galeon yacht forum

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Galeon Motor yachts

• Thread starter Powersalt
• Start date 28 Jan 2019
• 28 Jan 2019

Active member

Anyone know anything about these builders. I saw them at Dusseldorf boat show and thought they seemed to be of pretty good build quality, wondered how they fitted in with the likes of Prestige or are they perceived to be more towards Fairline for quality. Its hard to judge with a quick viewing.  

Well-known member

they have been about ( from my memory only!) for about 15 years. They were basic but cheap when first launched, but personally I am very impressed with quality and innovation now.  

Innovation was really good. I looked at the 46 fly and for that size it offered 3 cabins, forward seating area, opening side decks etc. Oh and shaft or IPS drive system but somehow I just could not go back to all the noise and rattles of poor fit out, hence my question for the experience of the forum team  

• 29 Jan 2019

I have just been through the web site. They seem to sell a lot of yachts to USA and even to Russia so are they not popular in the UK. Are there any brokers or dealers out there and able to comment on the market perception of the brand or practical experience .  

They appear to have an very large number of boats in their range. Obviously use of the same hull for various top deck designs but even so there's a lot.  

Truro Ex Pat

Like you I went Boot and it was very impressive, the design was excellent and the quality looked good at first sight. My only concern is when you come to sell will there be a small market of buyers, I also liked Absolute and compared the new 62 to the Princess 62 which were quite similar and not much in it when it came to price, but I think the Princess will hold a better long term value. The other issue for me is that when things go wrong and they often do, the information available from the suppliers will be much easier with a UK boat than a French, Italian or Polish manufacturer hence the Princess to me was the winner but Galeon have certainly shook up the market for design. Did you see the Azi 60 Fly they have also got the best bow seating arrangement with the subbed that flips to create 2 sets of seating facing each other, great idea and hope others take it up?  

Truro Ex Pat said: Like you I went Boot and it was very impressive, the design was excellent and the quality looked good at first sight. My only concern is when you come to sell will there be a small market of buyers, I also liked Absolute and compared the new 62 to the Princess 62 which were quite similar and not much in it when it came to price, but I think the Princess will hold a better long term value. The other issue for me is that when things go wrong and they often do, the information available from the suppliers will be much easier with a UK boat than a French, Italian or Polish manufacturer hence the Princess to me was the winner but Galeon have certainly shook up the market for design. Did you see the Azi 60 Fly they have also got the best bow seating arrangement with the subbed that flips to create 2 sets of seating facing each other, great idea and hope others take it up? Click to expand...

PowerYachtBlog

Galeon was founded in 1980. The expansion started in 2000, and in around 2004 they hired Tony Castro. The British designer has been an important part of Galeon's success from 2000 onwards. There is quality is good, and with some models very good. For example the previous 640 (660) Fly (x-flagship launched in 2007) is a very strong build to what I was told from a local yard. We have a 640 in Malta and some of the 30 feet flybridge models they used to build. I think that with some of the newer models the gadgets are a bit overwhelming.  

• 30 Jan 2019

• 31 Jan 2019

Galeon has suffered in the UK from the lack of a good dealer, building the brand over a period of time. I think similar build quality to Prestige and Bav, and some nice innovations.  

Hi, My previous boat was Galeon 380 -04, I ran + 10000nm / +1000 hours without any problems with quality anywhere, the boat was Loyds rated and the factory worked in ISO quality system, Price quality is good and if the ego doesn't require a certain brand I dare recommend it, boat was good seaworthiness in bad weather. I believe they have continued along the same path and developed their production and kind. NBs  

Great recommendation Thanks  

Powersalt said: Great recommendation Thanks Click to expand...

I cant see a bad dealer putting me off if I wanted a galeon  

rafiki_ said: Galeon has suffered in the UK from the lack of a good dealer, building the brand over a period of time. I think similar build quality to Prestige and Bav, and some nice innovations. Click to expand...

