Stevens 53

[RichandHelen]

The following is posted on Yachtworld. I would very much appreciate opinions on this boat. We own a Jeanneau SO 37. We will live aboard a larger boat and "commute" from Ft Lauderdale to Martha's Vineyard winters/summers using the ICW when weather necessary - otherwise coastal cruising.

"The Stevens 53 is a good balance of safety, comfort and style in a shorthanded, long-range cruising yacht. Designed by Robert H. Perry N.A. in collaboration with the Stevens Design Team, this model incorporates over 200 years of combined single-handed cruising, racing and live aboard experience with the latest innovations in technology and performance, and over 325 vessels designed and built with the Stevens name.

This is a perfect liveaboard, comfortable and modern shorthanded cruiser, and great for the Bahamas and Caribbean. Excellently maintained, "Bricardi" is ready for her new owner to enjoy."


http://newimages.yachtworld.com/resi...=1378243697000

Thanks,

Rich and Helen

[Captivy]

I think the mast height will be an issue on the ICW.

Shawn

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Rich & Helen.

[s/v Moondancer]

Lovely boat...Lots of nice features that we sought on our own boat.

Not sure of mast height we are same size and ours is 11 ft too high for the ICW...but we have been around Hatteras several times without problems. We rejected 2 boats after the test sail because the in boom furler did not work properly even at anchor!

I would check out the builder but interior looks excellent.

I would want a deeper keel than 5 ft on such a big Blue Water boat and the A/C is inadequate for the space but easy to fix. Anchors are too small for a cruising boat but easily fixed providing the windlass is big enough.

All comes down to mast height and survey but she certainly appears to be worth the money especially if you can get her much cheaper. Made in China is not usually a big selling point.

I have seen posts by Bob Perry either here or on sailnet.com. I would communicate with him and get a real expert opinion!!!!

[RichandHelen]

She is built by Hansheng, who builds both Passport and Journey yachts. But I'm not sure if that pedigree really means that either the facility or the workers are the same. I've written to the broker re. Mast height and await his reply. We're in Martha's Vineyard at the moment.

[RichandHelen]

Correction to above: "Outbound", not "Journey".

[Captivy]

Originally Posted by RichandHelen

She is built by Hansheng, who builds both Passport and Journey yachts. But I'm not sure if that pedigree really means that either the facility or the workers are the same. I've written to the broker re. Mast height and await his reply. We're in Martha's Vineyard at the moment.

There's an old Cruising World review of this boat, July 11, 2005...check it out, but in short the mast height is 80'.

Shawn

[Paul L]

If you are serious about a Perry boat, then I'd suggest contacting Bob. He's generally very helpful and is a fountain of knowledge.

[s/v Moondancer]

After 2-3 hours research I think that I would love to live in the Caribbean on a Stevens 53!!

Great design.

[RichandHelen]

Originally Posted by Captivy

There's an old Cruising World review of this boat, July 11, 2005...check it out, but in short the mast height is 80'. Shawn

That review was really helpful . Thanks so much, Shawn. Rich

[RichandHelen]

I like some aspects of the boat very much - the shallow draft, the huge interior, powered winches, luxury equipment like the washer dryer, ice maker and dishwasher. But that 80' rig will keep us off of much of the Intracoastal. And if we need to go outside the freeboard that creates that huge interior works against us. The self-tacking jib seems appealing but coupled with the shallow keel I'm guessing that the windward performance might really be questionable.

[eyschulman]

I looked at the floor plan and it looks like a charter boat set up. For me as a live aboard cruiser that would raise the question as to the amount and type of storage locker space especially accessible from the deck.

[RichandHelen]

I'll have a look when we return to FLL.

[Matt Johnson]

Wow, that is some freeboard on that boat. Reminds me of Perry's other design, the Container Yacht.