March, 2017
A Yachtworld search for midrange motoryachts (40'–65') in the $500,000 – $600,000 range can yield as many as 75 different boats for sale at any given time. Results vary from month to month, but a few well-known models populate the list more than others. The results have much to do with timing, of course — the brokerage market for clean, late model yachts is always a moving target. That said, our research has led us to identify the six models profiled below, any of which might be expected to sell in the $500,000 range.
At a Glance: Great styling and very spacious accommodations made this stylish motoryacht one of Meridian's best selling models. The 441's luxurious two-stateroom, two-head interior features an opulent salon with Ultraleather sofa (with pullout bed), deluxe entertainment center, ice maker, and high gloss cherry cabinets. The galley and dinette are forward, a step up from the salon. Note the sculptured salon overhead. A lower helm is optional in place of the dinette. There are two large staterooms below, each with ensuite heads. The engineroom is accessed from hatch in the cockpit sole, and molded steps lead from the cockpit up to the 441’s enormous flybridge with wraparound lounge seating aft. Cummins 480hp diesels with Zeus pod drives with joystick controls cruise at 22–24 knots (high 20s top).
Price Range: From the low $300s to $600K-plus.
2009–Current
Meridian 441 Sedan
2001–05
Carver 570 Voyager PH
At a Glance: A stretched version of the Carver 530 Voyager with extended salon and englarged galley — Carver sold a lot of these sleek pilothouse yachts. The three-stateroom interior has the galley forward in the very spacious salon with its long L-shaped sofa to starboard and club chairs opposite. A handy breakfast bar is built into the galley counter, and large frameless windows and nearly seven feet of headroom make the Voyager’s salon seem unusually open and airy. Below, the amidships master stateroom features a walkaround queen berth and en-suite head with tub/shower. The VIP guest stateroom forward includes a queen berth, and the second guest stateroom to port offers over/under bunks. The main attraction of the 570 is her roomy pilothouse with L-shaped leather sofa, wraparound helm, and plush captain’s chair. Volvo 675hp diesels cruise the 570 Voyager at 22–24 knots.
Price Range: From the mid $200s to mid/high $400s.
At a Glance: Same boat as the 570 Voyager, but with a revised salon/galley and minor styling updates (note distinctive hullside windows). The Voyager’s modest 15'4" beam results in somewhat smaller interior spaces than many motoryachts in this size range. That said, the the salon’s social area includes twin wall hugging recliners, hi/lo cocktail table, and a comfortable L-shaped sofa to port. An entertainment system features a retractable 30" LCD TV that floats above the fully equipped galley when engaged. Below, the amidships master stateroom features a walkaround queen berth and en-suite head with tub/shower. The VIP guest stateroom forward includes a queen berth, and the second guest stateroom to port offers over/under bunks. The flybridge can be accessed from both the cockpit and the pilothouse. Volvo 675hp diesels cruise at 24–24 knots.
Price Range: From the mid $400s to $600K-plus.
2005–09
Carver 56 Voyager
1995–2003
At a Glance: One of the original U.K. motor yachts to make an impression in the American market. Introduced in 1991 as a 62-footer until the addition on an extended swim platform in 1995. Facelift in 1998 (pictured above) brought the styling up to date. Roomy four stateroom interior with lower helm features a luxurious full-beam master with sofa and coffee tables. Captain's cabin is aft, crew quarters are forward. The Squadron’s large aft deck and wide side decks are a plus. The flybridge — accessed from both the salon or aft deck — features a triple helm seat, full-service wet bar, grill, and a teak table. Teak decks, electric aft deck window, Corian counters, high-gloss cherry cabinets are standard. Built on a deep-V hull with moderate beam, 1100hp MAN engines cruise at 24–25 knots. Cat 1400hp diesels cruise at 28+ knots.
Price Range: From the mid $200s to $600-plus.
Fairline Squadron 65
At a Glance: Dynamic styling and excellent performance characterize this late-model cruising yacht. (Called the 550 Sedan Bridge in 2005.) Everything about the 580 seems big, from her expansive salon with facing leather sofas and cherry wood cabinets to the spacious flybridge with standard fiberglass hardtop and seating for a small crowd. A gourmet galley (with Sub-Zero refrigeration) is forward of the salon, opposite a wraparound dinette with storage below. On the lower level, the 580’s posh full-beam master stateroom features twin end tables and tons of storage. A spacious VIP stateroom forward contains a queen bed, and the second guest stateroom has angled bunk beds. Additional features include a fiberglass hardtop, bridge air conditioning, bow thruster, built-in cockpit seating, and extended swim platform with hydraulic lift. Cruise at 24–26 knots with 900hp MAN diesels (30+ top)
Price Range: Early models start in the mid/high $400s.
2005–09
Sea Ray 550/580 Sedan Bridge
1999–2004
Viking Sport Cruisers 65 Motoryacht
At a Glance: A popular model — the VSC 65 was quite well received in the U.S. market. Arguably the best-styled motoryacht in her class during her production years. Accommodations include three staterooms plus crew quarters aft. The salon is entered through a stainless steel sliding door. On the port side is an Ultraleather love seat and a small refrigerator. Behind the love seat is a retractable, concealed plasma TV. On the starboard side of the salon is a large U-shaped sofa. Forward and down three steps is the galley. The master stateroom is amidships to starboard. The VIP Stateroom with private head is forward, and on the port side is a guest/utility room with twin bunks, washer/dryer combo, and work table. A staircase leading to the bridge is forward of the entertainment center. Cruise at 25 knots with MAN 860hp motors.
Price Range: Prices start around $500K.
Six Popular Midsize Motoryachts You Can Buy for Under $100K