Lulla-Belle

David O Rourke and his Bother Steve @ Approved Boats are the UK Dealer for Galleon, I doubt you will ever cross more decent guys than these in the Industry. I had the privileged to meet Tony Castro in Dusseldorf and have great incite into these boats and there quality and imagination. The Russian owners I have been led to believe who have a share holding in Fairline actually use Galleons for there private use, and strive to make the Fairline finish as good as Galleons! Im sure it would not put me off buying one if the right option and the lottery number came up. Approved have a number of Demos available in Southampton pop down and try one sure you wont be disappointed and No! I have no link to Galleon or Approved in any way but have purchased from them in the past & Im sure I will again,  

Blue Sunray

Lulla-Belle said: David O Rourke and his Bother Steve @ Approved Boats are the UK Dealer for Galleon, I doubt you will ever cross more decent guys than these in the Industry. I had the privileged to meet Tony Castro in Dusseldorf and have great incite into these boats and there quality and imagination. The Russian owners I have been led to believe who have a share holding in Fairline actually use Galleons for there private use, and strive to make the Fairline finish as good as Galleons! Im sure it would not put me off buying one if the right option and the lottery number came up. Approved have a number of Demos available in Southampton pop down and try one sure you wont be disappointed and No! I have no link to Galleon or Approved in any way but have purchased from them in the past & Im sure I will again, Click to expand...

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• General Discussion

Prestige 460 F type vs Galeon 460 Fly

• Thread starter TonyQSC500
• Start date Aug 24, 2020

• Aug 24, 2020

Active Member

I would like to get some opinions on these two boats. Both boats are available with Volvo Pod drives and V- drives. I prefer the V- drives and the joystick control doesn't really impress me. I still use the sticks on the pod boats I have driven because I prefer them. I am sure it is something I would like after getting use to it. I had an issue the first time I drove a pod boat, the wind caught the boat and I Let go of the joystick and grabbed the sticks to correct the boat and get us out of trouble, it was a natural reaction. I know the gallon has a lot of technology which can be good and bad. My question is, which boat do you feel is a better built boat? which one would handle the great lakes the best ( mostly the western basin of Lake Erie). Are they both solid hull boats or are they cored? Fit and finish? etc? We will be sleeping on the boat on the weekends and we plan on taking them on long weekend trips. We will be doing some Island hopping also. It will mostly be my wife and I and occasionally our two adult kids will tag along.  

Well-Known Member

I was on a Galeon 46 a couple years ago....I compared it to a cheap motor home...the one I was on was at a boat show and I couldn’t believe they put it in a show falling apart... I was on another a few months later and had the same impression ...... I am not positive but I think colony had the first prestige I toured it and I had the same motor home feeling what’s the attraction coming from a 44 Sundancer ?  

• Aug 25, 2020

I've been on both, as well as larger models of the two manufacturers. My impression is that you will be happy with the price point and ultimately unhappy with the fit, finish and overall quality of the boats. The Prestige in particular gets away with smaller HP power plants as they are much lighter than an equivalent sized Sea Ray.  

bmac said: . My impression is that you will be happy with the price point. Click to expand...

Cabinets and fit/finish aside look at the hull and FRP layup schedules on these boats; that in it's self should be telling. Also, look at the resale value curves comparatively that should also be telling.  

Blueone said: I was on a Galeon 46 a couple years ago....I compared it to a cheap motor home...the one I was on was at a boat show and I couldn’t believe they put it in a show falling apart... I was on another a few months later and had the same impression ...... I am not positive but I think colony had the first prestige I toured it and I had the same motor home feeling what’s the attraction coming from a 44 Sundancer ? Click to expand...

TonyQSC500 said: I’ve kicked myself from the day we sold the 44. The reason we sold it is my parents moved to Nevada and I was working every Saturday and we where not using the boat. I’d love to have another one but I don’t want a boat that old. Well it’s not completely out of the question if I find one with low hrs and in great shape. The problem is I’m a Sea Ray person and with the fact they quit building the Yachts it’s hard to find a boat we like as well. I’ve looked at a lot of different brand boats and there isn’t a boat that we like as well as the Sea Rays. Well that style of SR. The last models we do not like. The Galeon and Prestige are two boats I haven’t spent time on. I have done a little research on the Prestige after posting this and I’ve found bad reviews in the hulls. These are just two boats I was considering looking at but the more I look into them I don’t think I want to deal with the issues. The Galeon feels tight to me, at least the one I was on at the boat show a couple years ago. I’m going to keep looking. Click to expand...

