Rugged High Latitude Boats?

[Dockhead]

So there is once again light at the end of the financial tunnel, which indicates I might be in a position soon to either start building a new boat, or start looking for an existing one to buy.


I have a very good idea of what I want, and it would be logical to build it from scratch, but the cost of doing it this way is incredible, so I thought I might think one more time whether or not there is anything suitable which is series or semi-custom produced.


If I do build, I will probably use KM Yachts in the Netherlands, who built Noelex and SeaworthyLass' spectacular Bestaever 49. I have already been on a tour of the yard and have seen a number of their boats, which are generally oriented to rugged high latitude use so already close to what I want.


Logically I should look at their standard designs, some of which are available in the used market, but I just don't quite like them. Here is one:


http://www.bestevaer-tranquilo.com/

The price is really attractive -- I guess 1/3 the cost of new build -- I could probably buy this one right now.



But, there are numerous things I don't like, especially the interior arrangements, which I find generally unpleasant, but also just not adequate for the numbers of people I take with me on my adventures.

Generally, the spec is:

About 60-65' on deck, preferably not more.


Very strongly built aluminum hull, watertight compartments. Must be metal -- this is a deal breaker.


Ice class would be nice


Pilothouse -- a must.


Abundant technical space and deck storage -- a must -- typical series-produced cruising boat arrangement like what I have now is not suitable.


Lifting keel would be good.

Very good sailing qualities -- so no full keel, heavy displacement.

Accommodation for a reasonable expedition -- so at least three double cabins plus crew quarters. I have this now! In a 54' boat. So ought to be possible on a 65' boat even with the addition of the abundant technical and deck space.


Any ideas? I guess this doesn't exist and I will have to custom build, but I will be happy to be shown wrong.

[Yellow bird]

What about a Boreal yacht?
https://www.boreal-yachts.com/?lang=en

[Matt Johnson]

http://www.berckemeyer-yacht.de/yach...0_clipper.html

Berckemeyer designs like the Clipper 60' seem to fit your desired list. Based on the hull design, seem like it would go to weather pretty well for a lifting keel.... I think this one can add water ballast too if you need a bit more righting moment.

I'm not sure what their scantling is for their designs, but I'm sure that can be addressed with a bit of tweaking

Matt

PS... I also remember you saying you didn't like having a dinghy hanging on davits, so a dinghy garage seems like a good option for you.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

Berckemeyer Yacht Design | plans for modern and classic sailing yachts

Berckemeyer designs like the Clipper 60' seem to fit your desired list. Based on the hull design, seem like it would go to weather pretty well for a lifting keel.... I think this one can add water ballast too if you need a bit more righting moment.

I'm not sure what their scantling is for their designs, but I'm sure that can be addressed with a bit of tweaking

Matt

PS... I also remember you saying you didn't like having a dinghy hanging on davits, so a dinghy garage seems like a good option for you.

Thanks; I'll check that out!




Yes, no davits for me, at least not for passages. I would be looking at deck storage for the RIB I guess. Dinghy garage could be good too, but I've had very good luck with a folding RIB on the foredeck, last few years.

[Matt Johnson]

Oh yeah... I do think I'd love that Tranquilo either. Pretty eclectic design.... Exterior is beautiful (but not that useful) and interior just doesn't seem to match to outside.

A boat that's currently for sale that I'd look at is the Futuna 54 Explorer. It doesn't check every box you have, but it's been for sale for a while and you'd get a bargain vs new build.

Matt

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

Berckemeyer Yacht Design | plans for modern and classic sailing yachts

Berckemeyer designs like the Clipper 60' seem to fit your desired list. Based on the hull design, seem like it would go to weather pretty well for a lifting keel.... I think this one can add water ballast too if you need a bit more righting moment.

I'm not sure what their scantling is for their designs, but I'm sure that can be addressed with a bit of tweaking

Matt

PS... I also remember you saying you didn't like having a dinghy hanging on davits, so a dinghy garage seems like a good option for you.

Thanks; I'll check that out!




Yes, no davits for me, at least not for passages. I would be looking at deck storage for the RIB I guess. Dinghy garage could be good too, but I've had very good luck with a folding RIB on the foredeck, last few years.

[DockDoc]

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/201...el-53-3235866/

[Kenomac]

An Oyster 62 or 625 will meet or exceed your requirements at any latittude.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

An Oyster 62 or 625 will meet or exceed your requirements at any latittude.

Ahh, yes, one of those metal Oysters... kinda rare, those are!

Jim

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

An Oyster 62 or 625 will meet or exceed your requirements at any latittude.

Well . . .

Originally Posted by Dockhead

. . .


Very strongly built aluminum hull, watertight compartments. Must be metal -- this is a deal breaker.

. . .

Pilothouse -- a must.


Abundant technical space and deck storage -- a must -- typical series-produced cruising boat arrangement like what I have now is not suitable.

. . .

Fails all these criteria.

[chowdan]

That Tranquilo is an interesting one, but also not my taste. Is it normal for a high latitude vessel to lack really any port lights?

[Kenomac]

Regarding the 56 foot "Tranquilo," It looks like you'd be paying dockage for a 60ft boat with the interior space of a very bland vanilla flavored 40 footer. IMO.

But it's your money, spend it however you wish.

Here's another that might be of some interest to you:https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/198...dard%20listing

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

It looks like you'd be paying dockage for a 60ft boat with the interior space of a very bland vanilla flavored 40 footer.

Not many docks above 60N. You're either in fishing harbors or at anchor. We didn't see one single other pleasure vessel in Iceland, for example, and not one single marina. So "dockage" is not really the issue.



I would be OK with the interior space I have now, in 54 feet on deck, with similar beam (4.88m). Perhaps even a little less. I hope that 10 feet more of length will give me the technical space and deck storage which I desire. About 65 feet; maybe 70 feet, would be about right.

[Dockhead]

Just to be clear about the hull material --


I was pushing aside sea ice last summer, terrified it would get into the prop, terrified I would hit a growler which would split the hull --


And I vowed to myself, never again, never ever, in a plastic boat.


Although my Moody has a Kevlar outer skin, for this very purpose, unlike other plastic boats . . .




So not just robust metal hull, but watertight compartments.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Just to be clear about the hull material --


I was pushing aside sea ice last summer, terrified it would get into the prop, terrified I would hit a growler which would split the hull --


And I vowed to myself, never again, never ever, in a plastic boat.


Although my Moody has a Kevlar outer skin, for this very purpose, unlike other plastic boats . . .




So not just robust metal hull, but watertight compartments.

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/198...dard%20listing