I have a list - but have to find a boat

[WK4T]

My list is of what I’m would like to find on a boat in order for purchase to even be considered.
Standing headroom in the saloon. I’m 6’6”.
Center cockpit.
Ketch rig
Primarily fiberglass but might consider steel.
Full keel. Not interested in a dash around the bouys on the weekend.
Liveaboard quality monohull.
Probably within the 42 to 57 foot range.

So - anyone have suggestions on brands and models to search for? My house is going on the market in the next two months. Also, I’m not against traveling to look at the right vessel.

[hpeer]

IMHO the aft cabin arrangement can be a big part of the consideration. We did not think about it much when first looking but as we looked at more and more boats it moved up on our list, waaayy up.

We determined we wanted a walkthrough to a centerline bed. Just the way we are.

A keel stepped mizzen makes it tough to achieve. We opted for a cutter, but a deck stepped mizzen could also work, if adequately supported.

Early in Covid, and bored to tears, I spent some days looking for a replacement boat. Unfortunately I don’t have a list, but they were relatively rare and expensive, for my wallet anyway. I went to Yacht World and did a custom search within the allowed parameters. Then I looked at the boats and looked them up on Sailboatdata to see the interior layout.

One additional thing. Many boats you will see will have no or nearly useless backup steering options. The emergency tiller connection, if they have one, is likely in the aft cabin with no outside visibility. This can be overcome with an auxiliary rudder windvane. If it is important to you, it was to me.

We ended up with a custom steel cutter and are very happy.

[sailormed]

Amel Super Maramu