Take a look at Rivera Yachts. They are a solid boat. I don't really like the "wing" look of their express boats; their bridge boats are more to my liking. You may want to have a conversation with @Capt. Rusty Higgins . If OA built a boat in the 45 to 55 foot range I'd be all over that also.  

quality time

There are a lot of Prestiges in our area and the ones that are getting some age on them show it. Nothing like our 15-20 year old Sea Rays that still look brand new.  

ttmott said: Take a look at Rivera Yachts. They are a solid boat. I don't really like the "wing" look of their express boats; their bridge boats are more to my liking. You may want to have a conversation with Higgins">@Capt. Rusty Higgins . If OA built a boat in the 45 to 55 foot range I'd be all over that also. Click to expand...

TonyQSC500 said: I like the Riviera’s but I have been told they are not good Great Lake boats as in they don’t like the choppy water. Click to expand...

What do you think of buying a new boat from a dealer that is almost 400 miles away? Thats where the closest Riv dealer is located from where the boat will be docked. I am not sold on Tiara's or Sunseekers. I will look at Princess and Maritomo. What about Azimut? Maybe I should look at some used Sea Ray 470's? I am just worried about the Zeus drive boats and they are almost impossible to find with shafts. I should have kept the 44 lol This is going to be a lot harder than I thought, maybe I just need to stop being so picky.  

+1 for azimut I thought the fit and finish was excellent.  

TonyQSC500 said: This is going to be a lot harder than I thought, maybe I just need to stop being so picky. Click to expand...

Blueone said: Now you're getting it ....You shouldn't be picky until you are over $2M Click to expand...

Official Bahamas Boating Ambassador

-1 on the Azimuts... You talk to captians here in SoFlo and you will here they are horrible not to mention the Marine Max "lack of support". I had a Princess but the new builds have gotten sloppy I hear with the ownership change. Can't go wrong with Sunseeker they still check every box when you talk to pro captians. Also the Persings get good reviews from captians down here. On the other hand you find the right Sea Ray and spend the money to make it what you want you end up with a pretty nice yacht for the $$$ Check out these guys, lots of professional captians on this forum https://www.yachtforums.com/threads...years-old-used-motor-yachts-40-75-feet.31094/ https://www.yachtforums.com/threads/galeon-yachts-the-good-and-the-bad-your-thoughts-please.33085/  

ocgrant said: Check out these guys, lots of professional captians on this forum https://www.yachtforums.com/threads...years-old-used-motor-yachts-40-75-feet.31094/ Click to expand...

Yea, a lot of them hang out at local watering holes around here... One thing for sure they tell you what they see...  

• Aug 26, 2020

ocgrant said: -1 on the Azimuts... You talk to captians here in SoFlo and you will here they are horrible not to mention the Marine Max "lack of support". I had a Princess but the new builds have gotten sloppy I hear with the ownership change. Can't go wrong with Sunseeker they still check every box when you talk to pro captians. Also the Persings get good reviews from captians down here. On the other hand you find the right Sea Ray and spend the money to make it what you want you end up with a pretty nice yacht for the $$$ Check out these guys, lots of professional captians on this forum https://www.yachtforums.com/threads...years-old-used-motor-yachts-40-75-feet.31094/ https://www.yachtforums.com/threads/galeon-yachts-the-good-and-the-bad-your-thoughts-please.33085/ Click to expand...

Havana Shamrock

We were in the market for a Maritimo before COVID we even spent a few days onboard a Maritimo with CAPT RUSTY (belated happy bday buddy) and we where impressed of the build and quality we where in some sloppy conditions in the gulf and all I can say is it’s a battle wagon for sure. You may want to reach out to the Capt as he now moves different brands you’ll get an honest opinion from him. Best of luck on your search.  

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Galeon Yachts’ Midsize Flybridge Yacht

• By Victor Tan
• October 3, 2023

Galeon Yachts’ new 440 Fly is aimed at cruising families. It joins nine other flybridge models ranging from 41 to 83 feet length overall . This near-46-footer made its North America debut at the Miami International Boat Show earlier this year.

In addition to having room for the family, the 440 Fly is a capable entertaining vessel. Fold-down side decks to port and starboard transform this yacht’s cockpit into a beach club, increasing the 13-foot-8-inch beam by 7 feet. Alfresco activities are further encouraged by a wet bar with a grill, a sink and stowage. An L-shaped settee with a wooden dinette is forward and under the flybridge overhang, protected from the elements.

