Thoughts on this Koopmans 60?

[kusuri]

Hi all -

I'm currently searching for a sailboat to start cruising in the Med and then sail west and the Atlantic and eventually the Pacific. Sailing would last a few years, and we'd probably go up to high latitudes at some point. It would be my husband and me and sometimes a few friends for crossings. Recently I've fallen in love with this Koopmans 60 sailboat. It is definitely made for high latitude sailings. Can someone share their thoughts on what it might be like sailing it in the Med? Or during ocean crossings?


It's missing an easy way to get the dinghy into the water, solar panels, easy access to the water, a washing machine. What else? I'm wondering if the raised deck saloon would be too hot at lower latitudes or problematic during storms. Or would the fact that it's well insulated make the heat less of an issue? What else am I missing about this boat that would be problematic? It's extremely expensive, but I keep being drawn in by it. Any thoughts are helpful. Thank you.


https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/199...ns-60-8037816/

[JPA Cate]

G'day, kusuri,

Dinghies can easily be managed by hoisting them with the spinnaker halyard; and then, with a boarding step placed near the shroud, another halyard can be used to get the motor out and placed on the transom. if you search around using the Google Custom Search, you should be able to find some threads here about those subjects.

Koopmans are a fine, well respected yard. I'd suggest you get in touch with them relative to adding a washing machine post build. It can be quite difficult, involving tearing out furniture in order to put in the necessary additional electricity and plumbing. Our present boat doesn't really have anywhere to reasonably install the electricity & plumbing plus the water maker necessary to run a washing machine "whenever you want it". However, it is not too hard to find laundresses or laundries ashore, most places. If you "save up" your laundry, you'll need more washable clothes aboard, but things like merino thermal underwear are pretty easy to hand wash in the sink, and tend to dry quickly, assuming the vessel already has forced air heating.

Insulation works both ways--for hot and cold. And, I notice the hard dodger for the cockpit has a fairly large hatch. That will help tremendously with the ventilation there in warmer zones. Plus, before you go to the tropics, you can have black shades made for the "windows" that will cut down on how much heat gets in. And wind scoops and fans can be added for additional ventilation.

A 60 foot boat is really large. I hope y'all have yachting experience and this isn't your first one.

Ann

[simonhantler]

i’ve just bought her

[grantmc]

Congratulations Simon, she's a beautiful vessel and I'm sure will be a fantastic pleasure for yourself and family.

[SV Tom Crean]

That's a nice (big) boat. Interesting and useful layout down below. Like the port lights in the hull - brings in lots of light which is great.

Enjoy it!

Originally Posted by simonhantler

i’ve just bought her

[noelex 77]

Welcome to the forum.

It looks like a very nicely built yacht. Congratulations.

The insulation makes a huge difference in hot as well as cold weather. I think you will find it is cooler than most boats despite the window area.

[Manateeman]

We’d add some way of getting back onboard by yourself. Bimini or you’ll roast. More comfortable cockpit helm seat. Buy a lot bigger anchor.

[Dogscout]

A 60 footer in the med is a bit large for many marinas. Not terrible but you will miss out on many villages and towns. Let me add that staying in a marina is not necessary but it is nice to step onto a dock when it's time to walk the dog or get groceries.

What is the draft? And are there thrusters on Noth ends?

[boatman61]

Congratulations.. a beautiful boat from a good yard and designer, the Dutch build awesome boats.
The dinghy will be fine as is, electric winches will make launch /stow a doddle.
As for marinas in the Med, plenty of big boats in the Med and where you can't get in there's plenty of anchorages.
Enjoy the dream..