The Shallow Water Trawler

1999 Fountaine Pajot Maryland 37 — $160,000

When most buyers think of a Caribbean power catamaran, they immediately picture massive 50-foot, multi-million dollar vessels. But if you want to tuck into the most exclusive, secluded coves in the Bahamas, bigger is not always better.

In fact, a massive yacht severely limits where you can drop anchor. If you want the ultimate paradise lifestyle—waking up in absolute silence, anchored in three feet of water, surrounded only by sea turtles—you need a compact, highly maneuverable platform.

Enter the Fountaine Pajot Maryland 37.

Built in France by one of the most legendary catamaran shipyards in the world, the Maryland 37 was designed to be the ultimate shallow-water pocket trawler. It offers an incredible 1,000-nautical-mile range at 9 knots, meaning you can easily cross the Gulf Stream and island-hop the entire Bahamian chain without constantly worrying about finding a fuel dock.

A modern entry-level power catamaran will easily set you back over $700,000.

But currently sitting in Florida is this 1999 Maryland 37. It is listed for an almost unbelievable $160,000.

At first glance, this looks like the ultimate entry-level opportunity to buy into the luxury catamaran lifestyle. But before you wire the funds and start provisioning for the islands, you must read the engine spec sheet with absolute ruthlessness. If you buy a heavily used, 25-year-old French catamaran without understanding the terrifying reality of high-hour diesel engines, your island dream will turn into a devastating financial anchor.