Westbay SonShip Yachts Review

Westbay Son Ship Yachts out of Delta, British Columbia have been making boats for 40 years and have built themselves a great reputation in the industry. Focusing on semi- custom fiberglass boats in the 54 to 110 foot range, Westbay Son Ship has earned world wide recognition for their building. Westbay Son Ship prides themselves on bringing yachting dreams to life for their customers. Known as the Canadian premiere customer yacht builder, Westbay have a mission of quality and service instilled by the founders Ben and Leidy Vermeulen. Although semi-retired now, the Vermeulens still play an active role in Westbay leadership. Westbay is a family business founded by Benardus Vermeulen in 1959, with many of the main facets of the business run from within the family still today. In 1970, Westbay got into the fiberglass boat game and things really took off. Today, Westbay’s impressive complex covers over 100,000 square feet of earth all which is climate controlled spreading over 6.5 acre and includes a full service ship yard.

With around 150 yachts produced to date, Westbay has focused on pilot house yacht design. The Westbay 50 Pilothouse, was created to fill a gap seen by Westbay in the market for luxury yachts in the 50 foot range that met discriminating expectation. As with all Westbays, the 50 offers comfort, safety and performance all in one classy vessel. The Westbay 50 offers two staterooms and two bathrooms. It also comes with a third stateroom layout. The hull on the 50 is cored-fiberglass and has the V planning hull design complete with propeller tunnels and stable and smooth keel design. She is powered with a caterpillar inboard diesel engine and can reach a top speed of 24 knots. The 50 also has walk round decks, a salon and a molded staircase leading up to the command center. The 50 is made to appeal to individuals, couples or families which the 50 foot length amply serves. Westbays are definitely luxury vessels and sell at their high end, in the $1,000,000 range.

Pricing

Westbays are a high end luxury yacht and are priced in the million dollar range. The 1999 Westbay Sonship, sells used for $800,000. The 1996 Westbay Sonship Pilothou, sells for $850,000 and the 1996 Westbay with Cockpit, sells for $850,000.

Pros

• Good resale value
• Westbay bots handle very well for their size
• Master craftmenship

Cons

• High price tag for used Westbays

Featured Models

West Bay SonShip Yachts' line of luxury motor yachts includes the West Bay SonShip 50 pilothouse; the SonShip 58 pilothouse; SonShip 68 pilothouse; SonShip 78 pilothouse; SonShip 87 pilothouse; and the SonShip 107 pilothouse.

Conclusion

Westbay seems to have found a real niche in the yacht market. They simply provide the luxury of the mega-yacht at a smaller size and smaller price tag. Wesbays are an in-between size where you could entertain a group of friends or just enjoy the vessel as a couple. The Wesbay is small enough that it still can achieve sport boat handling and speed even with its luxurious staterooms and entertainment spaces. If you have millions to spend and you are looking for gold, pearl and teak these boats might not satisfy you. However, if you want a solid, well reviewed luxury cruiser designed for the family Wesbay is the best in his niche. Reviewers were impressed with all you get in these boats, the surprising spaciousness, the big boats feel and the smaller boat handling. Westbay has made a great dry ride in these mini yachts.