Now To Find A Boat - No Small Decision - New vs. Used? Gel vs. Aluminum? Solar Electric vs. Diesel?
Our boat-buying journey centers on a few key criteria: a) We plan to spend much of our time in Europe, exploring the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Aegean Seas, with potential excursions into Europe's rivers and canals. The possibility of traveling from Marseilles to Lyon, France on the Rhone River, and the allure of a river trip through Portugal's Douro Valley, which we've previously driven, are particularly exciting. b) We intend to live aboard the boat during the summer months, escaping the heat of our winter home in Baja California Sur, Mexico – a period of roughly 100 days annually. c) While we don't foresee chartering the boat, our experience with Airbnb makes us open to the idea as a way to offset expenses. d) We've settled on a catamaran configuration for its stability and spacious living areas. e) And, as discussed in an earlier post, we've chosen a motorboat over a sailboat.
With these parameters in mind, the search began. My son, Brent, had come across the Omikron 60, a new Greek-made vessel launched in 2024 that has garnered considerable attention and awards.
This boat, designed with live-aboard retirees in the Mediterranean in mind, boasts impressive range and fuel efficiency.
While appealing in many ways, the Omikron 60 presented a couple of drawbacks: its monohull design (though the layout is attractive) and its relatively large size. The size is a significant consideration, given the cost of dry or wet storage, which is calculated by the foot. Additionally, as a new model, used versions are not yet available.
A trusted and experienced captain, Ben, suggested exploring Silent Yachts. His captain and first mate colleagues had positive experiences with one in Mallorca, Spain. Silent Yachts are all-electric,
live-aboard vessels, distinguished by their "silence" – they rely solely on electric motors, eliminating the need for diesel engines
[well, not quite, they rely heavily on a diesel generator(s)]. As a long-time proponent of solar energy, with an all-electric car in California and a home powered approximately 80% by solar, I was immediately intrigued. My exploration of Silent Yachts,
and discussions with Marilyn, solidified our commitment to incorporating solar power, either partially or fully, into our boat's propulsion system.
The question of whether to buy a new or used boat naturally arose. I tend to favor used boats, much like used cars, for several reasons: 1) A significant portion of the initial cost is lost to depreciation as soon as the boat leaves the production dock. 2) It's possible to find nearly new boats in excellent condition, often with low usage and the benefit of thorough independent inspections. 3) A substantial advantage of buying a used boat is that it often comes equipped with a range of valuable items, from essential equipment like lines and anchors to conveniences such as dish towels and safety gear like life preservers and rafts. Of course, used boats also have potential downsides compared to new ones. The primary challenge is the need to compromise on certain preferences, such as the tender launching system, galley layout, or the number of berths. A used boat is rarely a perfect match. However, the cost of a new boat can be prohibitively high, especially considering our intended use and cruising plans.
As the saying goes, "The two best days of a boat owner's life are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell the boat." This saying highlights the abundance of large, gel coat (white fiberglass) motor yachts for sale in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Aegean Seas. However, finding nearly new, live-aboard yachts with full solar or hybrid propulsion is almost impossible. These vessels tend to be kept for longer periods, though exceptions exist. Used solar or electric are virtually non-existent. It’s clear we were going to have to make some concessions somewhere on our wish list. Nevertheless, the online search for a used live-aboard yacht led me to a "used" Archipelago Expedition Yacht and a conversation with its CEO and Founder, Dr. Stephen Weatherley, in the UK.
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