Arcona 36 (1990) in the Leewards...

[Norfolknick]

Ive searched through the forum and found very few posts about the Arcona 36. Im looking for a sloop between 35 and 38 ft in length for annual holiday cruising in the South West, Scilly Islands, Northern France and Channel Islands, that I can also use to do the AZAB (im rapidly approaching my 50th birthday).

Wondered if anyone had any experience of the Arcona 36 ?? I believe the brand has a reasonable reputation, though boats from the mid 80s to late 90s tend to have a stronger market in the Nordics. Sailboatdata.com suggests that it is a reasonably stiff sloop and more than capable of an AZAB - layout well suits my wife and I and our 2 children (under 10).

The boat is currently lying on one of the leeward islands so would also need a small trip back over the pond, having dealt with any key items before departure - however the price more than accounts for that. Certainly an interesting vessel.

Any knowledge much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Bajansailor]

Here is a link to the info about her on Sailboat Data -
SailboatData.com - ARCONA 36 Sailboat

Re how the boat for sale is currently in the Leeward Islands, when did she sail out here?
The mere fact that she sailed out here (I doubt that she was shipped?) suggests that she is well equipped for ocean passages (?) and hence should be able to cope with the return trip (and maybe even an AZB)?

Have you researched the VAT implications? As you will have to import the boat into the UK and pay VAT on her - @Tranona can better advise you on this.

SailboatData notes that the usual engine for these boats was a Volvo 2003 - these are getting rather elderly now.
Does she still have her original engine, and if so, is there any comment on it's condition?

 

[Tranona]

Excellent boat for performance cruising. However rare in UK because of the high cost when new. Probably not viable to import a boat from outside the UK because not only do you have the cost of getting it here but you will have to pay VAT and get it certified. While VAT is just money and easy to calculate an older boat will be very expensive to get certified to 2022 standards, not least a new engine, plus all the design calculations to establish stability.

Nice to dream about all the "cheap" boats in that part of the world - they are cheap for 2 reasons. First they will almost certainly be well worn - long distance cruising and hot humid climates are killers for boats, often made worse by owners skimping on maintenance before they are forced to sell. Second the only real market is for people who want to keep the boat out there as there is cost in importing into any other state such as the US or Europe.

In theory, plenty of boats in the UK that will meet your requirements even if at the moment there are few actually for sale. A consequence of Brexit is that importing a boat from anywhere, even Europe is no longer easy or financially viable.