Alternative to a W. Centaur?

[andyorr]

Can anyone suggest an alternative to a Centaur? I'd like to move up from a trailer/sailer to a 26-28 footer. Standing headroom a must i.e. around 6 ft. Prefer bilge keeler but not essential. Accomodation more important than performance but I don't want to take all day getting there!
Budget important - up to around 18k.
Suggestions welcome.

 

[Davydine]

My wife and I sail a Macwester 26 MkI built in 1969. Accomodation is excellent - better than a centaur in my wifes opinion (she grew up sailing a Centaur with her parents) Consisting of a large v berth in the forepeak, a dinette and a quarter berth.
Performance is OK down wind (we overtook a Centaur the other day on a run) but poor to windward due to short stubby bilge keels. The MkII (1971 ish onwards) had better designed keels and hence better windward performance.

Macwester was taken over in the 70's by Atlanta and the Mac 26 was stretched and became the Atlanta 28 (or 8.5) which I think also has slightly better headroom.

You should be able to pick up a good example for under £10K and an excellent example for £12K

Like the Centaur the Macwesters have a reputation for being well built solid little boats
Check out the Macwester owners site at WWW.macwester.org for more info on the marque and some boats for sale.

Mail me if you would like more info.

Regards,

David Walkerdine

 

[mickp]

Have you looked at the Cobra 750 and 850 excellent accomodation. Visit the owners site at www.cobra-seawolf.org.uk

 

[stephenk]

In your question you outline the majority of reasons why a Centaur would suit you. Is there any particular reason why you do not fancy one?

''A defensive Centaur owner''

 

[Twister_Ken]

Could suggest Mirage 28, Sarum 27 (one for sale in current CA magazine), Super Seal.

 

[billmacfarlane]

With a budget of 18k you could rise to a Westerly Griffon or a Sadler 26.