Alternatives to a Westerly Centaur?

[top-banana]

Hi all,

I've recently sold the boat i own with my father-in-law (a seal 22, first yacht for both us) and we are looking to upgrade to something bigger.

We are looking for something safe over sporty and easy to handle short-handed (<30ft). A separate cabin would be useful to hide the toddler away when moored up for sleeping. We think that a Bilge Keel or potentially a lifting keel is the way ahead as we are based in Chi Harbour on a drying mooring. Our cruising area would be around the solent initially for weekends and then hopefully further along the southern coast for extended breaks.

Finally our budget is about 10-15k so not massive from some of the threads i've seen on here!

From research the boat of choice seems to be the Westerly Centaur which seems to meet all of our requirements. We've been to see a few but are wondering if there are any other options to the Centaur, just so we can at least make an informed decision.

Any thoughts or ideas welcome! even if it's just to confirm our thoughts about the Centaur.

thanks!

 

[deaconrw]

We were looking at Centaurs, but ended up choosing a Jaguar 27 instead. Ours is a bilge keel. They are similar to the Centaurs, but have a much bigger hatch letting in more light and make them feel "bigger" inside.

 

[NPMR]

Look at Sabre 27's?

A get you home boat whatever the weather but still very roomy below and a huge cockpit for sitting out. Strongly made and similar era.

Big Association with lots of technical help. Bilge and fins available, both sail well.

I know, we have one.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Mirages? Cobras?

 

[CPD]

My first boat was a Centaur, and have just sold her. Without doubt a great choice for a first boat, solid, forgiving etc etc, and yes there are downsides, however for the type of sailing you describe, it would be a good choice.

 

[Giblets]

Jaguar 27?

 

[Judders]

Westerly Griffon? Better boat for more or less the same money.

Cobras? Both 750 and 850.

The Hunter Horizons might be a little over your budget.

What does a Moody 27 go for?

 

[Scomber]

sadler 26 or maybe 29 {£ ?}

 

[seumask]

Hunter horizon 26, bilge keel and reasonably fast, aft cabin for the kids or you, open plan for the rest of you, well regarded on the whole but more performance orinetated than the centaur. Near the top of your budget.

 

[graham]

Nothing wrong with Centaurs but asa an alternative the Kingfisher 30 has bilge keels and a seperate aft cabin,they are regarded as seaworthy and strong cruising yachts.Should be able to find one within your budget.
http://www.kyoa.org.uk/index.htm

 

[WoodyP]

Look at KYOA.org for information on Kingfisher K30. Not many for sale, as people keep them, which is a good recommendation.
Beaten to the line!

 

[Skysail]

What does a Moody 27 go for?[/QUOTE]

The last one on the MOA for sale board was asking £16,750.

 

[fastjedi]

If you want a traditional boat with 'charm' go for the Centaur. Not my cup of tea ... but there are plenty for sale .... good ones are hard to find though!


The Sadler 26 would be on my list, but very hard to find in good condition for less than £15K

I would be looking for a Hunter Horizon 26 ..... Well built, relatively modern, good accomadation and very good sailing boats. You should be able to buy a decent HH26 with an inboard for £14 - £15K with a bit of patience.

 

[mcframe]

Hunter horizon 26, bilge keel and reasonably fast, aft cabin for the kids or you, open plan for the rest of you, well regarded on the whole but more performance orinetated than the centaur. Near the top of your budget.

<grins>
"reasonably fast", "performance orinetated"?

Cross-thread: Although family-crewed, I was quite pleased with the run our B/K H27 gave a Sigma 33 across Hayling Bay on Sunday - especially since I managed a single-handed chute hoist/gybe/drop before they finally passed us after dropping their spinny ;-)

 

[[10753]]

Can certainly recommend the Kingfisher 30. Had mine for 22 years. She's completed 4 Atlantic Crossings and been to India and back twice. Six (6'6") berths in 3 cabins, large nav station, galley, heavily built and you always feel safe in the deep centre cockpit. Twin deep aerofoil keels so no slapping when beating. A the end of August we sailed from Fecamp to Chi - 92 miles in 14 hours, thats average 6.57 knots ! PM me if you would like further information.

 

[alexrunic]

Macwester 27

built like a tank and sails ok with a decent breeze. don't go for the cheaper 26 ft version they sail side ways.

 

[Jack @ Bosun's Locker]

I'm 22 now and I learnt to single-hand on a Centaur - lovely boats!

Now I'm single- and short-handing a Macwester 27 and, like Alxrunic, think it's an absolutely wonderful boat!

A foot longer than a Centaur, but don't think of it as 6" at each end, rather, think of it as a foot extra in the middle, and that's where the difference is.

Ours is bilge keeled with a dinette layout, and might actually be up for sale soon if anyone's interested?! (looking to downsize to a St. Mawes One Design or similar - working 100 hours a week so I don't get a chance to do much/any cruising at all anymore )

 

[robp]

A second mention for the Mirage. My second boat was a Leisure 27SL, which is a badged up Mirage 2700. (Leisure 27SL, not Leisure 27). Mine was a Bilge or rather Twin Keeler.

More modern than the Centaur and no slouch. Well built by Thames Marine, I think, of Brightlinsea. Should be a few around for between 14K and 18K I would have thought.