Sun soakers can gather at the foredeck sun pad that’s sized for at least three people. Or, they can congregate on the flybridge, where there is more seating than in the cockpit and salon combined. An L-shaped settee corrals an elongated wooden dinette for outdoor snacks and meals. The helm station is forward with seating for the skipper and a mate, and there is additional companion seating to port. Between that companion seating and the stairs aft, owners can opt to place a wet bar with a sink, a fridge and a grill.

Inside on the main deck, the salon has a C-shaped settee with a wooden dinette to starboard, across from a two-seat sofa. Abaft the sofa is a hidden 32-inch TV. One step up from this gathering space are the helm station to starboard with side-deck access, and the galley to port with Corian countertops, a two-burner cooktop, a stainless-steel sink, a microwave and a fridge.

Belowdecks accommodations are flexible. Galeon offers a two-stateroom option and a pair of three-stateroom setups. In the two-stateroom configuration, there is a forepeak VIP with a step-up berth and an en suite head to port. The master stateroom is full-beam and amidships. The 440 Fly’s “traditional” three-stateroom layout reduces the size of the full-beam master to make room for a guest stateroom to starboard, and adds a twin-berth guest stateroom to port. In the “standard” three-stateroom setup, a guest stateroom with bunks is located to port, and the head is moved to starboard. This change consumes more of the forepeak VIP space, shifting its berth into an offset position to starboard.

Power for the 440 Fly is twin 440 hp Volvo Penta D6 engines. Galeon says the top speed is 30 knots, and cruising speed is 25 knots—which should be plenty fast to get the whole family feeling the wind in their hair.

• The 440 Fly’s full-beam, amidships master has a queen-size berth.
• Cabinetry throughout the 440 Fly can be ordered in Dark Walnut Matte or Beachwood Matte.
• The 440 Fly’s cockpit’s L-shaped settee can convert to a sun pad.

Take the next step: galeonyachts.us

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Harris Hafeez New Member

I'm new to boating and am interested in purchasing a Galeon 400 Fly. I'll likely end up getting it new via Marine Max as I'm confident I can negotiate a very attractive number that won't be terribly far off from where the pre-owned boats are years 2018 - 2019. I live in S. Fla. and the purpose of the boat will be for pleasure cruising with my 2 young kids and wife and some family and friends. I've seen the Azimuts and Galeons in person a couple of times now and am very impressed at the fit and finish of the Galeons. Where I live, there is a Marina on site that quoted me $35 / foot to dock at slip. Since I'm new to boating I'm also taking classes offered online via the FLA Coast Guard. My questions pertain to the following below and if there is any other feedback from fellow boaters I'm happy to hear it. 1.) Since boat will be new should I still survey? If so, are there any particular recommendations for surveyors in S. Fla? 2.) What can I expect post sale from Marine Max in most peoples experience? I know they offer service etc. but I can technically have it serviced any where. 3.) Being that the vessel will be new what can I realistically expect for maintenance? 4.) We plan on using the boat 2 - 3 days a month likely 4-6 or 6-8 hour trips the annual or bi-annual trip may entail going to keys or Bahamas so I was hoping I could get an average of what fuel consumption and cost would be and where it's most cost effective to re-fuel. 5.) Captain / steward -- I would captain the boat for quite a while before I drive it myself and ensure that I'm fully acclimated with it. Are there any public forums that are open in S. Fla for captains? What's a reasonable rate for a captain if you're using the boat for 4 hours or perhaps 8? 6.) Insurance -- I have to shop this around but Marine Max connected me with a broker and I was quoted roughly $12k as a rough guesstimate for what I'm looking at for insurance for a first time owner. This seemed very high to me so I figured I'd ask my fellow boaters what their experience is. I'm really big into cars so while this is a new world for me I'm learning everyday and am super excited at the prospect of boat ownership. I am thankful for everyone's assistance. -- Harris

