When it comes to motoryachts, there’s your standard-issue cruisers and then there’s true blue ocean crossers. If you’re serious about taking off and never looking back, the rare FPB 64 from New Zealand (What’s with the Kiwis and open water boats? Must be an island thing.) and company Circa Marine is about as serious as it gets. Hull number 10 of the 11 Circa Marine FPB 64s built named Riptide (2014 launch) is currently for sale in Seattle.
First, let’s look at the hull. The deep vee, narrow beam, aluminum, sailboat-like hull is completely self-righting in case of a knockdown, bringing some tried and true open water ragbagger capabilities to this motoryacht. Coupled with hydraulic stabilizers and a jaw-droppingly large 3,160-gallon fuel tank, the FPB 64 priority is to get out there and keep going in comfort through both the Doldrums and Roaring Forties. The two inboard diesel engines—a 236-horsepower John Deere workhorse and a 110-horsepower Yanmar “get me home” backup—are meant to keep Riptide underway indefinitely.
Riptide is a Mark II version that comes with more yachtie comforts than its Mark I predecessor: a swim- step extension, more on-deck entertainment accommodations, BBQ, aft wet locker, larger flybridge, and more. The interior is top quality but relatively modest for a yacht of this length due to the narrow seaworthy shape. She’s made to sleep six aboard in three staterooms and has two heads.
Riptide’s owners reportedly put 18,000 miles at sea under her keel and she looks ready to do it all over again. If interested, reach out to local dealer Sail Northwest. Price listed at $2,250,000 at the time of this writing.
