Exploring the world from the comfort of your own yacht is a dream for many. Liveaboard motor yachts offer the perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and adventure. In this article, we will introduce seven top liveaboard motor yachts, highlighting their features, specifications, and what makes them stand out for long-term cruising and living.
7 Best Liveaboard Motor Yachts
1. Fleming 53
The Fleming 53 is a classic trawler yacht known for its seaworthiness and comfort. Designed by Tony Fleming and built in Taiwan, it offers a spacious layout ideal for extended living.
Specifications:
- Length Overall (LOA): 52 ft 6 in (16.0 m)
- Beam: 16 ft 0 in (4.9 m)
- Draft: 5 ft 0 in (1.5 m)
- Displacement: 31 tonnes
- Fuel Capacity: 3,880 liters
- Engines: Twin Caterpillar 3208 NA 210hp diesels
Features:
- Interior: Offers two or three-cabin layouts, with the two-cabin version providing a larger owner’s stateroom, guest cabin, and ample storage.
- Decks: Low side decks facilitate easy boarding, and the aft cockpit is designed for freestanding furniture, enhancing outdoor living.
- Performance: Equipped with twin Caterpillar 3208 NA 210hp diesels, it cruises comfortably at 9 knots with a maximum speed of approximately 12 knots.
2. DeFever 48
The DeFever 48 is a well-regarded trawler yacht, appreciated for its liveaboard potential and affordability. Its design emphasizes comfort and practicality for long-term cruising.
Specifications:
- Length Overall (LOA): 48 ft (14.63 m)
- Beam: 14 ft 9 in (4.5 m)
- Draft: 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)
- Displacement: Approximately 20 tonnes
Features:
- Interior: Provides a three-stateroom, two-head layout with the master stateroom aft, ensuring privacy and comfort.
- Amenities: Equipped with a full-sized refrigerator, washer/dryer, and generator, catering to the needs of liveaboards.
- Affordability: Older models are available for under $150,000, making it an accessible option for many.
3. Leopard 47
The Leopard 47 is a catamaran that combines sailing performance with spacious living areas, making it a popular choice for liveaboards in temperate climates.
Specifications:
- Length Overall (LOA): 47 ft (14.33 m)
- Beam: 25 ft (7.62 m)
- Draft: 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)
- Displacement: Approximately 12 tonnes
Features:
- Interior: Accommodates up to eight guests in four private cabins, each with queen-sized berths and private heads with showers.
- Deck Space: Extensive external living areas, including a spacious cockpit and forward deck, ideal for relaxation and entertaining.
- Performance: Designed for ease of handling under both sail and power, with good visibility from the helm and salon/galley.
4. Nordhavn 76
The Nordhavn 76 is an expedition-style motor yacht built for long-distance cruising and liveaboard comfort. Its robust construction and range make it a top choice for serious voyagers.
Specifications:
- Length Overall (LOA): 76 ft (23.16 m)
- Beam: 20 ft (6.1 m)
- Draft: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
- Displacement: Approximately 120 tonnes
Features:
- Range: Equipped with a single diesel inboard engine, it offers a cruising speed of 10 knots and a range of up to 3,800 miles.
- Interior: Features two guest cabins plus a master suite, full laundry facilities, deep-freeze capacity, and extensive storage spaces.
- Engine Room: Designed with walk-around engine access, easy access to generators, and a workbench with sink and tool chest, emphasizing practicality for long-term cruising.
5. Marlow Explorer 66
The Marlow Explorer 66 is a luxury motor yacht that combines elegant design with functional living spaces, suitable for extended voyages and liveaboard life.
Specifications:
- Length Overall (LOA): 76 ft 9 in (23.39 m)
- Beam: 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m)
- Draft: 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m)
- Displacement: Approximately 84,000 lbs (38,101 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: 3,000 gallons (11,356 liters)
- Water Capacity: 500 gallons (1,893 liters)
- Engines: Twin 1,150-hp Caterpillar C18 diesels
Features:
- Performance: Achieves cruising speeds around 20 knots and can reach up to 30 knots with larger engines, offering both speed and efficiency for long-distance travel.
- Interior: Designed with a spacious salon, well-appointed galley, and multiple staterooms, including a full-beam master suite, providing luxurious living spaces for extended voyages.
- Deck: Features a large aft cockpit with built-in seating, a flybridge with ample seating and a wet bar, and a foredeck with sun pads, enhancing outdoor living and entertainment options.
6. Grand Banks 59 Aleutian RP
The Grand Banks 59 Aleutian RP is a luxurious motor yacht that combines classic styling with modern amenities, making it a suitable choice for liveaboard cruising.
Specifications:
- Length Overall (LOA): 59 ft 0 in (17.98 m)
- Beam: 17 ft 0 in (5.18 m)
- Draft: 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)
- Displacement: Approximately 35 tonnes
- Fuel Capacity: 1,500 liters
- Water Capacity: 500 liters
- Engines: Twin 715-hp Cummins QSM11 diesels
Features:
- Interior: Offers a three-cabin layout, including a master suite amidships, a VIP cabin forward, and a guest cabin with twin berths, all with en-suite facilities.
- Salon: Features large windows for panoramic views, a comfortable seating area, and a well-equipped galley, creating a bright and inviting living space.
- Deck: Equipped with a spacious flybridge, aft cockpit, and side decks, providing ample outdoor living and entertaining areas.
7. Ocean Alexander 70E
The Ocean Alexander 70E is a modern motor yacht that offers a blend of performance, luxury, and functionality, making it an excellent choice for liveaboard enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Length Overall (LOA): 70 ft 0 in (21.34 m)
- Beam: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
- Draft: 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m)
- Displacement: Approximately 45 tonnes
- Fuel Capacity: 2,500 liters
- Water Capacity: 800 liters
- Engines: Twin 1,000-hp MAN V8 diesels
Features:
- Interior: Provides a four-cabin layout, including a full-beam master suite, VIP cabin, and two guest cabins, accommodating up to eight guests in comfort.
- Salon: Designed with large windows, a spacious seating area, and a modern galley, creating a luxurious and comfortable living space.
- Deck: Features a flybridge with a helm station, seating, and a wet bar, as well as an aft cockpit and side decks, offering ample outdoor living and entertaining areas.
Conclusion
Selecting the right liveaboard motor yacht involves careful consideration of various factors, including size, layout, performance, and amenities. The seven yachts discussed—Fleming 53, DeFever 48, Leopard 47, Nordhavn 76, Marlow Explorer 66, Grand Banks 59 Aleutian RP, and Ocean Alexander 70E—each offer unique features catering to different preferences and cruising needs. It’s essential to assess your specific requirements and consult with yacht experts to find the best fit for your liveaboard lifestyle.