Capt J Senior Member

1. It's a good idea to survey even a new boat. Some build issues may never get fixed under warranty and a survey will pick them up before you have a big issue after warranty. 2. Next to nothing. I've found after the sale support from Marine Max is not great. 3. Annual maintenance on engines and machinery. Monthly, the a/c strainer should be cleaned, seacocks (worked), various other things checked, engines and machinery worked. 4. I would just buy fuel when and where you need it. Could price shop in your home town, but on a 40' the cost difference you'll usually spend getting to where the cheaper fuel is. Boat will burn 1.5 gallons per nautical mile at cruise......slow speeds.....say 7 knots, about 1 nautical mile per gallon. 5. Captains usually charge 1/2 day, full day...... generally around $450 for a full day on that size yacht in Fort Lauderdale. A mate is $225-250 per day 6. Experience is a big issue with the price, but many other insurance dealers to deal with....... What area are you in?

NYCAP123 Senior Member

The good thing about dealing with Marine Max is that they have good representation on the east coast. If you need parts or service they're close pretty much wherever you are. Even though I agree with J that their support is not great, it's available. A lot of other companies don't even give you that. At 40' my recommendation is always to buy pre-owned. The first owner gets the biggest depreciation hit. He also pays to equip the boat and deals with fixing the new boat bugs. When you consider how little most boats get used one that's 2 or 3 years old has very low hours and is still under warranty. Also consider the market. Last summer a ton of people bought boats cause there was nothing else for them to do. No vacations, no sports, no school, etc. This summer a lot of those boats will sit on the dock while the families do more of the normal things. After paying the expenses through this past winter and then this summer and using the boat very little a lot of those boats are going to hit the market. That's low hour boats that the people need to dump to pay for their vacations, sports, etc. If I wanted to get into boating I'd wait until after Labor Day 2021 or at least until mid-summer, and I'd definitely buy pre-owned. The savings will pay for a lot of fuel and vacation time.

NYCAP123 said: ↑ The good thing about dealing with Marine Max is that they have good representation on the east coast. If you need parts or service they're close pretty much wherever you are. Even though I agree with J that their support is not great, it's available. A lot of other companies don't even give you that. At 40' my recommendation is always to buy pre-owned. The first owner gets the biggest depreciation hit. He also pays to equip the boat and deals with fixing the new boat bugs. When you consider how little most boats get used one that's 2 or 3 years old has very low hours and is still under warranty. Also consider the market. Last summer a ton of people bought boats cause there was nothing else for them to do. No vacations, no sports, no school, etc. This summer a lot of those boats will sit on the dock while the families do more of the normal things. After paying the expenses through this past winter and then this summer and using the boat very little a lot of those boats are going to hit the market. That's low hour boats that the people need to dump to pay for their vacations, sports, etc. If I wanted to get into boating I'd wait until after Labor Day 2021 or at least until mid-summer, and I'd definitely buy pre-owned. The savings will pay for a lot of fuel and vacation time. Click to expand...

The warranty concern is valid however you should be able to purchase an extended warranty. Since Galeon is fairly new to the U.S. market I'm not sure how much weight to give that though. When MM first took on Azimut I remember getting warranty work approved was a nightmare. Because MM has good representation warranties are good if honored. With other boats I find they're less important because what you spend traveling for service and the time involved makes them a lot less worthwhile. I'd rather no warranty and start from the start finding and developing a relationship with a good local mechanic. Of course is you blow a $60,000 motor my way isn't so good. As for the price differential it's bigger than you think once you add in things like electronics that the pre-owned has already added and you'll have to buy with new. Be aware that MM sales people are very good at their job. They're very good at talking monthly payment and moving people up with the notion that it's only a few dollars more to move up. Then when the boat market dumps as it tends to do every 10 years or so you find out that you're upside-down. I remember one client who when in the market had a friend offer him a 50 SR for $1. Just take over the payments. He was ready to do it until I pointed out that the boat was worth $200,000 less than what was owed.

olderboater Senior Member

Harris Hafeez said: ↑ 1.) Since boat will be new should I still survey? If so, are there any particular recommendations for surveyors in S. Fla? Harris Click to expand...

