Hi "cumulant38f",
Welcome to the community and thanks for the timely question. I have indeed visited both yachts (a 39S and 42 Ketch). Both Motiva's but in many ways very different yachts.
Overal I am impressed by the build quality. The
steel is in very good condition inside and out. Woodwork and joinery shows craftmanship. Only point of attention is de wooden toe rail.
Wood on
steel requires constant attention. I think I would replace it by a steel rail as well.
I love the pilot house, it is a feature I personally really like and got me to look into Motiva's in the first place. The added benefit is space for a sizeable
engine room below the pilot house.
The layout of the yacht offers room for 4 full time cruisers with capacity for more if temporary needed. Most requirements for creature comforts while cruising are available including 1000L
water, 1000L
diesel and ample
storage space. All areas in the yacht have standing
headroom (~2m). This vertical clearance does result in more freeboard particularly near the stern although I do not think it is extensive. Vertical clearance also means that the
center cockpit is positioned somewhat higher up than seen on most yachts. I hope it does not result in too much uncomfortable motion.
The thing people should be aware of with Motiva's is the not so spacious "feel" of the yachts
interior. The combination of a pilot house and
center cockpit results in a clear compartmentalization. Combined with a somewhat conservative beam (~3.6m) results in a layout that is far from the spacious interiors found on modern wide beam full length cruisers. For example, there are two smaller
salon settees, one in the pilot house and one in the
galley area, instead of one large one as seen on most yachts. They still seat 4 persons comfortably though. This really is a personal preference and I am quite happy with it. The
interior on the other hand is
bluewater friendly, always something to brace yourself agains or grab a hold of.
Strong rig on both yachts. I have a slight preference for a
single mast setup but I could not come to an agreement with the owners of the 39S. So, I am about to close the deal on the 42
Ketch instead. Much looking forward to it.
Do you have an interest in Motiva's? Judging your
screen name you are from
Europe and most likely from the
Netherlands like me. I am curious to learn more ...