In this article I will review the different types of propulsion found in yachts and the benefits of each. This will help to understand why certain yachts have the powertrain they do. 1. Straight Shaft Inboard 2. V-Drive Inboard 3. Jet Drive 4. Surface Drive 5. Pod Drive 1. Straight Shaft Inboard Illustration of a Straight Shaft Inboard Yacht Straight Shaft inboards are the most traditional type of propulsion in use today. It is comprised of a rear-facing engine connected to a transmission which has a driveshaft going straight out of the bottom of the boat. Running Gear of a Straight Shaft Inboard Yacht See in the photo above a boat hauled out of the water the shaft coming out of the bottom of the boat. It is held in place by a strut right in front of the … [Read more...]
Different Types of Yachts Explained
In this article, I hope to dispel the confusion surrounding the categories of yachts that exist and explain what each means. There is definitely a lot of overlap in the categories or “types” out there... The types below are put into these categories: 1. Express, Express Cruiser, Cruiser, Sports Cruiser 2. Flybridge, Sedan, Sedan Bridge, Sport Bridge 3. Motor Yacht, Pilothouse Motor Yacht, Cockpit Motor Yacht, Skylounge 4. Tri-Deck, Mega Yacht 5. Sportfish, Express Sportfish, Flybridge Sportfish, Convertible 1. Express, Express Cruiser, Cruiser, Sports Cruiser These are all terms to describe a yacht with a single deck above the hull and living quarters below. This type is known for its sporty and sleek look, like the sports car of the yacht world. The below … [Read more...]
Buying A Pre-Owned Yacht
In this article you will learn the steps involved when purchasing a Yacht available for sale as a brokered (pre-owned) boat. This is a basic guide and cannot act as a substitute for a trained and knowledgeable broker, but will give you an understanding of the process. Step 1. Finding the Right Type, Make and Model. There are a lot of different yacht models and types to choose from. I would start by thinking about what type of boating you imagine yourself doing and what type of layout would best suit your needs. This is where a knowledgeable broker can really help point you in the right direction, through experience he can give you real advice on what boat you could make the best use of. As a start, ask yourself these questions: What is your perfect day on the water? Will I be doing a … [Read more...]
Why Use a Professional Yacht Broker?
Boat transactions usually involve large financial investments. Transactions today usually exceed $500,000, and in some instances can exceed $5,000,000. If you had a $500,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to handle it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $500,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in yacht brokerage without the professional assistance of a qualified Yacht Broker. But if you are still not convinced of the value of a Yacht Broker, here are a dozen or so more reasons to use one. When Buying A Boat Professional Yacht Brokers have resources available to them that most yacht buyers do not have. In particular their access to … [Read more...]
2017 Hatteras GT70 “Gear Jammer” Offered For Sale By Her Original Owner
https://youtu.be/vcbSPRoJrjo I am very proud to present for sale a flagship of the Hatteras sportfishing fleet, the 2017 Hatteras GT70 "Gear Jammer". The 5th Hatteras Yacht owned by a long time Hatteras enthusiast, "Gear Jammer" brings to the table the pinnacle of Hatteras design and fit and finish, and it does not disappoint! There was absolutely no expense spared to ensure that she is not only a fully rigged and ready fish raising battlewagon, but also completely stunning in her level of fit and finish and attention to detail throughout. From the state of the art navigation electronics to the high gloss teak interior woodwork to the fully equipped cockpit...every aspect of this yacht was built to be the highest quality in construction, functionality and stately … [Read more...]
2000/2012 Novatec 80 Supernova- Incredible Value for a Pre-Owned Yacht
In my line of work I get used to dealing with yacht models that are made in higher production numbers that many people in the yachting business have seen and are familiar with...brands like Hatteras, Marlow , Lazzara, Ocean Alexander, Horizon, etc. All are good yachts, but there are also other manufacturers out there that are as good or better quality, they may just not be as commonly known...Novatec is a yacht brand that I would put in that category...and they are still in business manufacturing yachts. When I was approached about listing the "DREAMCHASER" a Novatec 80 Supernova for sale I was instantly curious. I had heard of Novatec before but knew very little other than it was a line of yachts built in Taiwan...akin to Horizon and Ocean Alexander. The more I dug into the yacht … [Read more...]
