Great launches for yachties: 7 boats available now
by Miranda Powrie, Boatseekr.com 29 Sep 21:19 NZDT
Summers coming - Great launches for yachties - seven options for you - September 2026 © Richard Gladwell - Sail-World.com/nz
Around New Zealand and Australia, many sailors make the move to a powerboat.
Whether it is to save the knees, handle a smaller crew, or arrive before the breeze drops, switching to power does not mean losing what you love about cruising on a sail boat.
The best launches for yachties offer seaworthy hulls, good range, easy handling, and solid craftsmanship. Here are six options currently on the market.
1998 Salthouse Motor Sailer "Margaret M" – Wellington, NZ – $275,000 NZD
See Listing: Salthouse Motor Sailer "Margaret M" – Wellington, NZ
Built by Miller & Tunnage in Dunedin for southern waters, "Margaret M" suits sailors not ready to leave sail entirely. Powered by a frugal John Deere 120hp diesel, she also features a furling headsail and mainsail to steady motion or save fuel. At 13m, she includes three cabins, walk-around decks, and a Dickinson diesel heater for year-round cruising.
1956 Norman Wright 40 "Camira" – Martha Cove, VIC – $350,000 AUD
See Listing: Norman Wright 40 "Camira"
Designed by Ron Wright and built on the Brisbane River from spotted gum and turpentine, CAMIRA is a piece of Queensland boating heritage. A 2009 rebuild by Norman Wright & Sons added teak decks and Oregon masts, while the interior features Queensland maple. A Perkins 135hp diesel provides a 600-nautical-mile range, and three cabins sleep five.
2003 Palm Beach 38 "Belle" – Martha Cove, VIC – $598,000 AUD
See Listing: Palm Beach 38 "Belle" – Martha Cove, VIC
Founded by Wild Oats XI skipper Mark Richards, Palm Beach Motor Yachts carries clear sailing DNA. "Belle" is a rare twin-engine 38, repowered with twin Yanmar 230hp shaft drives with low hours. Fresh from the yard with new antifoul, Prop Speed, and a full engine service, she also features bow and stern thrusters for easy berthing.
1974 Salthouse Corsair Mk 1 "Marinus" – Auckland, NZ – $155,000 NZD
See Listing: Salthouse Corsair Mk 1 "Marinus"
A classic piece of New Zealand boatbuilding heritage, the Salthouse Corsair Mk 1 represents proven design and practical cruising. At 12m, this 1974 model delivers a solid, seaworthy build that yachties will instantly recognize and appreciate for its dependable handling on local waters.
2009 Elite 12.2 Sedan – Waikato, NZ – $695,000 NZD
See Listing: Elite 12.2 Sedan
For sailors wanting more speed, the Elite 12.2 cruises in the mid-20s on twin Volvo D6-330s with tunnelled shafts. Her balsa-cored epoxy hull features a fine entry and a silent chine to stop anchor slap. The layout includes a private master cabin, 5 berths, 2 heads, and a cockpit set up for diving and fishing. Private sale, 1,100 engine hours.
2001 Fleming 55 Pilothouse – Australia – $1,299,000 AUD
See Listing: Fleming 55 Pilothouse – Australia
The Fleming 55 is a proven choice for experienced offshore sailors. This semi-displacement cruiser carries 3,880 litres of diesel and features Cummins shaft-drive power, three cabins, and two heads across 18m, with a manageable 1.5m draft for shallow anchorages.
Omikron OT-60 – New Build
See Listing: Omikron OT-60 – New Build
Designed by Lorenzo Argento with styling by Ciarmoli Queda Studio, the OT-60 bridges sailboat efficiency with motor yacht space. She offers up to 2,000 nautical miles of range at 8 knots, burning roughly 1 litre per mile. The vacuum-infused hull and carbon fibre superstructure reduce weight up high, complemented by 360-degree deckhouse views, a 0.9m draft, and a choice of 3 or 4 cabins.
Making the Switch
Moving from sail to power is about choosing your next chapter on the water. Whether you want to keep a sail in the mix, stick to timber, go fast, or cruise efficiently over the horizon, options are available.
Do you think we got it right? Drop us a line and let us know! and for more reading check out Boatseekr's guide to buying a race yacht which covers what to look at before you commit.
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