Classic Favorites

The Custom Yachts team has been to sea, quite literally, no exaggeration… many, many years of mixed marine industry experience. This qualifies us to make a few observations and best of all it means that we have been fortunate enough to experience thousands of different yachts in ways that most boaters never have.

We have been crawling through bilges, standing under dripping wet hulls, examining core samples, working with mechanics, examining systems and electronics as well as sailing and powering anywhere we can. This has led us to discuss and share our “classic” favourites with you. A collection of desirable west coast vessels, ones we feel were well designed and well built and that worked well for their intended audiences. Some are tough, some are “economical” and some are just plain functional. Enjoy.

NOTE: The photos below are NOT brokerage boats, they are simply examples of classic favourites.

1985 – 2002 Bayliner 3988 Motor Yacht Easy on the eyes and functional, diesel power, solid build quality. A great example of the evolution of a species with a reasonable buy in price. Typically produced in larger quantities which means there are usually a few examples to choose from. In a nutshell… an economical and sensible way to get the family out on the water in style; thats what its all about.

1985 – current Nordic Tug 32 First introduced in 1985 and revamped in 2002, this is the most popular model from Nordic Tugs and rumoured to be the best selling vessel in her class, ever. Single diesel power and a multitude of thruster options give this salty looking cruiser a loyal following and buy in prices range from year to year and options including engine size and output. Included and installed equipment varies from boat to boat and boats built for East Coast consumption are typically equipped with A/C and no adequate heating systems for “Northwest climates”. The option to sip fuel and run slow is real and so is the ability to run at 15 knots with the right engine package.

2001 – current American Tug 34 Here is another very comfortable coastal cruiser. Quite happy at 7-8 knots with economical operation in mind or running hard at 16 knots, your call, and your fuel budget. Extremely well laid out for a couple with the occasional pair of guests, the emphasis is on unpredictable weather and maximizing comfortable interior space rather than sun pads and expansive outer decks (the norm with the european designs). Single diesel and bow thruster makes the American Tug easy to handle and she’s a stellar performer in the rough stuff.

1986 – 1993 Bertram 37 If the sport fishing/convertible style is what you desire, here is one of the best looking and best built. A manageable size, tons of interior room and construction similar to an M1 tank. Diesel power with no gas option, these can be found for reasonable money in the US. The bigger engine options provided a true 30 knot top speed. Very cool boat all around.

1993 – 2008 Catalina 32 or 320 Very spacious with a layout geared towards family cruising. Inboard diesel, Wheel steering, decent quality factory fittings all conspire to make this the Volkswagen of the sailboat world( I say that in a good way). Solid construction, no surprises. Good value for the dollar and lots to choose from.

Erickson 35 – Solid Bruce King Design Many have ventured offshore successfully. Diesel inboard power with a conventional interior layout and as older examples are over 20 years old, many have been upgraded with new equipment, engines, sails, electronics and interior details. Solid coastal/offshore platform. Decent examples for sale all the time…take your pick.