Yacht Buoy
I spent 6 years at sea travelling the world while serving in the Royal Navy (two Frigates and an Aircraft Carrier). But I have been around boats and the sea since I was a kid.
I also spent just under two years volunteering as a coastal crew member in the RNLI (search and rescue) at one of the busiest RNLI stations in the UK.
I LOVE cruising in rough weather (as long as I am on the right vessel!)
I have had a passion for boats/yachts and the sea since I was 9-years-old (31 years ago!). When I was a teenager, I used to read 'Boat International' and I spent many hours daydreaming about life on the water. Anyone who has been to sea, and enjoyed their experience, will confirm that once you are 'hooked' then there is no going back.
I love explorer yachts and trawler yachts and anything that floats on the water. I also love naval architecture and marine engineering & technology. This channel is about sharing my passion with other like-minded seafarers and shipmates :-)
Yacht Buoy
Okay, okay... I heard you loud and clear! 😅 You wanted another STEEL beauty! 👇 WATCH THE PREMIERE: https://youtu.be/pzGHn4GArDg?si=dzMvO...
I just went live with a tour of the Bendie Impressive 2300. It’s 23 metres long, weighs 60 tonnes, and has a "parking" system you don't see often! (Clue: It doesn't use an anchor).
This is what €1.15 Million of Dutch Engineering looks like.
Let me know: Is this the ultimate 'End Game' liveaboard, or is it too big to handle?
1 day ago | [YT] | 103
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Yacht Buoy
Happy New Year! I’m finishing up today’s blog now. It’s a quick one I started this morning, but it covers something I think more people should understand.
If you’ve ever looked at a boat and wondered whether 4,000 engine hours is a red flag or a green light, this is worth a read. It’s about engine ratings, displacement diesels, and why hours alone don’t tell the full story.
If you’re not already signed up to the Substack, the link is in the comments...Blog will be coming out later on today!
2 days ago | [YT] | 202
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Yacht Buoy
They said "Travel" content was about sunsets & hotels....But we just hit #30 Global on Substack talking about some of the world’s best coastal cruisers, explorer, expedition and trawler yachts!
Real adventure starts in the wheelhouse! Join the crew! Head to the comments and sign up for my free Substack!
5 days ago | [YT] | 61
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Yacht Buoy
This 64ft Vripack-designed steel trawler yacht is entering auction with a starting price of €250,000. She’s a 57-tonne passagemaker with twin John Deeres and real explorer credentials. The full blog and complete boat tour are now live. Link is in the comments below.
5 days ago | [YT] | 397
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Yacht Buoy
This is exactly the sort of boat I’d want to own right now. At just over 11 metres, the Swift Trawler 35 is compact enough to handle easily, but still offers the space and protection needed for family cruising. With two young kids, I’m not looking for a project — I’m looking for something reliable, safe, and simple to operate as an owner-driver. This fits the brief perfectly.
The 425 HP Cummins diesel gives it real range and the speed to work with, not against, the tides, which is a BIG deal where I live. Add bow and stern thrusters, a proper flybridge, and a high freeboard walkaround deck, and you’ve got a boat that feels like it was made for short passages, weekend hops, and longer coastal runs, all without stress. It’s the kind of platform that lets you enjoy the journey without overthinking every move.
I’ve just published a full Substack review on this boat, including ownership analysis and a side-by-side comparison with a classic 18 metre steel trawler. If you’re thinking about real-world usability as much as styling, it’s worth a read. You can find the link by heading to the comments!
6 days ago | [YT] | 143
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Yacht Buoy
After looking at shiny white fiberglass on Friday... sometimes you just need to cleanse your palette with some heavy commercial steel. Binge my 'Trawler' Playlist here: www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
There is a reason converted trawlers like this 'Salvator' are the ultimate end-game for many cruisers. They aren't built for marina loitering; they are built to survive the North Sea in February. Massive fuel range, deep displacement hulls, and engineering that you can fix with a hammer.
If you love 'Real Ships' rather than just boats, I’ve curated a playlist of my favourite Trawler Conversions.
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 231
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Yacht Buoy
If you missed this one, it’s worth a watch.
An 18 metre Dutch steel yacht, built like a small ship, with twin engines, stabilisers, and serious range. Yet she’s on the market for €249,000. That price alone has sparked a lot of discussion, and for good reason.
This video breaks down what’s solid, what needs work, and who this boat actually makes sense for. No hype, just a straight walkthrough and an honest look at the numbers. If you’re even slightly interested in project yachts or long range cruisers, have a look and let me know what you think.
1 week ago | [YT] | 25
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Yacht Buoy
Would you take on this €249k explorer yacht project? The debate in the comments on my latest video is heating up! Watch the full tour full tour and decide for yourself! https://youtu.be/Oh7YG7WMfzM
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 56
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Yacht Buoy
🚨 The Missing Footage: Fisher 30 🚨
I couldn't show the engine room in the video, so I wrote a report on it. Read it here: johnjohnsonyachtbuoy.substack.com/p/the-fisher-30-…
I break down:
The "Hidden" Engine Upgrade (It's a Volvo Penta MD2040B)
The real-world range calculations.
Why the "Canoe Stern" is great for safety but tricky for liveaboards.
If you are serious about explorer yachts, come join me in the "Engine Room."
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 260
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Yacht Buoy
Why rent a flat when you could buy this for €95,000?
The full tour of the Fisher 30 Pilothouse goes live today at 18:00 GMT.
This boat is built like a North Sea trawler but feels like a cosy tiny home inside. It might just be the best value pocket cruiser I have ever filmed.
Click the link below and hit "Notify Me" to join the Premiere. I will be answering questions in the live chat! 👇
https://youtu.be/vHSiYIlvo_0?si=yNvxD...
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 189
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