What brands can you afford for that budget? What sort of accommodation do you get? How many passengers can you carry and what sort of performance can you expect? There is no better place to research boats side-by-side than the world’s biggest indoor boat show Boot Düsseldorf and this small selection shows what variety there is.
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With boats from the likes of Bavaria, Marex and Nimbus - plus some REAL surprises - this a true reflection of what sort of new boat you can get for this budget in 2024.
Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5 WA
€450,000 inc. VAT
Jeanneau's Cap Camarat 12.5 WA is the flagship that proves their knack for building practical, family-friendly boats with an eye on affordability. Priced around €450,000, it's a great-looking boat with a rather lovely triple 300hp Yamaha outboards. Expect a healthy top-speed in the region of 50 knots, cruising at 35-40 knots.
The cockpit has a very spacious feel. The L-shaped seating is on one side, as the other can open out into a single balcony, and it's a roomy spot anchored by a big table. The standard T-top has an extendable canopy, so there's plenty of cover. The big servery area is crying out to do some entertaining, complete with twin sinks and cooling space, plus an option for a grill.
The helm station has triple helm seats, which bolster and are centrally positioned, behind the windscreen, The hardtop has a sunroof so there's lots of air flowing through the boa. Yamaha's standard joystick control takes some of the headache away from the mooring process, especially if you're new to boating.
On the foredeck, there's sunbathing space with loungers kitted out with armrests and a sound system. You can even plonk a table up here for some al fresco dining. But the real surprise is below deck, where the sporty exterior hides genuinely decent accommodation. The open-plan layout switches from day mode into night mode with a convertible double bed forward, a well-equipped galley, and an amidships cabin with twin beds. A decent-sized bathroom rounds off the living quarters.
Bavaria SR41
€387,000 inc. VAT
Even with a base spec for a €500,000 budget, the SR41 feels big and incredibly functional. The cockpit has a convertible seating area aft, a pleasant dinette under the hardtop's protection, and a wet bar with sink and cooling space. You can even spec it with a grill if you fancy.
The coupe version's hardtop & sunroof and open back are a great combination, but you can have a soft top as well. A chaise longue on one side and a smart double helm station with twin diesel engines and joystick sterndrives - very simple and easy to use. The sunbathing space on the foredeck is great, but the real treat lies below deck.
The SR41 has an impressive living space. Headroom is excellent, something that Bavaria is known for, they are very good at giving volume. The dinette to starboard has plenty of storage, while the galley, featuring induction cooking, a sink, fridge, and loads of storage, is practical for extended cruising.
Sleeping arrangements are well-considered; there's a double cabin forward and a full beam double cabin amidships, each with its own bathroom. Privacy is superb, making the SR41 a great-looking boat for those wanting to expand their horizons or live aboard for extended periods.
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Bavaria SR41 HT13.21m Bavaria Yachts
from 2019
Marex 330 Scandinvia
€375,000 inc. VAT
The Marex 330 Scandinavia is a great-looking boat, with a well-specced one just sneaking into the €500k budget and right up there for those with an eye on affordability without a compromise on quality. Marex's primary focus has always been about providing year-round usability and safety in their yachts, and the 330 is no exception. It offers single and twin engine choices, with this version having Mercury engines and the incredibly handy joystick option for good performance and manoeuvrability.
One of it's best features is the clever cockpit curtain canopy system, which lets you enclose the area in seconds. The manual sliding roof adds to this - you can have it open or shut, enclosed or open so its a nice place to be regardless of the weather. Inside, you can feel the quality with beautiful woodwork on the table and a smart two-way backrest. This switches from a navigator’s seat to the dining area, along with a stool that pops out and an extending table for meals.
Opposite the helm, you'll find the galley. The helm itself is simple but focused, with a side door - a key update on the Marex 330 - making movement on and off the boat much easier. Up on the foredeck, there's a bit of sunbathing space - most of these will use the foredeck as sunbathing.
Below deck, there's a double berth extending under the cockpit and a nicely done bathroom on the starboard side. The owner’s cabin has a big bed that takes full advantage of the boat's beam; it's really well done.
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Marex 330 Scandinavia10.49m Marex Boats
from 2021
Nimbus T11
€458,000 inc. VAT
The Nimbus T11 has a pair of punchy 400hp Mercury V10s and its similar in size to the Jeanneau Cap Camarat, but executed with slightly higher quality, but it comes with the higher price tag. This boat has some clever on-deck features. The seating area has flip-up, two-way backrests that slide and move, so you can tailor the setup to how you want it. The table opens up nicely; it's all the quality you'd expect from a Nimbus product.