olderboater said: ↑ Absolutely and don't accept it for delivery until all items have been fixed. The moment you leave the dealer the power leaves your hands. I recommend Malcolm Elliott with https://floridanauticalsurveyors.com/about-us/ You'll find threads with other recommendations. You can expect lousy service especially from their Florida locations. Some better than others and while technically you can have routine engine service and such done anywhere, you're tied to them completely for boat service. That's why #1 is important. So much dependent on your use of it. Start with bottom cleaning every 3 to 4 weeks depending on the season. Add in top cleaning regularly with periodic waxing. Then toss in a few thousand a year for engine and equipment maintenance, likely $10,000-30,000 when new. Add in annual or bi-annual bottom painting and prop and metal coating. Add in your tow membership as well. Here is a performance chart on a 420 fly. https://boattest.com/review/galeon/3618_420-fly Half day $250-300 for captain and full day $400-500. However, just because the cruise is only 4 hours, doesn't mean that's all the crew works. Nor does it mean Captains are regularly available for half days. As to stews or deck hands add another $100 or so for half day and $150-250 for full. Don't take surveyor or insurance or other advice from a boat salesman. Find a professional marine insurance broker and talk to them. Find one you like and let them shop the market for you. Why did you only consider boats sold by Marine Max? That's a rhetorical question only. You've chosen so go with it and enjoy. Click to expand...

The commission is built in wherever you buy, and there's a lot of boats other than Galeon. Quite frankly some things about those boats concern me greatly like all the glass and the fold down sides. These are gimmicks that definitely don't add to the strength of the boat.

Harris Hafeez said: ↑ Thanks for the great feedback! In response to your inquiry about solely considering Marine Max I'm not just considering them but they are the sole Galeon dealer in North America. If I was considering pre-owned I'd be working with a broker but of course the commission is pretty significant and that also would weigh significantly on finalizing the purchase price. Click to expand...

KoffeeCruising Member

Harris Welcome - lots of good advice here already. My 2 cents is “kiss a lot of frogs” before you buy. To a new boater, 40’ sounds huge, and that is a nice boat, but get your wife involved because 40’ really limits options. For what you’ll spend there are a huge number of candidates to look at that could meet your needs... once you know them. I am of the belief a boat is a chassis that is dependent on how well it is designed and maintained, not really how new it is- within reason. I also believe a yacht hits it’s sweet spot only after it’s been used to really get a sense is what you really need/use. New isn’t necessarily better; I’d prefer upgraded after use over new out of box. Also-you finding the right mechanical support team may be better than using MM. It’s like a friend of mine moved into a “maintenance provided community” and he always complained about their lack of detail. I told him I lived in a “maintenance provided community” in that I hired the landscapers, the painters, the handymen I wanted to use. My advice is broaden your search with your wife aboard. it’s too bad the in water boat shows have been limited during COVID- there is nobetter education than walking onto 10 different boats in a day to really get a sense of what is out there. As a newbie, I originally thought a Beneteau Swift Trawler was my sweet spot; then I went to an in water TrawlerFest got on one after ask seeing a Krogen Express, a Fleming, a Great Harbour, a new and an old Grand Banks at the same show. I immediately understood the difference in design, layout, access, fit and finish....and the Beneteau dropped off my list Not saying Galleons are bad- just saying you may find 40’ isnt big enough to take a Cap’n and friends. Or a stewardess. 40’ is a great day boat or single couple boat. For same price range you could find older, upgraded and very comfortable boats that may serve your needs. Good luck finding your prince amidst the frogs. Keep us posted.

Thank you all for the wonderful feedback. I will keep you posted as I make progress. This is a great community and I'm glad I found it.

KoffeeCruising made several good points, but I'd like to emphasize one. 40'. I will guarantee that you will be in a 46' in 3 years, and that's another commission. Marine Max has the best sales people. 'It'll only cost you an extra $30 a month'. Add that to 3 year-itice and you'll be there. Looking around more and considering pre-owned could pay for your first couple years of cruising.

NYCAP123 said: ↑ KoffeeCruising made several good points, but I'd like to emphasize one. 40'. I will guarantee that you will be in a 46' in 3 years, and that's another commission. Marine Max has the best sales people. 'It'll only cost you an extra $30 a month'. Add that to 3 year-itice and you'll be there. Looking around more and considering pre-owned could pay for your first couple years of cruising. Click to expand...

Capt J said: ↑ I agree, I would say low 50's is the sweet spot for what you're looking to do if you can afford it. 52' Sunseeker Manhattan and 55' Princess FB both are nicely laid out. Not sure on Galleon's offerings. If you're going to use a Captain at first, I think the learning curve is very similar. Click to expand...

I know others are pushing you to pre-owned and financially it seems to make sense. That said, I only buy new vehicles and boats and keep them for a good while and come out with acceptable costs of ownership and by careful selection I have very, very few problems to deal with and am up and cruising immediately. As to the 40' size vs. larger vs. larger vs. larger. My first boat was 17'. Was that a mistake? My next was 22'. A mistake? Then 24'. Mistake? Then 25'. Mistake? Then 30'. Mistake? Then 44' and 63' on same day. I don't think it's a mistake necessarily to start smaller and grow. However, for crossing Bahamas with a family, size does make a difference and 40' will restrict you to fewer windows. But then you might just use those days to cruise South Florida. Keep in mind the 40' does only sleep 4 unless you either put another family in the salon of have your kids sleep on the sofa and floor in your room. Note, I didn't offer the option of the kids sleeping in the salon as no way I'd allow that with you below. It's a prescription for danger. My personal favorite family boats in the 50' range are the Sunseeker Manhattan 52' and 55', the Princess F55 or F 50 (they do make an F45 as well). Within the Galeon line, you pick up sleeping accommodations with both the 42 and 46 if you don't want to go up to 50'. Two other things I must point out. The Galeon 40 is really a 36' boat when measured by deck. Do you intend to try to carry a tender of any sort? Galeon tries to deceive with their labeling and base it on overall length including platforms and other. Sunseeker by comparison labels closer to deck length. Their 52 would be a 56 in Galeon language. Beneteau labels like Galeon. One last totally irrelevant thing I must point out. Florida doesn't have a coast guard. Now, the US does but the course isn't offered by them. It's offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Still you're to be applauded for taking it.

I too would only buy a new car or a new small boat, and for a yacht like your Westport definitely (not that I can afford that. lol). But my Harley was 8 years old with only 3,500 miles, and that's the big reason I'd always recommend pre-owned for mid sized yachts. They don't get any use and the amount you'll save is huge. Between markup and equipping the first owner lays out a lot that won't be counted when he sells it. Most production yachts also spend a lot of the first year getting the bugs out. That's a lot of time and expense. Put it all together and you could be talking $100K+ on an $800K boat. That pays for a lot of cruising. Harris, all working your way up will do is cost you money in depreciation, profit and two more commissions. Running a 46 is easier than running a 40'. Everything is the same except that the 40 is lighter and more affected by wind, current and sea state. IOW less comfortable. The only caveat I'd make is stay below 50' because at that point you'll be required hire a captain. With a 46, same as with a 40, you'll be able to handle it by yourself after a few lessons, and then when you're ready for the 50 your insurance company shouldn't balk. Coming from a 40 they probably will. You can figure what hiring a captain for a year will add to your costs.

Norseman Senior Member

. As to the 40' size vs. larger vs. larger vs. larger. My first boat was 17'. Was that a mistake? My next was 22'. A mistake? Then 24'. Mistake? Then 25'. Mistake? Then 30'. Mistake? Then 44' and 63' on same day. I don't think it's a mistake necessarily to start smaller and grow. Click to expand...

So Thursday I pulled the trigger and put the initial deposit down on the Galeon 400 Fly. I'm super excited and am expecting the vessel to come in mid to late December. So far I have arranged for the following: -List of Captains to use -Arranged rental of marina slip on property I reside -Multiple insurance quotes -List of preferred vendors for maintenance -Registration for boat / yacht / US Coast Guard classes Right now my primary focus is learning everything I can about the water and I feel like I'm making progress everyday. I was able to work a very favorable deal with Marine Max and they are a full authorized service center for Galeon. I also plan on doing the PPF MaxVantage film protection along with the 6 year extended warranty if nothing more than for resale value. I had the opportunity with the family to fully check out the vessel since Marine Max had one in transit to another buyer. I was very impressed with the build quality, fit / finish and all features of the vessel especially with how creative and intuitive Galeon is with maximizing space / entertaining for every area of the boat. Looking forward to enjoying the waters soon!

Why don't you add to the list to take a USCG auxilary boating safety course.

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