Ben Oceanis 311 | Hunter 32 | Parker 325

[andyb28]

Good Evening Everyone,

I have my list of potential bigger boats down to 3 and would really like to hear opinions from the forum. As I see it, for me each of these boats have features I like. Looking at around 32 foot size and dont want anything older than late 90's.
My sailing area on the East coast is shallow and muddy. I like to have the ability to dry out and I need the ability to have a fairly shallow draft at times.

Hunter 32/3 - Is a shallow draft for its size (1.2m). I have had Hunters before (Horizon 23 / Pilot 27) and like them a lot. Obviously it can dry out without issue.
Beneteau Oceanis 311 (Lift Keel) - Lovely looking boat, more modern and has my preferred wheel steering. Seems they can dry out with the keel up by sitting on what remains of the keel and the two rudders.
Parker 325/335 - Has great reviews, also has my preferred wheel steering and can dry out on the lifting wing keel. Maybe a little concerned about the hydraulic ram maintenance, although Parker owners say this isnt too bad.

Having never had a lift keel before, I also have a question about these specific lift keel boats.
They seem to have a deeper draft than their standard fin keel versions. 2m+ is roughly the figure. Do you need to sail with the keel all the way down, or can you perhaps put it half way down and still sail ok?

 

[LiftyK]

With their built-in ballast in the hull, Parker lift-keel boats can be sailed with keel up for downwind runs and are normally at half keel unless reaching.

 

[andyb28]

With their built-in ballast in the hull, Parker lift-keel boats can be sailed with keel up for downwind runs and are normally at half keel unless reaching.

Thats very interesting, I thought/hoped that was the case. But wasnt sure.
Would that be the same for the Beneteau as I am guessing the ballast is still present in the foot of the keel. Obviously not as easy to make adjustments if I have to go down below and crank a winch handle X amount of times.

Both of these lift keel boats are appealing to me. But my gut says keep it simple stupid and get the Hunter.

 

[Daydream believer]

Why are you worried about draft? Most of the time you will have ample depth & the keel can be fully down. People worry about such things then panic unless they have a minimum 3M clearance under the keel.

 

[nevis768]

I try to avoid potential issues with boats, a lift keel is one, and is not a necessity, so why have one? I would buy a twin keel in your situation. I often sailed on a lifting keel Bene, mud tidal berth, and the owner had regular issues with the keel, usually mud/shells jamming in it.But I'm no expert.

 

[andyb28]

Why are you worried about draft? Most of the time you will have ample depth & the keel can be fully down. People worry about such things then panic unless they have a minimum 3M clearance under the keel.

Because I can only sail around my job and sometimes the tides do not work in my favour. But I would like to still use the boat.
I am not panicking about 3m under the boat, thats a strange thing to say!

Stone Point, Dover +0040 MHWS 4.1m, MHWN 3.3m, MLWN 1.2m, MLWS 0.5m

 

[doug748]

"Hunter 32/3 - Is a shallow draft for its size (1.2m). I have had Hunters before (Horizon 23 / Pilot 27) and like them a lot. Obviously it can dry out without issue."

One other advantage of bilge keels is you need no cradle or special stands to support them ashore. You arrive or leave the boatyard and that's that, no cradle to get lost, stolen, damaged or charged for over the summer. No dismantling and putting steelwork into the car, no multiple return road journeys.

As you like Hunters there is a lot to be said for sticking with them.

.

 

[mrming]

I love the idea of the Parker 325 but I’ve yet to see a used one in good condition. They always seem to be priced high and looking rough inside. You can’t go wrong with the Beneteau or the Hunter but I agree with the assertion above that if you can skip having a lifting keel, it’s one less thing to maintain. Therefore I’d go for the Hunter if you can find a good one.