best used motor yachts

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

10 Great Used Motoryachts You Can Buy For $150K

January 16, 2017 1:45 pm

Consider this scenario: you’re in the market for a used motoryacht — probably nothing smaller than 40 feet — with a budget of $150,000, more or less. You want a boat from a good builder (preferably one of their more popular models), and you’re open to the layout as long as it’s comfortable. Everything else is on the table.

If that describes your boating future, you’ll be happy and perhaps a little surprised at the choices available to you in a used motoryacht or cruiser yacht .

To find out for ourselves, we spent two weeks researching this market on YachtWorld, boats.com, etc., and came away with a list of ten models that represent a cross section of what’s available for about $150,000. There’s a lot to choose from here — traditional aft cabin motor yachts, cockpit motor yachts, classic pilothouse yachts, and sporty sedan cruisers.

All of the ten boats profiled below were popular models during their production years which means (a) that a clean used model should be relatively easy to find, and (b) selling or trading up one day should be no problem.

At the end of the day it’s good to know $150,000 still buys a lot of boat. Assuming 20 percent down and a 15-year note, the monthly payment for one of these yachts can be less than $1,000. For many, that’s an affordable number, especially with strengthening home values and historically low interest rates. Food for thought as we approach the spring boat show season.

1. Carver 500/504 Cockpit MY Production Years: 1996–2000

At a Glance: A super-popular model for Carver, basically a condo on the water. This is a cockpit version of the Carver 455/456 Aft Cabin model produced during the same years.

Spacious two stateroom maple interior has a folding bulkhead in the forward VIP stateroom that conceals a small guest cabin/den to port with convertible bunks. (This feature was eliminated in 1999 when the interior was redesigned and the name changed to Carver 504.)

The large U-shaped galley is aft in the salon rather than forward as it is in most motoryacht floorplans. In the master stateroom, the walkaround queen bed faces aft to permit the installation of cockpit access door. Washer/dryer is in forward stateroom. Twin 450hp Cummins diesels cruise at 18 knots.

Best Feature: Huge interior, the result of moving the superstructure well forward in the hull (note the relatively short foredeck).

Pr ice Spread: From a low of about $150K up to the mid-to-high $200s for a newer model.

2. Carver 444 Cockpit MY Production Years: 2001 – 2006

At a Glance: The top-selling cockpit yacht in this class for several years. Basically a Carver 396 Aft Cabin with a good-sized cockpit. The 444’s huge full-beam interior — made possible by raising the side decks to eye level — comes as a surprise. With its panoramic views and nearly seven feet of headroom, the salon’s dimensions are those of a much larger boat.

To save space, the forward head is split with the shower stall to port and toilet compartment to starboard. A sliding glass door in the (smallish) master stateroom opens directly into the cockpit.

In 2004, an optional “Extended Salon” floorplan with a full-size dinette, enlarged galley and redesigned VIP stateroom became available. Twin Volvo 370hp engines cruise at 18–19 knots. Carver sold a ton of these stylish boats.

Best Feature: Enormous salon/dinette/galley area with panoramic outside views.

Price Spread: A random YachtWorld check will find several priced in the mid $100K range.

3. Meridian 411 Sedan Production Years: 2003 – 2008

At a Glance: Very popular (and very affordable) sedan cruiser — a winning blend of sharp styling and spacious accommodations — made the Meridian 411 one of the best-selling midrange boats in her class. Huge interior layout with galley and booth-style dinette forward, a step up from the aft salon area with entertainment center and facing settees.

Large salon windows bring the outdoors in. Modern decor with cherry cabinets, Ultraleather seating, and Corian counters. Master stateroom includes private en-suite head; guest stateroom has a double berth (tucked under the dinette) and access to the second day head. Extended swim platform leads to a large cockpit (with molded bridge steps) suitable for fishing and entertaining.

Lower helm was optional. Wide side decks make it easy to get to the foredeck sun pad.

Best Feature: A super-social flybridge with sun lounge, wet bar, settee, and aft sun pad.

