Boat Choice 35-38ft

[AlanPound]

I've read with interest the points about Sadler32/34 Contessa, Fulmars etc.. and appreciate the values that these more seaworthy boats have (-vs- mass produced, beamy 'plastic fantastics' - lets not get started again on that...).

Does anyone have a view regarding boats just a little larger than 32/34ft (but no bigger than 40ft), maybe 35-38ft with similar values -- and I'm not saying loads of beam or berths, just a little bit more space, and a little bit more water/fuel/supplies/battery capacity?

Alan

 

[zefender]

You're getting into the Big Debate again!

If you want to keep the same "seawothy" "values" but in a bigger boat, then it could be argued that a lighter, but longer boat will have the accomodation you want yet still the sea capability of a smaller (so called classic) one. If you want longer and more seaworthy, relative to size, then you're into big money territory and your choice is wider if you want older (eg Westerly), and narrower if you want new (eg swedish).

But I'll probably get mashed for saying that!!

 

[incognito]

Your phrasing is slightly ambiguous. I take it you want to know about boats that have a rep for being highly seaworthy rather than fast on passage, roomy on mooring/in marina?

If this is the case, Hallberg-Rassy or any of the Swedish boats from that small area (Malo,HR,swedish yachts...): these boats rely on build quality to establish their reputation - they tend to pound in heavy seas, just like BenJenBavLeg, but can take it forever. The next level up would be Swan, Oyster - which add levels of luxury. Finally, something like Tradewind, Rustler, Vancouver, Westwind which lose out on comfort and space, but will take you anywhere safely and survive the worst.

(Looking forward to the dispute this should raise !!)

 

[vyv_cox]

General omission

Can't remember the last time I saw a Dehler mentioned in this or any other discussion. There are many of them in Holland and they look nice, apparently sail well and I believe are comfortable below in a non-traditional way. A friend owned a 37 CWS and liked it a lot. A bit bigger than you are looking for, I went on board a 42 at this year's Amsterdam show and was extremely impressed.

 

[zefender]

Re: General omission

I agree, I like the Dehler too. The CWS is great for a non-sailing crew and is quite well finished too - tiny bit crap through if family want to involve in sail or battery power runs low! BIt of a spag bols scenario arounf the central winch too. They seem well made but (and maybe because of this) secondhand values seem pricey.

 

[AlanPound]

Yes, you've kinda got it. Basically the same as, but a little bigger... but without going to new or highly-pricey.

I've spotted things like Nicholson 35 & 40, Rival 38, without knowing much about them. I just wondered if there were boats at this size that had a rep like the Contessa, Sadler 32 etc etc have...

 

[poter]

Agree with Icognito on the boat choice if you have the money ......... but what exactly do you want to do?
Are you sailing in the solent for a day with the ocasional trip across to France or are you going further afield?
You also need to look at how much boat your getting for your dosh.

If for instance you are staying in the Med. then IMHO I would go for a Ben/Bav as the conditions are not as extreme as say the Atlantic or even the sea's around UK & you would get a lot more boat for your money.

However you still need to look at the configeration's closely, are you single handing or with a partner and the ocasional guest?
I have just come back from the Greek islands and was sailing in a Bav 38' with 6 crew and believe me that was tight. the aft cabins are very small and not very well ventilated, but it was very easy to sail & I would have no problems about sailing it single handed, with a few minor mods.
If I was looking at a yacht around 38' for cruising in the med. I would certainly look at an owners config. that is to say max 2 cabins giving plenty of room in the saloon with an easy sail layout and a reliable engine.

I must admit that as yet I have not found my ideal yacht and still intend to take some time, I have still not made up my mind as to where I might put a yacht, the med is looking favourite with say a 24' day sailer here, just to play with.

poter.

 

[Twister_Ken]

IMHO (hah!) modern Swans are for Rolex hunters.
Older Swans, very nice.
Almost all the other Scandiwegians, except maybe Baltic.
Assorted Rustlers, Hustlers (older vintage, not the Steven Jones ones)
The V's, Vancouver and Victoria (both available iin size 34 or 38)
Bowman (RIP) of course
Some very nice Nichs around still.
Maybe Grand Soleil, aka Spaghetti Swans (never actually sailed one)
Tradewind 35 (acquired taste)
Saltram (now we're talking exclusive)

From the other side of the pond
Crealock, Island Packet (if you like the colour), Hinckley Pilot (can I have a go please, Mister?), Nonsuch and Freedom if you don't want lots of string, Tartan, Pacific Seacraft.



<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Twister_Ken on 04/10/2002 16:43 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[incognito]

Ah yes, the Nic 35.

