35ft Jeanneau single handed

Boeingdr

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Looking for some more advice, having sold my 26ft Seamaster a lot quicker than expected im looking for a larger boat.
Made an offer earlier this week on a Westerly Tempest which was refused then the boat sold whilst I was out of the country on Wednesday.
Next boat on my short list is a 1982 Jeanneau Melody, seems good value for money (although has been on market a long time?)
But I am still a bit concerned that she is 2 big for my needs as I probably do 50% of my sailing single handed ...and often go out for a couple of hours just for a quick jaunt when I have days off during the week.
Anybody have a similar sized boat and do thesame? Any recomendations to make it easier eg just mainsail or headsail.
She has in mast furling and will be operated off a buoy in the clyde.
 

johnalison

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For single-handed my needs would be;

All lines reachable from the helm
Low freeboard
Easily handled sailplan, preferably fractional.
Best possible autopilot
Electronic navigation in the cockpit
Big booze-locker
 

Boeingdr

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Thanks for the replies..what would you class an easily handled sailplan? in mast furling and furling headsail are designed for that purpose I suppose..comes with a good autotiller.
Unfortunately she is ashore at moment so wont get to sail untill a deposit is paid....thats got to be the only sure test
 

jwilson

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Particularly if sailing on and off a mooring rather than a marina berth, 35 ft no problem. Tiller steering better than a wheel, as you can reach things easier (I think most Melody's are tiller). I can sail a newer 35 ft Jeanneau singlehanded easily, though with the wheel plus mainsheet track forward of the hatch you do rely on the autohelm a lot.
 

SQUIRRELS

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Get your self set up for picking up mooring and for berthing. Always plan ahead. If the boat hasn't got a mid ships cleat, get one, and go ashore using the spring to stop the boat, and be well fendered. Mooring, no real difference bar the possibly the higher top sides, so consider picking up mid ships rather than off the bow. Have jack stays fitted and use them, if necessary using triple gibb hook.
As for the sails, if you get to feel they are to large why not have a smaller foresail cut as this can make all the difference and as for the mainsail, caution pays, so when you first think about reefing - do it.
Best of luck
 

jimi

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I sail my 34ft Beneteau single handed. HAve'nt found berthing a problem, preparation is the key.
 

Boeingdr

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I am encouraged by the replies, i will need to fit a mid ships cleat if I buy her, she does have a smaller headsail which I could use initially, I am going to have another look tommorow...its make my mind up time. Thanks all.
 

gardenshed

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take it step by step.
I singlehand my grand soleil 39. Key if planning ahead & knowing all the systems on the boat. Don't skimp on good quality running rigging and sail handling kit.
I have a wheel but single handed, usually sail from in front of it rather than the traditional behind the wheel position. That way I can reach everything more easily. The autopilot is a must.
Enjoy
 

doug748

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I race a singlehanded series which regularly attracts over twenty entries; over the season I guess about fifty boats are involved at some stage. There are all shapes and sizes from a Crabber, to a 47 foot Jeanneau, one chap is over 70 and has a sporty 22 footer. Later this month will be our third Gurnsey race with passage races along the French coast.... So I guess the answer is, you have little to fear.
Popping out for an hour or two is one of the delights in having a swinging mooring. I used to unfurl the headsail and potter on that, with modern roller gear its a doddle. If you have reasonable room, and modest tide, in the end you will not bother starting the engine. I would avoid the autohelm in harbour and develop the art of getting her to jog along unaided - under main and /or genoa. Good luck. Brian.
 
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