Price Spread:  Low-to-mid $100s to over $300K.

4. Silverton 39 Motor Yacht Production Years: 2002 – 2008

At a Glance: This maxi-beam aft cabin cruiser — and her lookalike predecessor, the best-selling Silverton 372/392 Motor Yacht — is proof that a roomy interior trumps graceful styling almost every time. Elevated side decks on both sides of the house provide a huge full-beam salon as well as direct flybridge access to the foredeck.

The 39’s galley rivals many larger boats in storage and counter space. Both staterooms have queen beds, generous storage, and en-suite heads with stall shower. High-gloss cherry trim, Corian counters, and Ultraleather upholstery compliment the interior. Molded steps lead from the swim platform up to a roomy aft deck with wet bar, bench seating and hard top.

Note the triple helm seat on the flybridge. The 39’s high freeboard will test your docking skills on a windy day. Standard 380hp gas engines cruise at 16–18 knots.

Best Feature: Enormous two-stateroom interior dwarfs anything in her class. Excellent galley.

Price Spread: $150K to the mid $200s.

5. Bayliner 4788 Pilothouse Production Years: 1994 – 2002

At a Glance: Arguably the best big-boat value ever. Spacious, well appointed, and surprisingly fuel efficient. This is basically a restyled (and lengthened) version of the very popular Bayliner 4550/4588 Pilothouse.

Her three stateroom, two head interior features a full-beam salon with large U-shaped galley forward to port, wet bar, L-lounge seating, and large side windows. In the pilothouse, there is a settee aft of the helm and a companion seat to port.

Visibility from the pilothouse is excellent. Second guest stateroom with upper/lower bunks doubles as a den and opens directly to the master stateroom — very clever. An inflatable dinghy can be carried on the extended flybridge deck. The engine room is a tight fit. Forget all that talk about Bayliner quality — the 4788 is simply a lot of boat for the money.

Best Feature: Comfortable salon that opens to the large cockpit — perfect for entertaining. 

Price Spread:  Low-to-mid $100s for a 1994–95 model to $230 to $250K for a 2001–02 model.

6.  Sea Ray 550 Sedan Bridge Production Years: 1992 – 1998

At a Glance: Stylish 1990’s cruising yacht with three-stateroom interior and extra-large cockpit. The salon is impressive, a wide-open (carpeted) living area with cut-down galley, long leather sofa, entertainment center, and big wraparound cabin windows.

The forward master stateroom is huge with an island queen bed, two hanging lockers, vanity, and private en-suite head. Roomy guest stateroom has a full-size berth, and the second guest cabin has over/under bunks. Both heads have stall showers, but guest head is tight. Lower helm was optional. Center transom door is flanked by built-in bench seats in the cockpit.

In 1996, the flybridge ladder was replaced with molded steps and the helm was relocated aft. The 550’s straight sheer and drooping bow are distinctive. Detroit 625hp 6V-92 diesels cruise at 22–23 knots.

Best Feature: The large cockpit and party-time flybridge — great attributes for entertaining.

Price Spread: $150K to the mid $200s

7. Maxum 4600 SCB Production Years: 1997 –2001

At a Glance: Modern styling, an inviting two stateroom interior, and a very competitive price made the Maxum 4600 SCB one of the best motoryacht buys of her day. Maxum engineers packed a lot of value into this boat. The salon is exceptionally inviting with wraparound windows, a long leather sofa, cherry cabinets, and full entertainment center.

A raised dinette is forward to starboard, opposite the home-size galley with overhead glass storage and Corian counters. A lower helm was optional in place of the dinette. Note the tub in the master head. In the cockpit, a center transom door opens to an extended swim platform able to support a PWC.

The 4600 SCB is surprisingly fuel-efficient boat, a feature that stems in part from her relatively light weight. Cummins 370hp diesels cruise at 16–18 knots.

Best Feature: An affordable price — this is what brokers call a lot of boat for the money.

Price Spread:  From about $100K for an older model up to $200K-plus for 2001–02 model.