Preparing Your Yacht For Sale- How to Maximize Value and Minimize Time on Market
I hope that this article will give it’s readers a clear action plan to get their yacht ready for sale. With the classic adage “Begin with the End in Mind” the end goal is to get the yacht sold as quickly as possible for the most money possible. Below is how I best know to make that happen with my 11 years of experience selling yachts. Compile all Service Records Assemble any and all service records you have into an organized and easy to digest format chronologically. If you have not been keeping the records yourself speak with your yacht service personnel and have them send to you. This is one of the most overlooked aspects when selling, but it goes so far in making a buyer feel comfortable with the purchase he is making. Saying “I serviced the engines about a year ago, … [Read more...]
2008 Marlow 78E Command Bridge “BUZZ MOBILE” For Sale
2008 Marlow 78E Command Bridge BUZZ MOBILE for sale Listed for sale by central agent Jimmy Rogers of the Tom George Yacht Group I am proud to be offering BUZZ MOBILE, 2008 Marlow 78E Command Bridge for sale. Based out of Clearwater, Florida this yacht has had a top of the line maintenance program throughout her life and is in excellent condition throughout. Marlow Yachts have been in production since 2000 and are the brainchild of yachting industry visionary David Marlow. His revolutionary Marlow Yachts were created to fit a desire in the yachting world for a versatile and capable yacht with abilities that were not thought possible to have all together in one platform. For example, a yacht that can economically run at 10 knot displacement speeds but also cruise at 20+ knots … [Read more...]
Selling an Older Classic Yacht
Tom George and I were approached a little while back by a long time friend of the family who had a client with a special situation. Bottom line there was a classic 1983 55' Rybovich that needed to be sold quickly, cost effectively and to bring the absolute top value possible. The first thing I did was go take a look at her at the Palm Beach Yacht Club. She was in pretty good shape overall but had definitely suffered from a bit of neglect over the past year and needed a little TLC. PEDIGREE One really great aspect of the yacht is that she was a Rybovich, which is an extremely well known and respected builder of yachts for many years. Additionally she had received a massive refit/re-power in 2014 from Michael Rybovich and Sons in Palm Beach to the tune of $1.3M...or so I … [Read more...]
Marquis Yachts Introduces New Line of Ultra Luxury Day Boats
I am excited to see the return of Marquis Yachts to the yachting industry! After a 2 year hiatus the brand returns with a completely new ultra luxury day boat concept. The 420 is the first of this new series, to debut at the Fort Lauderdale International boat show in November 2019. The 420 Marquis will be followed by 50 and 60 foot versions in the next couple years as well. Looking to meet the and enhance the lifestyle of the new generation of luxury boaters, this fresh and innovative lineup is meant to embody the style of it's owner with killer looks and the quality to back it up...beauty that is more than skin deep. Marquis 420 Deck Layout The Pulaski, Wisconsin based company made the strategic move to the burgeoning day boat market after it's wild success with … [Read more...]
Hatteras GT45x Bridge
Since it's introduction in 2015, the Hatteras GT45x (formerly 45 Express) has been wildly popular, with 26 of them in the water and more on the production line. Despite competitors attempts to imitate her success, she has remained the top dog in the 40's size express yacht category. This has been due to her incredible ride and handling characteristics as well as the renowned Hatteras build quality and fit and finish. To add another level (literally!) to this yacht's success, Hatteras is now producing a flybridge option for the GT45x, the GT45x Bridge. The main helm deck is relatively unchanged with a fully equipped command station, but there is now a flybridge on top that offers 2 helm chairs, helm station and additional seating that would allow up to 6 people to sit up top … [Read more...]
The Hatteras 64 Motor Yacht (2005-2009)
A viable option when looking for a pre-owned yacht? The Hatteras 64 Motor Yacht is a model that was extremely popular when it was actively in production in the mid to late 2000’s, 33 of them were produced between 2005 and 2009. It was designed to be functional enough for the owner/operator but also large enough to provide space for the owner if he chose to have a captain. She features a 3 Stateroom and 3 Head layout so each cabin has its own facilities and a huge full beam Master Stateroom with a king size bed and tons of storage to ensure total comfort for the owners. Upper and Lower helm stations allow for different driving options for the captain while still having an abundance of lounge space throughout with a bright and airy feel. The galley … [Read more...]
