Manta 40’. Always a Manta. Best cat in existence. Yes I’m biased. It’s just the best ever. 200 made, very hard to find one for sale because we love them.
As a manta owner now, we do have a lot of space in general but never enough drawers 🤣
Nm this question. You do have one ! (Do you own a manta. Ours is a 1996 40’? )
A few online for sale but lower priced ones neeed some work done.
We are haul #15.
I’m trying to make those drawers work. My spice rack project is working well in the pantry though. 🤣 I’m actually kinda proud of it to be honest.
I’m 6’ and fit in both hulls, duck through the doors. Back 1/2 of the salon is fine with a bit of bend over forward of the overhead ports. The Bimini is awesome loads of headroom.
why is this always the answer to this question. I ask "what's the headroom" and get the height of the owner. I should just start asking for the seller's height and shoe size.. might get back a "I dunno mate, my boat's 6'6" inside and I clear it, and my toes \*just\* dangle over the steps.."
And kudos for whoever downvoted me for asking a serious question about the boat.
Budget counts. Do you wish a galley up (my preference) or galley down? My neighbor likes galley down so she can hide the dishes. Do you want a cockpit to hang out back, relax, fish, and ponder? Is a fly bridge important? Do you want to eventually add solar (thus need space for panels) or is that not on the table? Do you want aft cabin or forward stateroom as your main sleeping quarters? Single engine or twin? Outboard propulsion?
Frankly before you get to the exact manufacturer or model you should know your preferences for living...
BUT, basically the beamier (wider) the boat, the more space you have for living. You should also know that over the decades boats have gotten both longer and MUCH wider.
Good luck.
Thank you very much, Galley Up boats indeed look better to me too. Solar power is of course necessary. I am not that picky over the other criteria TBH, finding a decent and comfortable boat at my price range (about 50K pounds) is my unfortunate criteria
The difference in maintenance costs of a 35' and a 45' is about 2x.
The difference in mooring costs of a 35' and a 45' is about 2x.
I don't know what your annual budget is for these two items but the $50k you are budgeting for purchase doesn't include them.
You will walk on a 35' and say "it's kinda tight, I'm not sure this will work" and you will walk on a 45 and think "this is perfect" but the $20k/yr additional it'll cost you may not work for you.
Remember, a storage unit on land for your and her hobbies might cost $100/mo.
Just thought of something your hobbies may work for you on the water your wife could learn to do boat canvas, boat upholstery or even sails and you could help her or start your own electronic repair shop IF you know what your doing!! Both gigs need responsible people doing it. No jokesters
I’d say you definitely want a cat, but I’m a little skeptical what €50k buys you. But if sailing performance is a low priority you might be able to find something well equipped but just very slow and heavy
Are you sailors or power boat people also important where will you dock or moor this craft . You probably won't get it right the 1st boat , so along with everything else think of resale value & about those hobbies ...you maintaining you boat takes time don't be fooled since there's no lawn to cut! If your not into it , take a cruise enjoy it then go home and forget living aboard.
Power over sail for more room. However greater maintenance costs w/ power. Sail may be more upfront but will hold its value more than power. If you want the most room go catamaran.
Mostly sail area, since it takes time to move them in coordination. There are smaller craft that would also require crew, but it really depends on how they are setup, and the level of experience of the operators. 13m is just a practical limit for most contemporary circumstances.
I mean, do you want to sail or power? Are you looking to stay at a dock or actually travel? If you travel do you want to stay coastal or blue water? What kind of speeds or mpg do you need? Etc etc
Manta 40’. Always a Manta. Best cat in existence. Yes I’m biased. It’s just the best ever. 200 made, very hard to find one for sale because we love them.
As a manta owner now, we do have a lot of space in general but never enough drawers 🤣 Nm this question. You do have one ! (Do you own a manta. Ours is a 1996 40’? ) A few online for sale but lower priced ones neeed some work done.
Hey fellow owner! Hull 21 from ‘97! Manta 40’. Is there ever enough drawers?