8. Sea Ray 450 Express Bridge Production Years: 1998 – 2004

At a Glance:   An innovative yacht when she was introduced in 1998. Not many 45-footers have three staterooms. The aft stateroom — accessed via a private entryway next to the salon door — includes a full-length berth with hanging locker and built-in washer/dryer.

Forward of that, the amidships stateroom features a double berth with partial standing headroom and an opening port. An island queen is in the forward stateroom. Both heads include separate stall showers. Aft of the galley is a breakfast bar with two swing-out stools. Small salon windows limit natural lighting below. Topside, the huge party-time flybridge has seating fore and aft of the center helm console. Note the unique staircase descending from the flybridge to the foredeck.

An extended swim platform was a popular option. Cummins 450hp V-drive diesels cruise at 20–22 knots.

Best Feature: Huge party-time bridge area.

Price Spread:  An early model might be found for $150K. Newer can easily exceed $200K.

9. Carver 440 Aft Cabin Production Years: 1993 – 1999

At a Glance: The largest model in the Carver fleet when she was introduced in 1993. A big 44-footer with an usually spacious salon, two double staterooms, two full heads, and a convertible dinette — sleeping accommodations for as many as eight adults.

The maple wood accents and carpeted salon are showing their age, but large cabin windows make the interior open and airy. Note salon entertainment center. Full-service galley includes double sink, upright refrigerator, washer/dryer, Corian counter and hardwood floor.

The aft deck is large enough for a table and chairs, and the flybridge has dual captain’s chairs with bench seating forward of the helm. Bow pulpit, fiberglass swim platform, and radar arch were standard. Carver sold a lot of these boats and used models are plentiful.

Best Feature: Very spacious layout with room to entertain a small neighborhood.

Price Spread:  From about $100K for an older model up to $200K-plus for 2001–02 model

10. Sea Ray 420 Aft Cabin Production Years: 1996 – 2002

At a Glance:   Sleek aft cabin cruising yacht incorporated European styling influences in an era when too many American-built motor yachts looked like floating condos. Well-appointed two stateroom galley-down interior sleeps up to eight — includes L-shaped sofa and raised dinette in the salon, walkaround queen berths fore and aft, two full heads, and stand-up utility room under the salon sole.

Full-size galley comes complete with separate Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer, convection oven, and lots of counter and storage space — a big plus. The aft deck is big for a boat this size. Molded steps make boarding from the extended swim platform easy and safe.

Built on a fully cored hull with prop pockets to level the engines. A good performer with 450hp Cummins diesels— cruise in the mid 20s (27–28 knots top.

Best Feature: Utility room with washer/dryer and pantry — a very unique feature in a boat this size

Price Spread:  From the low $100K range for a 1996–97 model up to about $200K for newer.

Ed McKnew  PowerBoat Guide Founder

Latest News

NEWS | March 29, 2024

Conrad shipyard launches c144s hull #2 [extra time], christening ceremony in poland to come.

Conrad Shipyard Launches C144S Hull #2 [EXTRA TIME], Christening Ceremony in Poland to Come Conrad has officially launched its second C144S, named EXTRA TIME. Denison Yachting would like to congratulate Conrad Shipyard on the recent launch of EXTRA TIME, which is Hull #2 in the award-winning C144S series. Yacht broker Alex G. Clarke, who

2024 Newport Beach International Boat Show

2024 Newport Beach International Boat Show Denison invites you to view a number of available brokerage boats and yachts at the 2024 Newport Beach International Boat Show. Incorporating live entertainment, immersive activations and beautiful yachts from top builders and brokerages, the event offers attendees a one-of-a-kind

NEWS | March 27, 2024

Space tourism: rocket man.

