Live aboard cruisers

[Chap350Sig]

Hello all, we currently own a Chaparral 350 and a big townhome, but we are thinking of reversing that to a bigger boat and a smaller condo. We started looking at possible live aboard candidates boats. The admiral doesn't like Aft cabins and flybridges, so cruisers are our preferred choice. Maximum budget is $550k. So far we looked at Cantius 48, Sea Ray 470 dancer, Cranchi 47, Azimut 50 Atlantis, Regal 520 Sport Coupe, Cruiser 520 Coupe. It will take some traveling to see all these, most being in Florida, but we figured out that it's going to take us 2 years to move to Florida and find the right boat. So we are in the discovery/learning/research phase now.
Any input will be appreciated.
Thank you

[ranger58sb]

I think you'll just have to get on those, and any other candidates that might arise, to decide for yourself.

There are owners clubs, at least for Cruisers (brand, including the new-ish Cantius models) and SeaRay. I'ts not uncommon for prospective buyers to join a club, and start asking questions about pros/cons of various models.

If you do a yachtworld search (if you haven't already), you can probably find other brands/models that might be similar. And the "downeast" versions like Sabre, Hinckley, MJM, Back Cove, etc, would probably offer approximately the same features and layouts.

Azimut doesn't have a great on-line reputation, but that's just hearsay.

FYI, this is an area where the word "cruiser" is not particularly descriptive. We cruise in our sportfish, and many power boaters cruiser in their motor yachts or trawlers or... "long range cruisers" (largely a Hatteras thing). Sailors here cruise in their... ummm.... cruisers. Et cetera.

-Chris

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Chap.