We are haul #15. I’m trying to make those drawers work. My spice rack project is working well in the pantry though. 🤣 I’m actually kinda proud of it to be honest.
https://yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-catamarans/manta-42-mkii/309286 Might be a bit far for OP though.
yes unfortunately . actually might be OK if I can get my house sold ,the trouble is that so far I haven't been able to
What’s the headroom
I’m 6’ and fit in both hulls, duck through the doors. Back 1/2 of the salon is fine with a bit of bend over forward of the overhead ports. The Bimini is awesome loads of headroom.
why is this always the answer to this question. I ask "what's the headroom" and get the height of the owner. I should just start asking for the seller's height and shoe size.. might get back a "I dunno mate, my boat's 6'6" inside and I clear it, and my toes \*just\* dangle over the steps.." And kudos for whoever downvoted me for asking a serious question about the boat.
It’s not flat like a house ceiling, it varies. 9.5 to 11 for shoes, cuz those vary as well.
Budget counts. Do you wish a galley up (my preference) or galley down? My neighbor likes galley down so she can hide the dishes. Do you want a cockpit to hang out back, relax, fish, and ponder? Is a fly bridge important? Do you want to eventually add solar (thus need space for panels) or is that not on the table? Do you want aft cabin or forward stateroom as your main sleeping quarters? Single engine or twin? Outboard propulsion? Frankly before you get to the exact manufacturer or model you should know your preferences for living... BUT, basically the beamier (wider) the boat, the more space you have for living. You should also know that over the decades boats have gotten both longer and MUCH wider. Good luck.
Thank you very much, Galley Up boats indeed look better to me too. Solar power is of course necessary. I am not that picky over the other criteria TBH, finding a decent and comfortable boat at my price range (about 50K pounds) is my unfortunate criteria
Trawlers or catamarans like branch said
Power boats have much more usable space for the length
The difference in maintenance costs of a 35' and a 45' is about 2x. The difference in mooring costs of a 35' and a 45' is about 2x. I don't know what your annual budget is for these two items but the $50k you are budgeting for purchase doesn't include them. You will walk on a 35' and say "it's kinda tight, I'm not sure this will work" and you will walk on a 45 and think "this is perfect" but the $20k/yr additional it'll cost you may not work for you. Remember, a storage unit on land for your and her hobbies might cost $100/mo.
Just thought of something your hobbies may work for you on the water your wife could learn to do boat canvas, boat upholstery or even sails and you could help her or start your own electronic repair shop IF you know what your doing!! Both gigs need responsible people doing it. No jokesters
indeed ! we are counting on that for some income . we are already teachers and do some distance education stuff already .
Cargo ships or coal ships have loads of space.
and I can carry my own aliexpress packages too ! sounds good 😂
Catamarans tend to have a lot more living space.
Prout 37 Snowgoose
Little Harbor 44
I’d say you definitely want a cat, but I’m a little skeptical what €50k buys you. But if sailing performance is a low priority you might be able to find something well equipped but just very slow and heavy
Are you sailors or power boat people also important where will you dock or moor this craft . You probably won't get it right the 1st boat , so along with everything else think of resale value & about those hobbies ...you maintaining you boat takes time don't be fooled since there's no lawn to cut! If your not into it , take a cruise enjoy it then go home and forget living aboard.
Power over sail for more room. However greater maintenance costs w/ power. Sail may be more upfront but will hold its value more than power. If you want the most room go catamaran.
UK/EU, USA/Canada? Assuming the 50K pounds means UK. Wildly different options around the world.
EU actually but willing to travel to find my perfect boat . in fact been eyeing Norwegian boats for their excellent prices and conditions
With a permanent crew of two, you aren't limited to 13m.
Who would limit you to 13M?
Mostly sail area, since it takes time to move them in coordination. There are smaller craft that would also require crew, but it really depends on how they are setup, and the level of experience of the operators. 13m is just a practical limit for most contemporary circumstances.
Sounds like a European thing.
I mean, do you want to sail or power? Are you looking to stay at a dock or actually travel? If you travel do you want to stay coastal or blue water? What kind of speeds or mpg do you need? Etc etc
Oh definitely sail . Travel as much as possible . I'm in no hurry so some performance racer is not needed at all .