Expert advice for first time buyer

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mmomtchev@reddit

Someone is buying a $15M 100-feeter with separate guest and crew cabins and he is asking for advice on Reddit? Yeah, sure. Wonder if he plans to be part of the professional crew or one of the guests?

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Honest question. Even if you can afford a massive boat. Is it not still nice to go cruising in one small enough and can be managed by just you, friends, and family (which can still be 60 feet or so!) like doesn’t going to big just add draft constraints and reliance on crew and when things break it takes heavy duty repairs. If I had millions I’d certainly buy a bigger boat than I’ve got now, but I’ve never been able to understand going so big you lose the freedom to do everything you want with it.

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fintechSGNYC@reddit (OP)

My heart beats for Ribelle given I somewhat prefer her design (this said, with that price difference I could also send Fancy into refit to adjust for that).

More so, I do love some aspects with regards to the GA of Ribelle (e.g. the crew mess not being in the galley as I sometimes enjoy cooking myself).

Speaking of the GA: The only thing I don't get layout-wise with Ribelle: Why would one put two dining tables in the deck saloon (a combo of dining and lounge area[s] as seen on Fancy appears more logical)... well again likely an easy fix in refit should I want to change that.

I am also truly surprised by the massive difference in GT given almost identical LOA and beam.

All that said my mind says Fancy as she appears to be very very comparable in many aspects but much newer and having clearly higher GT - incl. room for 3 more guests - as well as more deck space (?) at a lower asking price. And as said interior design could likely be changed in refit to mimic that of Ribelle (resulting in a comparable total spent I guess).

Haha still my heart screams: Ribelle.

Both shipyards are known for their exceptional quality from what I heard... not sure whether Vitters is much better than Nautor Swan to justify the price gap.

Am I missing something?

Also running costs for Ribelle might be slightly higher (full custom pieces, one more crew member, AC running non-stop to cool the deck saloon which is all glass,...).

What are your thoughts?

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diekthx-@reddit

You’re missing that crew deliver the boat, and you just sleep and entertain on it.

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Joinusclan@reddit

An importantt aspect; obviously both perfectly capable of circumnavigation but where do you intend to harbour and sail her?

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fintechSGNYC@reddit (OP)

A circumnavigation (must be well planned) is something I want to do though in the first two years of ownership or so I am likely just sailing her in the Med and Caribbean.

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Joinusclan@reddit

Ok, referring to the draft the difference is substantial and will impact choice of waters/marinas.

That said, as a lifelong Hallberg enthousiast I can't deny the lines and design of that lady built by Swan. Vitters makes awesome boats but that modern feel, atleast to me, just airs 'Rich guy flexing without being able to tie a knot".

Plus the layout on the vitters does not seem cozy at all. Great for drinking champagne while watching others sail her for you..

Noting that the above is a very personal take.

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Joinusclan@reddit

Small addition; why would you want such a big yacht? 20 ish meters will provide everything you could ever need. Again though, a personal opinion.

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Hefty_Anywhere_8537@reddit

I'm boatbuilder and former charter yacht captain,

Are you using it for charter and private or just private use? What was the reason for a refit so soon after production? Do you have a captain ready to go?

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fintechSGNYC@reddit (OP)

I intend just private use.

As per Burgess what they call a 2025 refit is the following:
Ribelle received a full replacement running rigging package from Rigging Projects, fitted with new turning blocks to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Both yachts are sold with crew staying on board.

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Just-Smart-Enough@reddit

I would have a hard time picking anything over a Swan.

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PeculiarNed@reddit

It always depends on what you want to do.... But from my personal experience, 2 dining tables is dumb and so are curved benches... The first layout looks like it's for charter with lots of guests. People sit on tables, less intimate. I also really like a couch to lie down on in the saloon, many boats do have that. So it depends, if you want to travel with lots crew the first option looks good bc everyone can hang out... If it's only you and your family or close friends you'd want the second option to have couch to hang out on which is more intimate and comfortable.

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fintechSGNYC@reddit (OP)

Thanks! Good points.

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IDreamOfSailing@reddit

When you can spend that kind of money on a yacht, why not have one designed and built to your own preferred specs?