Building a New Yacht With Hatteras
Building a new yacht with Hatteras can be a very fun and exciting process! From the initial planning stages through construction and final delivery, you get the pleasure of seeing your dream become reality. All this with the piece of mind that the Hatteras name carries...you know that you will get the highest quality, safest and most reliable yacht available today. Additionally, the Hatteras of today has invested heavily into R&D to deliver the latest technology and designs to keep up with the demands of the new class of yacht owners...available with gyro and zero-speed fin stabilization, joystick docking with position hold, resin infused lighter and stronger hulls, and the latest in interior woodwork and décor. Hatteras falls into the category of a "Semi-Custom" builder, which … [Read more...]
The New Hatteras M75 Panacera
Introducing the new Hatteras M75 Panacera. She is stylish and cutting edge inside out, sure to catch the eye of onlookers, while remaining firmly planted with the Hatteras roots of quality, safety and top of the line fit and finish. This new addition to the Hatteras fleet carries along the new lines and styling that will set the tone for the future of Hatteras. With a 5'2" draft, 21'2" beam, full walk around exterior decks, 4 Staterooms, day head, standard stabilizer fins and a 2,000 gallon fuel capacity she is ready for anything and feels like other yachts in the 80ft. size range. Hatteras started from scratch with the new M75 Panacera, having introduced her in 2016, with the order books currently full and 16 orders made! With an all new resin infused hull design made to maximize … [Read more...]
Interview with Tom Sanders, Senior VP at Hatteras Yachts
In the above interview with Tom Sanders, the senior vice president of Hatteras Yachts, I ask him a few questions about Hatteras that I thought potential boat buyers would want to know: 1. What is new and exciting with Hatteras today? 2. What is going on with the "Hatterascal" Team Hatteras fishing program? 3. How does Hatteras directly handle new owner warranty and service? 4. How has the change of ownership with Hatteras in the past couple of years affected the company? 5. Why is now the right time to buy a Hatteras yacht? Take a look to see his responses … [Read more...]
The Hatteras M60 Motor Yacht
The original Hatteras 60 Motoryacht was introduced to the Hatteras Lineup back in 2009 and was a breath of fresh air in the 58-65ft motoryacht segment. There is simply no competitor that offers the same amount of interior space, quality of build and style that the Hatteras M60 has. As a result, she has remained enormously popular and will continue to be in the pre-owned market for years to come. She is a 3 stateroom/2 head layout with a huge master stateroom and ensuite head that will make you feel right at home...no cramped spaces there. The main deck is very open and airy, with a nearly unobstructed view all around. Outdoor living space abounds from the aft deck up to the flybridge and even an aft flybridge balcony with lounge chairs and sunshade. For a novice yachtsman, the … [Read more...]
Finding the Right Crew for Your Yacht- Part 2
In Part 1 of this series we explored some example crew setups throughout the yacht size range from 58ft to 150+ft…which can be from 1 to 7+ crew total. How many and what type of crew works best for you is largely dependent on the level of service and care you want for both yourself while aboard and your yacht in general. Let’s say that you just bought a new yacht that is going through the final rigging process and will be delivered in 3 months. With an idea of the different crew options and the type of program you would like to run, you set out to find the people that will make your yachting experience truly wonderful. What is the first step? Step 1. Finding the Right Captain. The captain is far more than just a person who drives the boat. He is a manager of your vessel and all … [Read more...]
MAN Common Rail Engine Maintenance Plan
This is a service guideline for Common Rail MAN marine engines. The MAN common rail engine started appearing in marine applications in 2005 and is still widely used today in horsepower applications from 600hp to 1550hp. It was regarded as a huge leap in technology from the old non-common rail MAN engines due to its increases in fuel efficiency and performance and its decreases in vibration, smoke and noise. The MAN common rail engines are known for running strong and having few major issues. The biggest drawback of them however is the service. The intervals required by the MAN maintenance plan are more frequent and comprehensive than other engine manufacturers…meaning they are more expensive to maintain. In addition, you need to be aware of where your nearest MAN … [Read more...]
Catepillar C-32 Marine Engine Maintenance Schedule
This is a general guideline for service intervals on a Caterpillar C-32 Engine for recreational use The Carterpillar C-32 Acert Engine is a V-12, 4 stroke diesel motor with a displacement of 32.1L. It is seen in recreational marine applications with HP ratings varying from 1600hp to 1900hp For further details please contact your local Caterpillar Marine Service Department. Some of these services will coincide with one another to be done at the same time for convenience and to save the number to trips your mechanic will have to make to the boat. These are items needed in addition to your regular inspections of the motors prior to use. *Also be mindful that the transmissions and generator will require regular service, consult with the manufacturers of those systems as well. … [Read more...]
