Bluewater Cruising Yachts (BCY) managing director, David Bradburn, thinks this shows the market is becoming more discerning.

"Buyers are now weighing up features such as structural integrity, quality and functionality, and not just comparing length and cost, as has occurred in the past when imported brands flooded the market," said Bradburn.

"Buying a custom designed, locally manufactured yacht that not only has the strength to suit our local conditions but is also designed with safety and comfort in mind, means that the yacht is truly an investment for the discerning buyer.

So now, after focusing on other projects for five years, BCY said it is pleased to announce they are again producing the Bluewater 400, a proven design for the liveaboard cruising couple.

Among many features are an integrally moulded keel with five-tonne ballast, a skeg hung rudder, the choice of a raised saloon or centre cockpit, massive storage and load carrying abilities, 6ft6in headroom, 4m beam, generous freeboard, deep bilges for extra storage, and 12-tonne-plus displacement.

Despite these capacities - which compare favourably with the latest imports - the Bluewater 400 is a lively performer, and owners have found her a pleasure to sail, whether coastal or cruising the open oceans, said BCY.

Some owners take the 'liveaboard' concept to an extreme said BCY. Robert and Karen Black from NSW, for example, claim: "The longest we have been away from KRACKT is 17 days over the last seven years…she is just so comfortable we don't miss home."

Numerous circumnavigations have been made in Bluewater 400s, with one build, Seabird, having two voyages to her credit.

For more information, visit www.bwcy.com.au