Fisher 46: The Ultimate Motorsailer for Liveaboards

The Fisher 46 is a motorsailer yacht that was designed by Gordon Wyatt in the 1980s. It is a well-built and seaworthy boat that is well-suited for both cruising and racing. The Fisher 46 is a relatively large boat, measuring 14.02 meters (46 feet) long, and has plenty of space for both passengers and crew. It is also a versatile boat that can be customized to suit the needs of the owner.

Design and Features

The Fisher 46 is a stoutly-built boat with a shallow full keel that extends under the prop to protect it. This makes it a safe and reliable boat to sail in even challenging conditions. The boat has a large cockpit with plenty of seating and storage space. The interior is also spacious and comfortable, with three cabins and two heads.

Performance

The Fisher 46 is a capable boat both under sail and under power. The sail plan is well-balanced and efficient, and the boat can easily sail in winds up to 30 knots. The engine is a 117 hp diesel that provides plenty of power for cruising or maneuvering in tight spaces.

Cruising and Racing

The Fisher 46 is a versatile boat that can be used for both cruising and racing. It is a comfortable boat to live aboard, and the large cockpit makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The boat is also competitive in racing, and has won several races in its class.

Ownership

The Fisher 46 is a relatively rare boat, with only a few hundred built. This makes it a desirable collectible for boat enthusiasts. However, the boat is also relatively expensive to purchase and maintain.

The Fisher 46 is a well-designed and seaworthy motorsailer that is well-suited for both cruising and racing. It is a rare and desirable boat that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

History of the Fisher 46

The Fisher 46 was first introduced in 1982 by the British boatbuilder, Berthon. It was designed by Gordon Wyatt, who is known for his work on other successful motorsailers, such as the Fisher 50 and the Fisher 55. The Fisher 46 was built by a number of different shipyards, including Berthon, Hallberg-Rassy, and Westerly.

The Fisher 46 was a popular boat in the 1980s and 1990s, and it won several awards, including the Cruising World Best Boat of the Year award in 1986. However, production of the Fisher 46 ceased in 1998.

Specifications of the Fisher 46

The Fisher 46 is a relatively large boat, measuring 14.02 meters (46 feet) long and 4.6 meters (15 feet) wide. It has a draft of 2.1 meters (7 feet), and a displacement of 15.5 tons. The boat is powered by a 117 hp diesel engine, and has a cruising speed of 10 knots.

The Fisher 46 has a spacious interior that can accommodate up to 6 people. There are three cabins, two heads, and a large saloon. The boat also has a large cockpit with plenty of seating and storage space.

  Advantages of the Fisher 46

There are a number of advantages to owning a Fisher 46. These include:

• Seaworthiness: The Fisher 46 is a well-built and seaworthy boat that is capable of handling even challenging conditions.
• Versatile: The Fisher 46 is a versatile boat that can be used for both cruising and racing.
• Comfort: The Fisher 46 is a comfortable boat to live aboard, and the large cockpit makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Collectible value: The Fisher 46 is a relatively rare boat, which makes it a desirable collectible for boat enthusiasts.

Disadvantages of the Fisher 46

• Cost: The Fisher 46 is a relatively expensive boat to purchase and maintain. The initial purchase price of a Fisher 46 can range from $200,000 to $500,000, depending on the condition of the boat and the year it was built. Maintenance costs can also be high, as the boat requires regular servicing and repairs.
  
  
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• Rarity: The Fisher 46 is a relatively rare boat, which can make it difficult to find parts and repairs. If a part breaks, it may be necessary to order it from the manufacturer, which can take several weeks or even months.
• Size: The Fisher 46 is a relatively large boat, which can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. It is also important to have a deep-water marina to accommodate the boat's draft.
• Age: The Fisher 46 was first built in 1982, so some of the boats are now over 40 years old. This means that they may require more maintenance than a newer boat.

Conclusion

The Fisher 46 is a well-designed and seaworthy motorsailer that is well-suited for both cruising and racing. However, it is a relatively expensive boat to purchase and maintain, and it can be difficult to find parts and repairs. If you are looking for a seaworthy and versatile motorsailer, the Fisher 46 is a great option, but it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before making a purchase.