32-34ft fast cruiser wanted - any suggestions?

[tommfuller]

Hi folks,

Any advice on which boats to look at? I like the look of both the MG335 and the Sigma 33. What else should I be considering? I am looking for "middle aged" boats, probably upto 30k-ish.

Cheers,

Tom.

 

[Anthony]

Fastnet 34, mine is going up for sale soon....

 

[covenanter]

Sunseeker, if you buy anything else you will want one.

 

[Dyflin]

Eh, what?

OP, what about a
Contessa 34
or a
Sadler 32

 

[cambscot]

Westerly Storm? Perhaps a little over budget tho.

 

[Aeolus_IV]

Before this breaks down into a "who's who" of 30 to 36 foot boats from 1970 to 1990 - what are your priorities in the boat? There are many aspects that a boat can have, some can be combined harmoniously, others cannot. What one thing must it have above all else?

Naturally I'd suggest a ...... no I will not, not just yet.

Jeff.

 

[KRG]

err.. mast /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Aeolus_IV]

D'Oh!

 

[CPD]

Tom,
Your spec and budget was the same as mine. I have recently gone for a Beneteau First 345 and wasnt dissapointed.
Alan

 

[FlyingSpud]

Another vote for a Westerly Storm, but as said, perhaps a little over budget

 

[flyingscampi]

Another vote for a Storm but that would be at the very top of your budget and will need some work.

Something you might want to consider in the 32 - 34ft bracket is that a lot of marinas have a tariff of 10.1m to 15m so the Storm (for example) sits right at the bottom of the higher tarriff and costs another £1500 a year.

 

[Gwylan]

Dufour Arpege and get a lot of change!

 

[tommfuller]

Thanks for all the feedback folks! Very helpful!

Priorities...well I suppose I'd sacrifice some comfort below for some sailing performance. I am happy to have more of a camping experience than a caravanning one if you see what I mean! So a shower etc. isn't vital, but a reasonable amount of space is. Would like to be able to sleep 4 in reasonable comfort.

I don't want to race, but I have a really low tolerance for making poor progress, slogging slowly to windward and so on.

Reasonable seakeeping abilities, I don't plan on leaving the British isles, West Coat mainly so the biggest thing might be a trip across the Minch.

Proper chart table. Easy to sail short handed.

That wasn't one thing was it!

Cheers,

Tom.

 

[dt4134]

Also worth looking at a Dehler 31 or 34 from the late eighties.

They're weatherly & fast. There's a great video of some Dutchmen trying to break a Dehler 31 by ramming things with it.

(I mention the 31 even thought it's a foot below your limit as the accommodation is slightly more spacious than a Sigma 33.)

 

[tommfuller]

That's quite impressive!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvxhQO4pw2E

 

[PIGLETSDREAM]

There is only the one that can provide you with what you want and that is a Fastnet 34. Fast and beautifully balanced. Loads of room. Safe in all weathers with a great feel. Hi ballast ratio and built with plenty in reserve. Don't go through life wishing, if only, get a Fastnet and you will be able to say, I am glad that I did.

Regards

 

[forgotmyfrekinuserid]

I see someone has suggested a sunseeker - aren't they just those big lumps of plastic with loud noisy smelly engines and no sail ?
Puh.

 

[photodog]

Hanse 331, formerly the Finngulf 33.... good space, excellent sailor..... modernish.


Should be almost within reach......

 

[Anthony]

[ QUOTE ]
There is only the one that can provide you with what you want and that is a Fastnet 34.

[/ QUOTE ]

Here here ! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[DavidWilb]

Would give a good recommendation for MG335. When engaged on a similiar quest we settled on one and have not been disappointed - sails superb and fast, good accomodation, easy to sail shorthanded. Lived on board for 4 months on a trip to Baltic and she did all that was asked of her in all weathers. We are Gosport based if you want a close unhurried look.