FP Saba 50 v Sanya 57

[ArranP]

In the process of selecting a liveaboard catamaran for family of one adult and two children ( age 12 and 9 ).

I keep coming back to these two catamarans, partly due to the upper lounge deck and exterior helm station.

Aside form the master birth, the Sanya has a little extra room in the saloon, larger sofa, but slightly smaller cockpit.

I would welcome peoples comments, experience with these two catamarans.

Thank you.

Regards
Arran.

[wkstar]

This looks like 3 people ?
Many would say get the smallest boat that you think is just big enough
Plenty have been around the world on a 40 ft Cat
50 -> 57 ft Cat might be kinda big for a single handed sailor
I say test charter these boats to get a better idea of what you can handle

Ah, you do not say that you want to travel, maybe it is to live at dock or anchor ?
In that case, get the biggest

[ArranP]

Originally Posted by wkstar

This looks like 3 people ?

3 people.

Originally Posted by wkstar

Ah, you do not say that you want to travel, maybe it is to live at dock or anchor ?
In that case, get the biggest

To travel.

The boat will be our home for the foreseeable future.

[mako]

As what was said, you best charter. Start with a 40 footer then next try the 50 footer. But IMO a 50 cat is a monster. If you really wish to have that much room, and you basically are a single hander, then consider switching to power - to a trawler, a true displacement model.

[ol1970]

Having been on both of these boats and knowing your only a family of 3 I’d highly recommend just staying in the FP family and getting a Helia 44. Way big enough and more manageable. We chartered one for a week in the Abacos and loved it. Get an owners version and you’ll be all set!

[RickG]

As ol970, check out the Helia 44. The owners version with three cabins is very nice. A friend has the owners version of the Lipari 41 and it is very nice as well.

We did a charter at CYOA out of St. Thomas of a 4-cabin Helia 44 with 10 people. Lots of room!

The Saba 50s are VERY nice with lots of room to entertain. We have been on one with 20+ people for cocktails and there was no crowding.

Cheers, RickG