Space Tourism: Rocket Man How space tourism became the next big trend in luxury travel and gave rise to the “billionaire space race”. This article was written by Rachel Ingram. As the world becomes increasingly well-traveled, people are looking further and further afield for

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• Boating Safety

Used Yacht Buying Guide and Tips

• By Jason Y. Wood
• Updated: December 2, 2010

In some ways, the idea of buying a fixer-upper or a used yacht makes perfect sense. You end up with just the boat you want: a yacht with good bones and some history to it, but finished to your tastes and needs. Because of the boat’s condition, you pay a bit less up front. Instead, your investment comes as you put your own stamp on her, getting to know the boat intimately over the course of the refit . Consider the possibilities and repercussions of a used yacht before you begin your boat search, lest you get all heated up at the sight of her. Here are four points to consider:

Spending Time: Plenty of boats on the market right now have motivated sellers. That motivation to sell a used yacht can work against you, though. “The buyers are in the driver’s seat unless the people that own the boat are upside- down,” says Jeff Oliver, a broker with Yacht Direct. “Boats have dropped in value so much, the owners can’t sell even if they wanted to because they’d have to come to the table with $200,000 or $300,000 to sell their boat.” Here’s where the fixer-upper comes in. A used yacht of a certain age kept in a certain condition is probably owned free and clear — no loans or strings attached.

Search and Research: Be honest with your broker about what you’re looking for. “There are definitely some attractively priced boats out there, so your initial cost will be more attractive than in better times,” says John Osetek, a broker for David Walters Yachts in Newport, Rhode Island ( www.davidwaltersyachts.com ). “That said, you still have to do the same due diligence in estimating the cost of the rehab. A consideration should be how much of the refurbishing you can do yourself and how much you are going to sub out.” Good brokers will know trustworthy surveyors and mechanics to help you sort out what’s needed. ** Scoping the Project:** Decisions will also need to be made while the used yacht is in the yard. The key to controlling costs is to make decisions before the boat goes on the hard. “When you go to fix these boats up, you get a case of what’s called the_ might as wells_,” Oliver says. “They pull things apart and they find other issues. What you thought was going to be, let’s say, $50,000 to redo the galley and put in stainless appliances and maybe some nicer countertops begins to take on a life of its own. Then you end up with ‘Well you’re in the yard and your electronics are kind of old, and you have some blisters on the bottom so …’ What was going to be $50,000 has now turned into $150,000.”

Even if you stick to your plan, you probably won’t recoup your investment, but dividends from your used yacht come in other ways. “You will have a nice boat,” Oliver says. “And if you do sell, yours will be at the top of the list.”

The Final Condition: Choosing the yard and determining the level of work has another aspect — and more questions. “Another consideration is the finish level you are shooting for,” Osetek says. “I have some clients who would only be happy with a museum piece , while others are content with simply a functional yacht. Time and expense will be affected accordingly.” The best route? Call your broker to discuss your needs. The sooner you begin, the sooner the boat will be ready to enjoy.

Editor’s Pick: Minnie Kay III is a 2005 Sea Ray 55 sedan bridge with updated electronics. Contact Jeff Oliver with YachtDirect at 954-303-4525.

Summer of 68: Check out Borealis , a 1988 Hatteras 68 motoryacht with a spacious layout. An updated interior includes three staterooms, headliner lighting and new cabinetry, a leather settee and a custom-built bar for entertaining. Contact Jeff Oliver with YachtDirect at 954-303-4525.

Divine Intervention: Divine is a Cruisers 560 Express built in 2006. Loaded with options, she’s ready to welcome owners and guests to her versatile two-stateroom layout. Please contact Jeff Oliver with YachtDirect at 954-303-4525.

Champ at the Bit: Elysian is an 84-foot Bowman schooner built in 1982, refi t in 2004, and ready to cruise. Contact John Osetek at David Walters Yachts at 401- 465-8634 or visit www.davidwaltersyachts.com .

• More: Boat Ownership , Yachts
• More Yachts

Meet The Italia Yachts Veloce 43

On Board the Intrepid 51 Panacea

Sunseeker 182 Ocean Reviewed

New Shipyards for Sirena and Sunreef

For Sale: Hampton Endurance 680 LRC

Sanlorenzo SL96A For Sale

Lazzara 116 Open Bridge For Sale

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Log in or Sign up

You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser .

