I appreciate your comments Harlan, though I'm just 69 and active.
But jumping around a sailboat deck in 20 foot seas doesn't sound like
fun anymore. I do like the security of a heavy keel, don't know what
happens to a power yacht in heavy seas.
Dieter Evertz


Harlan Lachman wrote:
In article .com,
"predl" wrote:

We have sailed the East Coast and Great Lakes for many years.
Getting a bit creaky, new hip etc. We (my wife and I) are looking for a
power boat in the 43 to 56 foot range. Fell in love with a 55' Azimut
and liked the traditional look of the Grand Banks, EU style. Which one
is right for us. Th Azimuts we have seen, although very beautiful
inside left an impression of less than solidness, hatch locks of
plastic were mostly broken, screws and brackets wimpy. Also the engine
room seemed so crammed that I felt access to many sytem components was
nearly impossible without removing other major bits. On the other hand
the layout is generous, beautifully appointed. No bulwarks.
The Grand Banks looks nice, more solidly built, more expensive per
foot. Also less roomy somehow. The engine room is less cluttered,
everything easily accessable. Good high bulwarks
In other words, two comletely opposite animals.
Can anyone share some experience or knowledge about either vessel?
thanks
Dieter Evertz

Dieter, my 80 year old father is currently out somewhere on LI Sound or
points east on a three week cruise on his Legacy 42.

He has been a sailor for most of his adult years (J Boats, Sabre Yachts,
Nordic Yachts, Director built custom boats, etc.). He worried what would
happen to my mom if something (e.g., death or stroke) happened to him
while they were out.

He appreciates the bow thruster and enclosed cockpit (to allow AC on
days it might be necessary to keep him and my mom alive and to keep the
cold rain or salt water spray off). You might want to check out
powerboats made by sailboat makers. The craftsmanship seems to me (a
blow boater and stink potter) better and the design cleaner on most sail
boats.

As important as the boat, is the yard that will work on the engine and
fix things. He should not be lugging things around as much as he used to.

Sorry I cannot comment on the two boats you mention. I just thought the
above might prove useful to you. Personally, I think the 40 foot range
is a good fit for ease of maneuvering and all and 20 knots will seem
like you are flying compared to even a light displacement J Boat.

--
To respond, obviously drop the "nospan"?