .

[Hardhead]

My Catalina 22 is a luxury yacht, as far as I know. Under no circumstances would I need to paddle with my hands, so that major step-up in convenience does it for me. I'm also happy that I'm so easily pleased.

[Narfi]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

By that definition you can never experience luxury.

I challenge that notion .

If you could experience it, then how could the grass be greener?

What you want is contentment, contentment is so much better than luxury.....
and besides, getting tangled in fences is uncomfortable

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Narfi

If you could experience it, then how could the grass be greener?

What you want is contentment, contentment is so much better than luxury.....
and besides, getting tangled in fences is uncomfortable

That’s easy. I don’t think the grass is greener .

And I think experiencing joy is better than mere contentment. But I do agree that being content to start with goes a long way towards achieving that.

[Caleb_Grey]

About as small and luxurious as it gets.
https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/201...house-3695419/

[Martkimwat]

Originally Posted by Pete7

LW, have you not read the Gin threads

We will see you in a month

We like the local Salcombe Gin for late afternoons, its light and refreshing.

Pete

Have you not tried the real strawberry gin from the Mermaid Distillery on the IOW, quite exquisite and comes in a lovely refillable bottle made in Naples IRCC.

That being said, a close second is Bombay Saphire with Fevertree Cucumber tonic and a slice of Cucumber.