Comparison Shopping: 36-40’
We’re Sizing up the competition so you don’t have to.
Read a quick comparison of competing day boats between 36-40’, and choose your favorite at the conclusion of the article.
VanDutch 40
Length 40.9 ft. / Beam 11.1 ft. / Draft 3.0 ft. / Weight 23,369 lbs.
*Images courtesy of Wave Marine Group.
The Good & The Bad
It grew to fame as “the perfect day boat”, and to most, it was. Shining through in the early 2010’s, the VanDutch 40 found the day boat market and exploited it with top deck space never-before-seen and a famous attitude that drew some of the world’s biggest celebrities. The model grew stale and eventually revamped in 2019 to a brand-new hull, new interior, and a number of feature upgrades.
VanDutch’s engine conversion in 2019 from larger Cummins to smaller Volvos freed up valuable engine room space and lightened the boat for improved fuel economy. Now the 40 is more feature-heavy than ever before, offering a gyroscope, revamped interior, helm-integrated digital lighting control and high-performance trim tabs.
The Build Process
Fear not, busy professionals. The VD40 spec sheet offers just 16 options to keep your decision making to a minimum. Such brevity does limit customization, so don’t expect to move bulkheads or add a hardtop. Keeping things simple will pay off in droves later when maintenance is at a minimum.
VanDutch quality and consistency has been a talking point recently. Quality from its new yard Cantiere del Pardo has shown improvement since 2021, and continues to progress. All in all, the VanDutch build process is a microcosm for the brand, keep things simple and you’ll do just fine.
The Value
With the VanDutch 40 you’re paying for looks, comfortable indoor and outdoor space and a historic name. The value is in the simplicity, but no longer in the price. Prices have increased since Covid, so buy smart to guarantee retaining long-term value. Newer models sold in 2019, 2020 and 2021 before the increase are your best bet, although a discount on something new at the negotiating table is not out of the question.
The Buyer Profile
You’re a VanDutch 40 buyer if you value simplicity, cockpit space and style. It’s also one of the better owner/operator options with its port side helm position, low freeboards and easy electrical systems.
HOW IT RANKS
VanDutch 40
Pardo P38
Length 39.0 ft. / Beam 11.7 ft. / Draft 3.0 ft. / Weight 15,432 lbs.
*Images courtesy of Yachtway.
The Good & Bad
Prior to going bigger with the P50, Pardo downsized its P43 into a size compatible for inboard and outboard propulsion. Out came the P38. While the P38 has surprising interior capacity to sleep four, the top deck lacks a safe, dedicated lounge space aft of helm. Cockpit space seekers look elsewhere, although the bar/prep area and the proper dining table make the P38 the group’s only true “weekender” choice.
The Build Process
The Pardo options list is always heavy. Look at it one of two ways: 1. You can build exactly what you’re looking for, or 2. Keep an eye on the bottom line as your price can skyrocket. One thing’s for sure, the P38 offers the most versatile set of options in the group. Just this week, an ownership change was announced for the Pardo factory. Stay alert to how this may affect price and quality.
The Value
Pardo dealers are contracted to continue placing orders even as demand slows. If you’re looking for something now(ish), you’ll start finding deals on sitting domestic inventory.
The Buyer Profile
You’re a P38 buyer if you’re looking to entertain an active group with food & drink, and sometime stay aboard for short stints with 2-4 people. The P38 is not your boat if you prefer stylish lounging with larger groups, as safe lounging aft of helm is limited to its dining table and exposed aft sun pad. Great upscale starter boat for a family with a few kids who spends full days on the water.
HOW IT RANKS
Pardo P38
Wajer 38.2
Length 38.7 ft. / Beam 12.1 ft. / Draft 2.96 ft. / Weight 18,739 lbs.
*Images courtesy of Wajer.com
The Good & Bad
Wajer remains the category’s premium option. They continue to do everything right through quality construction, engineering, design, service support and technology. This is reflected in the price, which can prevent many of the market’s great consumers from justifying the Wajer way.
The Wajer 38 is a small boat, but if you don’t need size, you’re on your way to enjoying a phenomenal product. No corner of a Wajer is left unfinished and their recent integration of yacht control from your smartphone is turning all Wajer yachts into tech-toys. This is a boat whose driver prioritizes their relationship with the boat itself over the guests on board.
