Alternatives to a Maxi 1000

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Memphis_Chung

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Hi everyone,

I have been looking at Maxi 1000's as my potential next boat. My question is what should I be considering alongside them - there does not seem to be much choice in the circa £50k bracket that isnt an Jeanneau or Beneteau. I am looking for a cruiser with some performance and manouevrability that is also comfortable in harbour.

Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks.

Tom

Ps why wasnt the weather this good last weekend?

PPS broadband in marinas is awesome!
 
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Ps why wasnt the weather this good last weekend?

[/ QUOTE ]

What you mean the rain? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

You are right, Maxi are a bit different, not in the same 'group' as Bens and Jans, not to say there is anything wrong with them (wouldnt dream of it!).

You might want to look at Etaps, 50K would buy you a 32i and even maybe a 34S. A fair bit more would see a 32s.
 
Don't write off the French boats just because of prejudices on here though! The older ones especially are superb value and excellent performance. £50,000 would buy a Sunfizz 40 from Jeanneau, designed to win the 2 handed transat which is an upwind race, very comfy below with a traditional layout, later ones are teak finished below (1985 ish), Perkins 40/50hp engines were normal. We have friends with one of these which is very nice and we have the replacement Sun Legende 41 which is just more of the same, designed by Doug Peterson as a French One Ton Cupper (Admirals Cup team member), very comfy, all solid teak below and very fast, but more than your budget. The Beneteau First 38, First 375 and the like would also be worth a look. The French bulders in the '80's/'90's used to bring in the big name designers for their cruiser/racers and very successful they were too. Maxis are fine, but slower and smaller for the same outlay.
 
Make sure you test sail a maxi 1000 before buying. I sail on a friends tiller steered one and it has the heaviest ruder I've ever come accross.

Alternative try looking for a recent Dufour 34. Had one and whilst its quality is not up there with the Maxi its way better to sail.
 
Sigma 362, First 345 and First 375, Jeanneau Sunrise, to name but a few. In terms of sailing characteristics the Sigma is probably closest but beware of ones that have been heavily raced. In terms of build quality none match the Maxi but don't let that stop you looking at them. The difference isn't that great.
 
Dehler 34-version from 1989-1994. Good performance-easily single/two handed, wheel or tiller, over 1000 built, good build quality (probably not up their with the maxi) & you will have change from 45k! Various interior options-mahog. or various white laminate finishes.Only downside as far as some are concerned is interior volume. Good & designed for being on passage but not a patch on a modern 34 Benny etc for living space in the marina.

Have fun whatever you decide!
 
That's broadened it out a bit! thanks everyone. I had thought about a Dehler and Elan - wondered about build quality for the Dehler and stretching my budget with the Elan - which I think will be slightly beyond my budget - lovely boat though.
 
On a year for year comparison, I'd be astounded if the Elan was more expensive than the Maxi. When I was looking the Maxi was about £10k more (equipped to my requirements) compared to the equivalent Elan.
 
Have you considered a Dehler 35 ?

Compared to D34: more substantial build, larger accommodation, much bigger rig but eaiser to handle (2x electric winches + electric windlass & self-stow Delta).

If you can find one (only about 150-ish built), might just get near your budget, but beware ex-charter.
 
I could onyl afford a early 90s Maxi - I am not sure Elan made the 33 at the same time. I could be wrong.....

Having thought about it a bit more, I am slightly put off by the decor down below of the 90s Maxis - the white wood is a bit too clinical for me. Silly I know but a factor as I spend alot of time staying on the boat and not going anywhere and the white interior is a bit like a Doctor's wating room!
 
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