Joe Deepwater Member

Which Brands are known for having the highest quality and reliability in the LONG run for used motor yachts 40-75 feet and 5-20 years old? I'm not talking about style. Pontiac's cars were stylish but generally unreliable and too expensive to maintain. I just want reliability and quality construction. Thank you!

Capt J Senior Member

Hatteras...…… Sunseeker...….Riva...….Searay….. in that order...…...

gr8trn Senior Member

5-20 years, 40-75 feet, is there a price range? I'll add Nordhaven, Cabo, Tiara, Riviera, Viking, Formula, Ocean Alexander. Most of these have completely different design purpose behind them. Trawlers, Sport Fishers, Sport Cruisers, something for everything. So not knowing what the intended purpose of the vessel is will be more difficult to answer the question.

Capt J said: ↑ Hatteras...…… Sunseeker...….Riva...….Searay….. in that order...…... Click to expand...

gr8trn said: ↑ 5-20 years, 40-75 feet, is there a price range? I'll add Nordhaven, Cabo, Tiara, Riviera, Viking, Formula, Ocean Alexander. Most of these have completely different design purpose behind them. Trawlers, Sport Fishers, Sport Cruisers, something for everything. So not knowing what the intended purpose of the vessel is will be more difficult to answer the question. Click to expand...

Pascal Senior Member

Will never recommend the following to any client - Italian boats especially a mutt - Man engines - any euro boat without a rub rail - any euro boat without means of boarding alongside a fixed pier. That means a boarding gate and enough headroom to get in without banging your head on the overhang - any boat where you can’t reach service items with BOTH hands and without calling a midget. Sorry... short person. - I greatly prefer fiberglass fuel tanks over aluminum but not a deal killer if properly installed (something mass productions builders often screw up) - anything without side decks. It s notnjust about line handling but traffic flow thru the boat - anything that looks like a chlorox bottle or Nike shoe PS There is a beneteau power boat a few slip down... dark gel coat is beyond bringing back to life. I once had to get on board another one that was self destructing against a piling and when I leaned over the rail, I thought it was going to rip out

Pascal said: ↑ Will never recommend the following to any client - Italian boats especially a mutt - Man engines - any euro boat without a rub rail - any euro boat without means of boarding alongside a fixed pier. That means a boarding gate and enough headroom to get in without banging your head on the overhang - any boat where you can’t reach service items with BOTH hands and without calling a midget. Sorry... short person. - I greatly prefer fiberglass fuel tanks over aluminum but not a deal killer if properly installed (something mass productions builders often screw up) - anything without side decks. It s notnjust about line handling but traffic flow thru the boat - anything that looks like a chlorox bottle or Nike shoe PS There is a beneteau power boat a few slip down... dark gel coat is beyond bringing back to life. I once had to get on board another one that was self destructing against a piling and when I leaned over the rail, I thought it was going to rip out Click to expand...

Joe Deepwater said: ↑ Trying to set a budget goal for the future. A few hundred K. Wife loves the Sedan Bridge design with lots of windows in the salon. I'm not a huge fisherman but it would be nice to add rod holders to drag a few lines to catch dinner. We enjoy the social aspect and swimming, so need a larger bridge to seat 10 people and a large swim platform. Realistically need 3 BR so I'll edit to 50 foot minimum. Click to expand...