The Build Process
Wajer is dutch-built, dutch-run and dutch-designed, as the name suggests. From the top of the hierarchy all the way down to the delivery captain, you’ll deal with knowledgable native dutchmen who live and breathe yachting culture. The build process is much the same. Wajer has invested heavily in its own shipyard, engineering team and testing facility, to attain vertical integration. Unlike competitors whose production facility teams are disconnected from the selling dealer, Wajer’s salesmen and facility team work hand in hand to deliver a very detailed consumer production experience.
The Value
As the most expensive of the bunch, value is realized more in the experience than the contract price. You’ll know you’re in one of the best built boats on the water, with an active and knowledgable service team who provides a well-rounded support experience. Many brands promote a full-service after sales experience, few execute. Wajer executes.
If you’re in the Miami area, Wajer has opened its “Marina Miami”, 16 exclusive docks for Wajer owners, inclusive of service done on site. While the boat is great, Wajer value goes beyond the borders of your boat.
The Buyer Profile
Its simple. The Wajer 38 buyer needs the best. You don’t need to entertain groups; you’re prone to adventurous solo days or an outing to entertain a client and their spouse. You want to be part of something bigger and enjoy the finer things, including a hand-holding service on your toys.
Most importantly, you’re willing to spend more to get more, because that’s the Wajer way.
How it Ranks
Wajer 38.2
Frauscher 1212 Ghost
Length 39.9 ft. / Beam 11.5 ft. / Draft 3.6 ft. / Weight 17,637 lbs.
*Images courtesy of Frauscher Yachts.
The Good & Bad
Building 80 boats a year with a majority heading to the Med, Frauscher is rarely mentioned stateside. That can soon change. What they lack in awareness they make up for in quality. I recently toured their 1414 Demon and was pleasantly surprised with the build composition, from selection of hardware to wiring layouts in the control room. Some of the hardware includes use of analog gauges commonly seen in the automative world; a nice touch for car enthusiasts. Their selection of automative parts may have foreshadowed a new partnership with Porsche to deliver a limited-run electric 850 Fantom Air set to deliver in 2024. The partnership is expected to build only 25 hulls.
Now, onto the 1212 Ghost… The 1212 feels like an offspring of the classic Riva design with noticeable speed, a teak in-laid closed bow and noticeably cheaper price point. Underneath, oiled teak contrasts against gloss white walls and designer lighting. The 1212 also boasts the best bathroom of the group.
Cockpit space is limited and its not something I’d recommend for open ocean, but the 1212 Ghost is great for what it is: a bayside cruiser with designer DNA. Don’t expect to entertain the kids on board unless they are docile or concealed to the cabin television.
The Build Process
The build process itself is nothing different than the others, except for a pedigree. Frauscher is distributed through a domestic dealer representing the shipyard who has more heritage than most, starting its operation in Austria in 1927. Its optional generator, A/C, improved audio system, upgraded engines and custom paint match competitor offerings. For $2,500, you can include a WLAN router to grant the factory remote access to your systems for real-time service.
The Value
The 1212 Ghost value lies in quality and performance. This is much more a sports car than an SUV (i.e. VanDutch, Pardo). Those seeking top deck space and excessive storage may want to look elsewhere, although you have decent storage space underneath each of the aft sun pads.
The brand is still new enough to the US market you can find some good deals on new builds if your timing is right.
The Buyer Profile
Its hard not to directly compare the Wajer 38 and Frauscher 1212 Ghost. Frauscher leans more classic while Wajer more modern. The 1212 feels like a good landing spot for someone eager for a Wajer 38 but looking for a better price. That doesn’t mean Frauscher is a subpar option… no, no, no. This is a good boat. Give it true consideration in your search.
How it Ranks
Frauscher 1212 Ghost
How Can I Buy One?
Reed Nicol is the author behind the blog and an expert in the day boat sector. Contact Reed to review your interests, find the perfect boat and make an educated purchase decision.
Phone: 201-264-6356
Email: Reed.Nicol@WaveYachtSales.com
