Beneteau Evasion

[DoubleEnder]

Does anyone have experience of this boat? There seem to be lots for sale in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. I am mainly interested in its properties as a medium term cruising boat in the Med, than in its sailing properties which I imagine are ......unexciting. I already have a boat which is a wonderful sailing machine, looks fantastic and fills my heart with joy but

It is cramped
It has very limited tankage and range under power
It has standing headroom only under the hatch (I am 6 feet tall)
It has a nasty little head
It is diabolically wet when going to weather
It has little stowage
It would be ruined by solar panels, wind generators, stuff clamped to the rail (anyway it has no rail)

So I am thinking of a new plan, because I would like to spend a few seasons touring/cruising the Med. It is a mad plan of course, involving using the 'good' boat here in UK in summer and having another more practical boat in the extended season in the Med that won't break my heart if it gets dinged in a draggy anchorage, that has reasonable living accomodation and stowage for 2 people, a permanent double berth, a decent galley, decent performance under power. So I can use it for travelling/living/cruising - not 'yachting'. Domestic stuff.

I'd need to do the sums but the Evasion looks available and practical and close to the bottom of depreciation curve. Any thoughts or other ideas? Has anyone used one of these boats or similar size/price range? Needs to be small and tubby I think, from a financial perspective. I have to say I also thought about a displacement motor cruiser and would be interested in thoughts along those lines. From my limited experience in Med there is often little or no wind (or too much sometimes) and maybe an out and out motorcruiser would work...presumably the extra money spent on fuel could be saved on rig/sails? But I dont know motorboats

Thank you

Graham

 

[Bajansailor]

Are you thinking of the Evasion 28 or the 32? I am thinking probably the 32, as the 28 has rather basic accommodation, with a fair chunk taken up by the wheelhouse.

Some info on yachtsnet about the 28 here at http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives/beneteau-evasion-28/evasion-28.htm

Here is a 32 for sale in the Med - https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/19...41/Mallorca---YBM-Yacht-Broker-Mallorca/Spain

Colvic also produced mouldings for a very similar type of vessel, the Victor 34 - these were finished by various yards. Here is one that was for sale with Boatshed :
http://www.boatshed.com/colvic_victor_34-boat-35337.html

 

[DoubleEnder]

32

Yes I was thinking about the 32' version. It seems quite spacious etc

Should I be in one of the other forums do you think?

Thank you
Graham

 

[Tranona]

Your situation is very close to mine - except my cramped old boat does not sail very well!

After 3 years of chartering in the Med (Turkey and Greece) to find out what it was all about, we bought a Bavaria under a charter management scheme. We had holiday use for eventually 7 years (6 years is the norm) and now it is ours. This is without a doubt the most economical way of getting boat time in the Med, but there are of course downsides. You have to think very long term and be clear what you are going to do with the boat when you take it over.

The Evasion you are looking at is a nice boat, but rather old and IMHO is not a good Med boat. The priorities are different from northern Europe. Key features are large cockpit (with good bimini) Open stern for boarding and swimming from, good maneouverability, particularly astern, light airy cabins, good fridge, hot and cold running water, plenty of battery power, electric windlass, big, easily handled rig (preferrably furling mainsail). In fact just like a charter boat! Most popular makes are Bavaria, Beneteau and Jeanneau and something around 34-36ft the ideal size for 2 people. Our older style 37 is near perfect for us.

Before we went down this route I thought exactly like you as my mindset was stuck in UK mode. You only discover what it is really like by trying it. So a couple of weeks bareboating first is a good idea. If you go to somewhere like Corfu you will also see lots of different examples of charter boats and will be able to see some for sale. An ex-charter boat is normally a good buy as they are well maintained, very well equipped and well priced. You can get a good recent (6-8 year old) boat for around £50k, older and/or smaller for less.

Despite the drop in the value of the £ the eastern Med is still substantially cheaper than further west and very accessible - we have just booked our October visit on Easyjet for around £270 for both of us.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jamesanderton]

I can second the Colvic Victor 34! Me and my partner have been living aboard ours since december and it is very spacious, plently of headroom, stay bone dry in it's huge cockpit, sails extremely well as we found out on our week long cruise to Dartmouth and back!

You should have a look at one if you get the chance!!

 

[cyczebhes]

Evasion 32

I very nearly bought one of these for the UK. However the Med has a big appeal and I bought a boat there seven years ago. I've crusied the Ionian and southern Italy for between 4 and six weeks a year.
The Evasion is a good solid boat. It's only draw back is that long keel and the ability to manouver in a tight spot. having said that, once you have mastered it, it's not a problem. As a rule sailing in the med in say august is just so unexciting due to a real lack of wind. It can of course blow, but not very often. Most people will admit to spending a long time under motor. So an Evasion 32 is not a bad compromise. As for a bimini, a cockpit tent over both booms will be just as good. The saloon has a large pull back sunroof for all weather sailing (I do have a bimini and cockpit tent). The Evasion 32 has three doubles cabins and decent heads. Engine access is outstanding and provides good storage too.
Boarding ladder/swim ladder is standard on these boats. In fact many have a swim platform added so access should not be an issue. Good luck with your plans