olderboater Senior Member

Everyone will have different views based on their experiences. These ratings below are just on the two elements you mentioned, reliability and quality construction and not on ride or handling of seas or any other factors. However, I can't ignore your Pontiac comment. No more unreliable than any other GM product and certainly no more expensive to maintain. I only respond to that as you used that as a lead in and I'm rating without consideration of that information. Excellent-Hatteras, Cabo and Viking. Very Good-Riva and Nordhavn. We own two Riva's, now 6+ years old. Nordhavn is not a boat that would ever interest me but the construction quality is good. Grand Banks, Palm Beach, Eastbay. In older Grand Banks, some have issues with fuel tanks and all the teak but overall well build boats. Good-Sunseeker, Fairline, Sunseeker's very good, just odds and ends of small things and gelcoat issues on older models. Fairline, I'm rating based on very limited knowledge. Outer Reef, Hampton, Kadey Krogen, Ferretti and other Ferretti brands such as Pershing. Sabre. Don't overlook brands like North Pacific or Helmsman Fair-Sea Ray, Meridian, Beneteau, Carver, Marquis, Cruisers, Tiara, Riviera (also very limited knowledge), Ocean Alexander. Several of these in the "Fair" rating are volume production boats and they're good boats for the money and have more satisfied customers than the higher rated boats. Note, the Sea Ray L Series I would rate poor. Poor-Princess. I'd rate the older ones ahead of the current models which I've seeing many problems over and over. Prestige, the same. Azimut, I have to rate poor, largely due to the very poor service network in the US which impacts their reliability. Marlow, very inconsistent and some have had major issues. I didn't rate Formula or Regal as they're not largely in this market. As to Pascal's comments, I don't share his disdain for Italian boats not named Azimut as we've had good luck with ours. However, many people do agree with them. As to Man's, we've had them in three boats and been very pleased. Many point to a high cost of maintenance, but we haven't experienced that. However, we do have our own engineers. I agree with his boarding issues, just not addressing other things I like or dislike here. Just the two points of reliability and quality construction. Most brands are actually well built and issues worked out by the time they reach your age targets.

Olderboater hits all of the points well. However, I have to strongly disagree with Pascals comments on Man's. I've managed a set of 2007 common rails since 2011, managed lots of other yachts with Man's. I have NEVER had any failure with any of them that required anything internal on the engine, not even removing valve covers (aside from scheduled valve adjustments). They run smooth, they run quiet, they're powerful, and fuel efficient. Now, in the earlier days plenty of issues with sensors and minor electrical stuff on the common rails...…...but nothing that made me slow down or not be able to run 1. Now MTU's on the other hand (Multiple Trouble Units). I don't remember the last time I ran an MTU boat without engine alarms going off. Even new ones. I've seen a few catastrophic failures...….failures of coolant pumps, injectors, starters, alternators, etc etc all on engines 2005 or newer.

Capt J said: ↑ O Now MTU's on the other hand (Multiple Trouble Units). I don't remember the last time I ran an MTU boat without engine alarms going off. Even new ones. I've seen a few catastrophic failures...….failures of coolant pumps, injectors, starters, alternators, etc etc all on engines 2005 or newer. Click to expand...

Beau Senior Member

And not one person mentioned a Post 50....

Beau said: ↑ And not one person mentioned a Post 50.... Click to expand...

whoops - got that one wrong!

Silver Lining Member

The OP has a budget of a few hundred K for a 50 to 75 ft boat and is looking for a boat 5 to 20 years old. In that size range you will more likely be looking at boats 10 to 20 years old. Some of the regular posters here can be quite opinionated without having owned a specific brand boat and run it as an owner operator for a long period of time. It is most important to go out and look at several models in the year range you are looking to really get a feel for the quality and how the boats really wear. I have to disagree pretty strongly with Olderboater and Capt J on their evaluation of the Princess/Viking Sport Cruiser. They have been very critical of this manufacturer and to say they are a lesser boat then Carver or Meridian is ridiculous. I have had my 19 year old Viking Sport Cruiser for 10 years now and put more than 25,000 miles on the boat. It has been very reliable and has held up comparably well to the other manufacturers we were considering at the time, Sunseeker, Fairline, and Sea Ray. There have been apparently some recent problems discussed in a few threads over the last year or two with new deliveries, but I do not know the full story. The older Sunseeker, Fairline, and Princess/Viking Sport Cruisers have very similar hull designs and are considered pretty good sea boats for their design goals. Up until at least a few years ago Fairline, and Princess/Viking Sport Cruisers used the same naval architect.