This is a superb boat, FANTASTIC value for money if you can find a good one. Next berth to me is N35 and cost c. £25 and is really a beaut.

Belongs in same bracket as R36 etc in my previous, another is Baltic 38, also available as great bargain.

 

[tome]

Hard to recommend the boat I own without sounding biased - after all that's why I bought her!

She's an Oyster Heritage 37 (not to be confused with the 37), strongly built but agile and great lines. Bags of stowage space with an aft cockpit - we carry a 2.8m dinghy and 4hp o/b on it's own bracket amongst other things in the cockpit locker, good size lazarette. Joinery below is superb with lots of cunning lockers and drawers. 400 litres water/175l fuel/410 Ah batteries. Ours is a later model with taller rig and 760 sq ft sail which gives us 5knots in 10knots wind. Some won't like the lack of aft cabin - she has a double quarter berth, and the focsle is a little spartan but I can give most boats in the Solent a run and she's rock solid in a blow.

Go anywhere in her, but only 35 built.

 

[billmacfarlane]

Hav e a look at the Rival 36 if that's the sort of boat you're interested in. Not quick but a solid and practical cruiser.

 

[AlanPound]

"......... but what exactly do you want to do?
Are you sailing in the solent for a day with the ocasional trip across to France or are you going further afield?"

This summer I went Solent, CI, northern coast of France to Brest, then across Biscay to Cascais (6 days, becalmed for 2!), and now in Vilamoura, in a pretty big boat (60' ketch)

A helluva time, lovely sailing, but everything about it is expensive. It is expensive when it goes wrong, expensive to berth, and if I can't get a pal to come with me - I don't (can't) sail! 2 handing a 60ft ketch is fine (it is a well sorted boat), but I can't really singlehand it at all. I need support all the time... (Well, apart from berthing, and getting the pole up, it is not really a prob, but it would be too much boat for me alone if anything went awry...)

So my thought is - a rather smaller boat - for doing the same kinda stuff - something I can singlehand when I need - something won't drive me crazy if (when) I ding it - something simple, either I can fix, or that won't get that glint in the marina's eye when I want them to do it... But something that will look after me when it gets rough (and I don't really mind if I get there a bit slower - I quite enjoy the 'getting there').

Thanx for the response so far - pretty helpful...

 

[Jeremy_W]

You can't move in ocean sailing without seeing a lot of Nic 35's e.g. in Horta.

The first time one sailed round Cape Horn, Nics made an awful fuss over Charles and Angela, the couple who had done it. Now it is hardly newsworthy! Great yachts. Most knowledgable broker for Nicholsons is Richard Bagnall, somewhere up the Beaulieu River.

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[david_e]

I like the modern boats but there is a Rustler 36 in our marina and it looks great, built well and sails in anything, check it out.

 

[Jeremy_W]

I meant Alastair Eastons - they may not specialise in Nichs as a company, but Richard Bagnall was a production manager with C&N and raced for their works team including a Fastnet Trophy and "top production yacht" at the 3/4 Ton Cup.

So, his personal knowledge of the era of Nics under discussion will be unparalleled.

 

[Chris_Stannard]

I had a Sigma 362, which was quite comfortable to live in and had a fair amount of space. The boat is very tough and when I first had it we raced offshore in all weathers including the Fastnet with no problems. Later I cruised it with my wife for three or four years and found it looked after us very well and we usually made a passage speed of around 6 knots. I had the winged keel version which meant we only drew 1.5 metres and could get in most places.

I now have a Najad 373 which, although it is ony a foot longer is a much bigger boat. It was also much more expensive, and I got it by down sizing my house, no very fincially prudent but more fun. It is designed for two people to sail, with room for a pair of guests. It is a fast boat and one of them won her class at Antigua week.

Either of the above highly recommended and it is all down to budget.


Chris Stannard

 

[doris]

The Rival 36 is as well made and sea kindly as the Rustler but has a bit more room and is faster. If you can find one that is. Being in the process of buying a Sigma 362 I think I have made my decision.

 

[robmurray]

If you like Contessas and Sadlers my view is that you can do no better than the solution that Sadler yachts created to your problem - the Starlight 35/39. All of the seakeeping that you want with great performance and first rate build quality. Ive seen a Contessa 38 around. Or try a Sweden Yachts 370 - similar to a Starlight.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Honourable mentions too for...

...the She 36 (Sparkman and Stevens design from the mid 70's) which is another go-anywhere-do-anything sort of boat.

And has anyone mentioned the Holman & Pye-designed Wauquiez Glaldiateur. Well worth looking out for.