The central wet bar is equipped with a grill, sink, and cooler. The integrated hardtop, with its solid rails, gives excellent protection and there's a deep windscreen. Twin outboards and joystick control make for an easy slow-speed driving experience, with a pared-back, practical dashboard, twin MFDs, plenty of storage, triple helm seats, also bolsters; everything's here.
On the foredeck, there's a bit of sunbathing space, while below deck, the interior accommodation is an interesting comparison to the Jeanneau Cap. The Nimbus offers a slightly better quality finish with thicker, more substantial timber, but there isn't the same amount of space. Headroom is a bit more restricted, and the berth isn't as spacious, but you still get a nice open-plan double berth forward with a privacy curtain. The separate bathroom with a shower cubicle is well-appointed, and there's an additional double berth under the cockpit floor, best for kids due to the limited headroom.
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Nimbus Tender 1112.4m Nimbus
from 2019
Cormate Chase 35
€347,000 inc. VAT
Now for something a bit different: the Cormate Chase 35 is a boat that screams performance and distinctiveness. You don't find boats like this much anymore. It's long, narrow, and remarkably fast, with the base model featuring twin 350hp V8 engines pushing it to 55 knots. If you have deeper pockets and can go over budget and need speed, opt for the Mercury twin 1,130hp engines, propelling the Chase 35 to over 80 knots!
At the helm, the Chase 35 has a focused, well-protected station. It includes Mercury Racing throttles, giving precise control. The co-pilot seat mirrors the helm seating - you are braced, held in place, ready to hunker down and go fast.
On deck, there's another two-way backrest feature but this one can go flat to make a sun pad. The whole thing also lifts up (gas ram-assisted) to give access to the engines. Just in front another bench can convert into a table for alfresco dining. There's a small wet bar which includes a cooking area, sink, and cooling space. Another bench where you can choose between sitting or a leaning by flipping it up.
Moving below decks, the accommodation is simple - this isn't really the Chase 35's focus. A sizeable sleeping space accommodates two adults, while an additional berth under the cockpit is more suited for children. Storage is limited to side wallets and it's a modest area, and while there is a separate bathroom, there's really no standing headroom down here.
Parker Monaco 110 Flybridge
€450,000 inc. VAT
The Parker Monaco 110 Flybridge is a compelling option if you want a flybridge boat around the half-million euro mark. At 11.7 metres, it’s packed with features, all for €450,000 as presented at the show.
Propelled by twin 350hp Mercury outboards, it has a healthy top speed of around 37 knots. The layout is cleverly designed, with a flexible cockpit seating area that can transform into a bench or sun pad. However, actually getting up to the flybridge is via a very upright ladder with tricky-looking alternating steps, which is not ideal. Once on the flybridge, it's pretty good with a spacious seating area and an extra elevated helm station.
The saloon is genuinely lovely, featuring foldable doors and sliding windows that open up to create an unbroken connection between the cockpit and galley. The starboard side galley hides everything under a wooden counter, including a fridge and cooking appliances; all clean and uncluttered. The dinette can convert into an additional berth as well. Moving forward at the helm, the boat has a big glass roof, flooding the interior with glorious natural light, and includes a side door for ease of access to the deck.
Below deck, there's a two cabin-layout. The forward double cabin and a generously-sized double amidships has plenty of space. Storage solutions are smart, and the use there's even hull windows so the cabins feel bright and airy. The shared bathroom, equipped with a big shower cubicle, rounds out a package that feels well-thought-out
Lomac Granturismo 12.5
€405,000 ex VAT
The Lomac Granturismo 12.5 is armed with a pair of 450hp Yamaha V8s, and is a thrilling choice within this budget and if you want some speed. This is a rib that reaches a top speed of 58 knots. Its narrow design means it is focussed on high performance, so it is perfect if you want to dash to a destination, enjoy the day, and return to the villa in time for dinner.
At the stern, it's a very sociable space with a big sun pad lifting to reveal an enormous storage locker, and a U-shaped seating area that can accommodate a table. The wet bar is kitted out with a grill, sink, and fridge. The Lomac has a T-top giving much-needed protection at the helm. The helm itself has a comfortable spot to lean against the post and enjoy the ride. Cruising at 50 knots is no problem, and the Yamaha joystick, combined with a bow thruster, makes marina manoeuvring simple.
The sharp, pointy bow also has sunbathing space, and below deck, the cabin really surprises with its generous headroom. It has a double bed and a separate bathroom; enough comfort for short stays.
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