Silver Lining said: ↑ The OP has a budget of a few hundred K for a 50 to 75 ft boat and is looking for a boat 5 to 20 years old. In that size range you will more likely be looking at boats 10 to 20 years old. Some of the regular posters here can be quite opinionated without having owned a specific brand boat and run it as an owner operator for a long period of time. It is most important to go out and look at several models in the year range you are looking to really get a feel for the quality and how the boats really wear. I have to disagree pretty strongly with Olderboater and Capt J on their evaluation of the Princess/Viking Sport Cruiser. They have been very critical of this manufacturer and to say they are a lesser boat then Carver or Meridian is ridiculous. I have had my 19 year old Viking Sport Cruiser for 10 years now and put more than 25,000 miles on the boat. It has been very reliable and has held up comparably well to the other manufacturers we were considering at the time, Sunseeker, Fairline, and Sea Ray. There have been apparently some recent problems discussed in a few threads over the last year or two with new deliveries, but I do not know the full story. The older Sunseeker, Fairline, and Princess/Viking Sport Cruisers have very similar hull designs and are considered pretty good sea boats for their design goals. Up until at least a few years ago Fairline, and Princess/Viking Sport Cruisers used the same naval architect. Click to expand...

Silver Lining said: ↑ I have to disagree pretty strongly with Olderboater and Capt J on their evaluation of the Princess/Viking Sport Cruiser. They have been very critical of this manufacturer and to say they are a lesser boat then Carver or Meridian is ridiculous. Click to expand...

Beau said: ↑ So what's YOUR advice for the OP? I am really cantankerous tonight Click to expand...

Silver Lining said: ↑ Not knowing what his desired cruising grounds and distances are, I am going to guess based on his flybridge and salon/swimming platform comments that he will cruise the east coast, do the Bahamas and maybe have a dream of venturing further south to the Caribbean. Price wise, if he has a few 100 K for the boat, anything much over 60 ft will be quite expensive to maintain properly and so not realistic at that budget. 3 staterooms means at least 50 - 55 ft. Based on his previous boats, and those mentioned he wants a boat that can plane. In the 50 to 60 ft range I would look at boats 10 to 15 years old. I would look at Sunseekers, Viking Sport Cruisers, Sea Ray, and Ocean Alexander. Then I would consider Fairline, Neptunus, and Ferretti, but I think the selection will be thinner (I think it’s a real plus to have at least a few boats in the range of years and model when shopping). While the Hatteras of those years are fantastic I don’t think he can get one in his price range – it will be several years older. Cheoy Lee or Grand Banks also but don’t know if they will be planning boats in those years. Click to expand...

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• What to do in Moscow City, if you’re not mega-rich
• Moscow after dusk: 10 places to drink, dance, and groove
• 5 things you must do in Moscow in 2018 between football matches (or without them)
• Sandwiched between Moscow and St. Petersburg: How to spend a perfect weekend in Tver 
• 24 or 48 hours in Moscow: Where to go and what to do in 2019

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

• Boat Rentals
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Water Sports
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
• Submarine Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District Northern (SAO)
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

2. Moscow River Boat Tours

3. Sup-Club

4. Akvanavt Diving Centre

5. Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

6. CheapRussia Tours

7. Kite School Kiteclass

8. SUP Center

9. Erwin. Reka

11. Easy Russia Tour Guide

12. Lovely Russia Tours

13. Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre

14. Alfa Centr

15. Diving Club Divers

16. Sup Outdoor

17. MORE MOSCOW

19. Soho Sailing Style

20. Diving Center Crocodile

21. Mosparokhodstvo

22. Dive-Project

24. Kosinskiy Children Marine Club

25. Kayak Moscow

26. DIVECLUB CHE

27. FLOW Moscow

28. Moswake

29. Morskiye Volki

30. S-cruises

What travelers are saying

• CheapRussia Tours
• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• Lovely Russia Tours
• MORE MOSCOW
• Insider Moscow Tours
• Flotilla Radisson Royal
• Moscow River Boat Tours
• Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre
• Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium