Best 40' yacht...

[Fogg 231]

My experience as a 6’2” sailor of buying and owning European & Kiwi boats is that you will almost certainly not get 6’4” headroom in a 40 footer of any design. Exceptions being (1) custom builds and (2) European Deck Saloon / Kiwi Pilothouse designs.

Generally speaking kiwi designs are lower headroom (except for pilothouse designs) mostly seeking performance in favour of headroom. I recall viewing a Farr 46 that I couldn’t stand upright in.

The European boats are generally taller down below but you don’t find 6’4” throughout the boat until you get up to the 50ft mark (depending on model).

And so can you get one for $250k. Yes if you’re prepared to get something a bit older and longer than 40ft.

In terms of cost, forget the sticker prices on TM. If you seriously have $250k ready to slap on the table, then in today’s Covid-19 wobbly market you could viably offer that to any vendor asking $350k and you’d stand a strong chance of getting a deal. Just make sure it’s got a water maker and big fuel tanks...

[Fogg 231]

In summary on the Euro options:

1. if 40ft is an upper limit then from recollection probably only Beneteau Oceanis 40 or Jeanneau 39DS stand a chance of meeting your tall requirements for headroom.

2. But if $250k (not 40ft) is your upper limit then the Beneteau Oceanis 46s, Hanse 461 and Beneteau 473s on TM are all huge volume and worth a look.

Otherwise buy a ship.

[raz88 60]

I have one of these. I don't know headroom measurement but it would be close to 6'4". Can measure and confirm next time I'm there if you like? Comfortably quicker than a 1220 as well.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/2438010313

[Fogg 231]

Yes the Bene First is another great option and in a different league to a 1220. Designed more for performance & racing than the Oceanis cruising range, the Firsts also have slightly beefed up rig & hull at high load points.

[Neil 32]

I am 6 foot 4 inches tall and own a Farr 1220.  Headroom not a problem in the saloon although I do bang my head sometimes moving through the cabin doors in to the rear and forwards cabins. 

Headroom was certainly a factor in buying the boat, these days I need to be able to stand up.

[raz88 60]

Checked my bene first 40.7 tonight, it has 6'4" headroom through the saloon.

[Priscilla II 246]

No rocket ship but pretty well sorted.

Considering the local vigorous prevailing SW 110 hp yanmar will see you right.
https://www.trademe.co.nz/trade-me-motors/boats-marine/yachts/keeler/auction-2553078000.htm

[Island Time 794]

My Neighbour has one of those, Kiwi Breeze. She sails pretty well for what she is, but significantly slower than the Bene 1st OR the 1220... HUGE interior and cockpit for her size, must be 2x that of the 1220...

 

[Priscilla II 246]

12 minutes ago, Island Time said:

My Neighbour has one of those, Kiwi Breeze. She sails pretty well for what she is, but significantly slower than the Bene 1st OR the 1220... HUGE interior and cockpit for her size, must be 2x that of the 1220...

 

Life’s a journey not a race and that Young is a minter.

DS is a hard one to pull off  at that length and she works better in my opinion than the opposition.

That cockpit is a beauty.

[Priscilla II 246]

You get what you pay for.

Space doesn’t come cheap but sort your priorities.

What have you shortlisted post it and take advantage of this forums wisdom.