Popular Cruiser Yachts Over 55 Feet Long Overall

Dreaming of sailing the world on a luxurious cruiser yacht? Imagine waking up to the gentle rocking of the waves in your spacious master suite complete with a walk-in closet!

A luxurious floating home indeed! The 72' Jongert 21s

A yacht over 55 feet offers incredible space – think multiple guest cabins for friends and family, a full-sized kitchen for gourmet meals, and roomy living areas perfect for relaxing and entertaining. It's like having a floating home!

The spacious interior of a Beneteau 57

These larger yachts are also built to handle the ocean's moods. Their size and design make them more stable in rough seas, which is not only more comfortable but also safer for long journeys. Plus, they can carry more fuel, water, and supplies, meaning you can explore further and stay off-grid longer. Think secluded coves and distant horizons – the adventure awaits!

Owning a yacht of this size also comes with a certain prestige. You'll have opportunities to connect with other yachting enthusiasts at regattas and exclusive events. It's a chance to share your passion for the sea and maybe even make some new connections. Your yacht becomes a reflection of your adventurous spirit and appreciation for the finer things.

But let's be real, this kind of luxury comes at a price. The initial cost is just the beginning. Annual maintenance can easily be 10% of the yacht's value! Factor in fuel costs (larger yachts burn more fuel), higher docking fees, and expensive insurance. And if you plan on having a crew, their salaries will be a significant ongoing expense.

Speaking of crew, you'll likely need one. These yachts are complex, and a captain, engineer, chef, and deckhands are often necessary for safe and smooth sailing. While a crew can make your life easier, it also means managing people and their salaries. Your yacht becomes both your home and a workplace.

Surprisingly, a bigger yacht can actually limit where you can go. Not all marinas can handle vessels over 55 feet. You might have to skip some charming smaller ports and stick to larger, more accommodating ones. Spontaneity can be a challenge, as you'll often need to book docking in advance.

These yachts have sophisticated systems that require specialized knowledge. Think advanced electronics, navigation, plumbing, and mechanics. You'll probably need a dedicated engineer or frequent visits from specialists. Troubleshooting problems can be tough, especially far from shore, and might disrupt your trip.

The Ocean 71 is a staysail ketch

Manoeuvring a yacht this size, especially in tight spaces, takes skill. Even with thrusters and navigation aids, it can be a bit nerve-wracking. It's a learning curve, and it might limit where and how you sail. Some areas might simply be too difficult or dangerous for a large vessel.

Larger yachts also come with more regulations. Think stricter safety inspections, environmental rules, and maritime protocols. You might need extra licenses or certifications, not just for the captain, but maybe even for you! Keeping up with all the different rules, especially when traveling internationally, adds another layer of responsibility.

When it's time to sell, remember that the market for large luxury yachts is smaller. Finding the right buyer can take time, and these vessels can depreciate. Working with a specialized broker can help, but it's something to keep in mind.

And finally, a large yacht can limit access to some of the most beautiful spots. Shallow bays and narrow channels might be off-limits, meaning you could miss out on some amazing anchorages. You'll need to be flexible with your plans and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

So, is a 55+ foot yacht right for you? It depends on your sailing style, goals, and budget. If you dream of long voyages in luxury, hosting lots of guests, and are comfortable with the costs and complexities, then go for it! But if you prefer a more hands-on sailing experience, lower costs, and the freedom to explore smaller, more secluded spots, a smaller yacht might be a better fit.

Think about how you'll actually use the yacht. Will it be for big parties or just a few close friends? Are luxury amenities a must-have, or are you okay with something simpler? Create a detailed budget – and don't forget ongoing costs like maintenance, crew, docking, fuel, and insurance.

Before you take the plunge, try chartering a similar yacht. This will give you a real taste of what it's like to live on and handle a vessel of this size. Talk to other yacht owners, get advice, and go to boat shows. Do your homework!

Ultimately, owning any yacht is about embracing a life connected to the sea. It's about the freedom, the adventure, and the unique experiences that sailing offers. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can choose the right yacht for you and create amazing memories on the water. It's not just a purchase; it's a lifestyle!

55'+ Cruiser Yachts on this page...

Beneteau 57;
Bowman 57;
Gulfstar 60;
Gunfleet 58;
Hanse 588;
Hylas 56;
Jongert 21S;
Ocean 71;
Oyster 575;
Oyster 62;
Oyster 625;
Oyster 82;
Sundeer 56;
Swan 59;
Wauquiez Centurion 59;
Windship 60;
X-612;

Behind each of the cruising yacht images there's a lot more information, including:

Dimensions & Specifications;
Design Ratios;
A summary analysis of the boat's predicted sailing characteristics in terms of performance, stiffness, heaviness, comfort in a seaway and resistance to capsize.

To see it all, just click on the relevant image...

Windship 60

The Windship 60 sailboat was designed by William Waite and manufactured by Windship Yachts in the United States during the period 1989 to present.
More Specs and Key Performance Indicators...

Wauquiez Centurion 59

The Wauquiez 59, was designed by Ed Dubois and built by Wauquiez in France.
More Specs and Key Performance Indicators...

Hanse 588

The Hanse 588, was designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co and built by HanseYachts AG in Germany.
More Specs and Key Performance Indicators...

Oyster 575

The Oyster 575, a centre-cockpit cutter, was designed by Rob Humphreys and built in the UK by Oyster Marine Ltd.
More Specs and Key Performance Indicators...

Gunfleet 58

The Gunfleet 58 is fitted with two headsails as standard, as can be seen in the pic below. This double-headed configuration is known as a 'Solent Rig'. Unlike a cutter, it's not intended that both sails be flown at the same time other than as an alternative to a spinnaker when running 'wing-and-wing' dead downwind.