Bertram Motor yacht

So, you've inherited the big dollars and can't decide how to spend it? Would you prefer to spend your newfound cash on comfy travel accommodations by air, land, or sea?

In the March 2003 issue of Motor Trend magazine, we evaluated the pros and cons of each of these choices, but after thinking long and hard, this online editor thinks the sailor's life might be the best investment... after all, you could live in the Maybach, but while it's spacious inside, ya can't really throw a party in there. And even though there's room enough on the Gulfstream to bring your friends, that $350k only gets you 25 hours of travel time. With the yacht, you get long-term living accommodations with room for family and friends, and a method of comfy transportation to boot!

So what kind of yacht could you get for your 350K? Venus is a 63-foot Bertram power yacht with four staterooms and four heads, full galley, laundry facilities, cable TV, DSL internet access, and even an outdoor wetbar and grille. Use your windfall to buy the boat, and all you've got to cover afterwards are slip fees, fuel, and normal living expenses.

Many thanks to owner Richard Moore, who was kind enough to share his beautiful home with the Motor Trend staff for an afternoon to help us learn what it might be like to live the sailor's life.

Read the related feature "Vroom at the Top", peruse the behind-the-scenes photos here (remember to can click on them to see an enlargement), and afterwards, you can share how you might choose to spend your inheritance at our accompanying poll.

The engine room houses two General Motors turbodiesel engines, each making 650 horsepower. A range of about 550 miles can be achieved with an 1100-gallon tank of diesel fuel. Top speed is about 18 knots (about 20 statute miles per hour), though typical cruising speed is a more leisurely 12 knots (about 14 statute miles per hour).

A spacious master stateroom features a king-sized bed, head ensuite, and ample closet space. All the cabins are bright and airy, and feature lovely teak wood.

The luxury yacht sleeps eight in comfortable accommodations. Even the Crew's quarters are roomy, up under the bow. Linens must be custom-ordered for this vee-berth, however.

Bunkbeds and DSL internet access (a computer with flatscreen monitor is hiding under the photographer's left elbow) make this the perfect room for kids.

One of four heads on board, this one offers a standup shower that connects through to a similar facility on the other side.

Being a liveaboard does not mean one must do without such necessary comforts as laundry facilities while out at sea. Onboard tanks hold 300 gallons of potable water, but should that run out, a Village Marine Water Maker can desalinate ocean water.