If you are a buyer I suspect I won’t get much argument about that opinion. It is one I’ve held for the 25 years that I’ve been designing trawler style yachts. In last month’s issue PassageMaker’s editor Bill Parlatore broached the topic of affordability. It will be interesting to read the thoughts of others in the industry as his search for an answer continues. I suspect any explanation (if it exists) will be complex. Don’t get me wrong, it would be gratifying to put all the blame on the builders. Unfortunately there is plenty of culpability to go around. Builders often seem to gravitate to easy but expensive solutions rather than struggling to find simpler more creative alternatives. Owners, on the other hand, have put increasingly complex equipment and performance demands on the boats they buy.

A look at the economics point to the problem. Product development, advertising, sales teams and other managerial functions become a major cost for a production builder. Custom boats can make economies here, but must add back at some of the costs like design and the learning curve associated with building a "new" boat. The cost of hull construction materials can only be controlled over a narrow range. Materials cost what they cost. Man-hours to build the boat can be reduced, but generally only if the boat is built in some volume. Few production boats really are. That pretty much leaves equipment as the only variable that can really be significantly controlled.

If you want an affordable boat look for a builder who keep can keep overhead and production costs under control. As a prospective buyer also make sure you keep your own equipment and performance demands in check. The thousand dollar toilets and other equipment, high-end interior finish, and extensive performance requirements: expected or demanded all come with a hefty price tag.