When considering boat comparisons, is it important to think about the numbers, especially when considering monohulls, where this is a time-honored practice. Recently, I was talking to a customer, new to sailing. He was trying to get a handle on comparing the different boats he had seen and asked me for some thoughts.
I explained that the landscape has definitely changed and that there were many new design criteria being employed so that it makes it difficult to use the same old formulas in any meaningful way. Some of this is discussed in this article.
Here’s a good article from Cruising World explaining some of the difficulties of comparing today’s modern designs to those of a few years ago.
There are so many links out there for comparisons, but most all are now outdated by the new generation of modern, efficient, single-handed cruisers like the Jeanneau 440 and 490.
This attempt to compare attributes in monohulls is complicated even further as modern designs depart still further from the previous designs. It’s like comparing your Dad’s 53 Chevy to a self-driving, modern Mercedes! How do you begin to compare features that just didn’t exist in the past?
For years, things didn’t change much, but now, all of a sudden, like in the automotive industry, they have!
Charter programs can be a pivotal part of the equation for those looking to buy a yacht — not only does it help offset the costs of ownership, it also ensures that your boat will receive professional maintenance, service, and care even when you’re not using it. There is a right and wrong way to charter your yacht and with our 
Atlantic Cruising Yachts is thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership with Stock Island Marina Village in Key West to offer boat owners long-term yacht management services and exclusive yacht charter experiences in the country’s most desirable and unique nautical destination – Key West, Florida!
A story from our customer, Barry Slifstein, who re-evaluated his priorities and got back into boating after his father passed. Barry is a knowledgeable and experienced boater who just finished delivering his new Jeanneau 54 from Annapolis to the Virgin Islands.
It starts with the design intent. If you want to have a true, planing motor yacht, like the Fountaine Pajot 37 and 44, it must be designed with a planing hull and matching appropriate engine installation.
Marine power efficiency has improved greatly over the years. Looking at the different options, steam engines are roughly 10% efficient, gas is about 25% efficient, and diesel hovers around 35% efficient. Any guess where electric falls? More than 90% efficient!
