Another what boat thread

[NevisTheCat]

The bank letter is nestling safely in the kitchen drawer, the brokers details are flooding through the inbox and the mid life crisis is kicking in.

I have successfully convinced myself I need a boat (the other half being on the ARC and unaware)...now what to buy.

Budget is £20k with a view to offshore racing and Scottish west coast cruising. Not too fussed about comfort but a decent chart table is preferable.

Options include

UFO 31 /34
GK29 ( keel stepped)
Various 1/2 or 3/4 tonners inc. Carter and MG HS30.

Question, would an MG or similar be a sensible new boat? Is it too twitchy and is it capable for some JOG racing and offshore trips?

Thanks for taking the time to read and thanks in advance for all replies.





<hr width=100% size=1>Bring the little children unto me and I shall fetch a good price for them

 

[macd]

I cruised Scotland for several weeks last year on my previous boat, a UFO27. Conclusions: great fun to sail yet pretty seaworthy, accomodation too cramped, notably headroom (I'm 6'1"), and above all the ultra-shallow bilges made 2 pints of water seem like a major flood. Obviously the 31 & 34 will have more internal volume, but I believe they suffer the same lack of bilge. Reports speak of the 34 being the better all-round boat than the 31. Note that all three UFOs have been known to stress their hulls around the keel if they've taken the ground a lot. It's remediable, but worth looking out for.

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[Talbot]

If you can raise the xtra loot <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/F50684/>this</A> would be a good purchase.

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[isandell]

As you are on West Coast, I suggest that you consider Seamaster 925 (there are quite a few in that area). Similar accomodation to GK 29 but probably sails better. Also, being a lesser known class, tends to be a bit cheaper than similar boats, but may need a bit more looking for. Same designer as UFOs. Twister etc (Holman and Pye).

For more info have a look at the Seamaster Club site

http://www.seamasterclub.org

Ian

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[john_morris_uk]

Twisters used to be available at about £20k but I have lost touch so may be wide of the mark. Not sure whether they will ever frighten the racing fleet though. I only mention this as they sail beautfully and I was on a frends recently and noticed the huge chart table!

The only downside about buying a less well known boat is when you come to sell. We have always had well known/famous designs and always managed to sell them extremely easily at a reasonable price when we have traded up/down.

Depending on your abilities and inclination to sort out a tired boat etc, A very beaten up Sigma 33 went for £14k a year or so ago. The problem is that any Sigma 33 at £20k is still on the cheap side and we gave up our Sigma 33 because I couldn't justify the price of new Sobstad Genesis sails to be competitive in class racing. However, we cruised ours as far as South Brittany and CI etc and had a fantastic time. Sailing and handling under power manners are impeccable.

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