Caterpillar C-18 Marine Engine Maintenance Schedule
This is a general guideline for service intervals on a Caterpillar C-18 Engine for recreational use The Caterpillar C-18 Acert Engine is an inline 6, 4 stroke diesel engine with a displacement of 18.1L. It is seen in recreational marine applications from 1000hp to 1150hp on yachts ranging in size from 45ft to over 70ft. For further details please see the link at the bottom of this article that will allow you to download the actual CAT C-18 maintenance manual. Some of these services will coincide with one another to be done at the same time for convenience and to save the number to trips your mechanic will have to make to the boat. These are items needed in addition to your regular inspections of the motors prior to use. *Also be mindful that the transmissions … [Read more...]
Superior Hatteras Factory Support and Service
The Hatteras factory support and service is second to none in the yachting business Hatteras goes to great lengths to not only deliver a superior quality product, but with the service and care to match as well. Instead of following the old dealer model, where service has to be done only at the dealer you purchased the yacht from, Hatteras will take the steps to get your boat fixed wherever it is. For instance, clients that purchased a new Hatteras from me at Tom George Yacht Group can get their boats repaired under warranty in Panama City, Jacksonville, Kennebunkport, Key West, etc...you name it. Hatteras can either coordinate warranty work through local service people wherever you are (as long as they are reputable, insured) or send their own service techs to make … [Read more...]
Finding the Right Crew for Your Yacht- Part 1
So you have made the decision to get into yachting…great! Yachting is a pastime that can provide you, your friends and family with truly unforgettable life experiences. For the select few that have the financial capability to enjoy yachting it can provide the utmost in quality time, relaxation and adventure. Two of the most often overlooked aspects to yachting is figuring out a plan for how the yacht is going to be cared for and what level of service you would like to have aboard your yacht…both can be solved by finding the right crew to match your expectations. Even the newest and most beautiful yachts can become a total headache if the proper crew is not in place to take care of it and provide desired services to the owner and guests. These are some of the items that will need … [Read more...]
The Hatteras GT45x (45 Express)
http://youtu.be/n1JoeDVmMRU This amazing new addition to the Hatteras line is raising the bar for what we would expect in an express sportfish. She has the raw performance and seakeeping ability of her Cabo predecessors, but the table manners and fit and finish of the finest Hatteras Yachts. Having sea trialed her myself multiple times I was highly impressed by the ride, here are a couple of the high points: 1. Fast- with optional CAT C-18 1150hp motors she will cruise in the 32-35kt range and top out at over 42kts...this is really fast for a 45ft. express with a 16'4" beam! 2. Solid- with a resin infused solid fiberglass unibonded hull, shoebox fit bolted and bonded hull and topside, all cabinetry bonded to the hull, and a generally overbuild nature you feel secure when … [Read more...]
Gyro Stabilizers and Fin Stabilizers, What you Need to Know
Both Gyro and Fin Stabilizers are a great way to reduce the rolling and pitching on a yacht. Having this technology onboard will make cruising and time at anchor more enjoyable, especially for those that are prone to motion sickness. Image of a Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizer What is a Gyro Stabilizer? It is a computer controlled gyroscope, which is comprised of a flywheel that spins at speeds of up to 10,700RPM and is tilted fore and aft in a range of up to 140 degrees to counteract the wave motion imposed on a yacht. Modern Gyros have been in use in recreational yachts since about 2007. This video of a Seakeeper Gyro Explains it perfectly: Benefits of a Gyro Stabilizer: Greatly reduces pitch and roll Applications from 30' to over 100' Works while at anchor, at the dock, … [Read more...]
Caterpillar Three60 Precision Control, Making Maneuvering a Breeze
CAT Three60 Precision Control Electronic Levers and Joystick Are you looking at purchasing a new yacht and weighing out what propulsion system would be best for you? The Caterpillar Three60 Precision Control system is definitely worth considering if you want the ultimate in docking, slow speed control and position holding capability. These traits have in the past few years become synonymous with pod drives, but Caterpillar has used advanced computer and mechanical technology to employ these same principles to the shaft drive platform. This is how they do it: "CAT Three60 simultaneously actuates engine controls, transmissions, thruster(s) and propellers with a simple movement of the joystick controller. It provides fully proportional power in any direction with propeller control down … [Read more...]