boat debate

[rob1612]

If you had between 10 / 15000 to buy a yacht with cross channel capabilities what would you go for.

 

[jonathankent]

Personally, I like the Contessa... long keel and extremely stable - point it where you want to go and she'll go. Good for the strong winds and not too bad for speed. Not particularly large inside, and the usual handling problems with a long keeler, but on the whole.... I like 'em /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[alec]

The trouble with cross channel crossings in small boats is that you often get there ok and then have problems getting back. This can be both boring and expensive. A six hour bashing to get home is sometimes worth considering but 18 hours is another.

If you are not too worried about accommodation, there are loads of folk boat derivatives with long keels that will get you home in some of the poorer weather without feeling that you have been in an cement mixer. They will be wet though and a sprayhood is probably essential. You would get a good one around 27/28/29 foot for the money you intend spending.

However, this is only one part of the sailing mix and it I'am sure you are considering lots of other factors.

Best of luck with your search.

 

[Lizzie_B]

Elizabethan 29 and 30, Varne 27, Invicta 26,Kingfisher 30 , She 31. There is a long list in you price range. I would start by getting a copy of the good yacht guide and then doing a search on boats for sale within your price range. There are plenty there and then ask about any in particular that you are interested in.

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the forum /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'd want to know more about you, your experience, your likes and dislikes (racing, long passages,...) number of people on board, good DIYer?, where you are (do you want shoal draught?) for starters. You'll have no trouble finding a nice yacht in that price range that will be excellent for cross Channel but obviously, she is not going to be new (and maybe none the worse for that).

Good luck.

 

[rich201283]

How about a Ufo 34, A well proven Cruiser/Racer

 

[rob1612]

Thanks everybody so far.
I am based in falmouth cornwall.
My experience so far has been pottering between falmouth helford fowey etc etc.
My boat at present is 21' fin keel b' sloop.
I like the looks of traditional style boats i.e long keel but I know that these are limited on space tell that to the missus!!.
The contessa 26 is sweet as a nut but again limited on space.
Maybe I should think fin keel again.
I like the sadler 25/26 and there is a nice shipman 28 locally for sale.
I did see a nice she 31 for sale but havnt had a good look as yet.
Most of my sailing I would say is single handed with a little help from my wife thrown in.
I have a full tide mooring so keel configuration not too much of a problem.
I did think about increasing the budget and maybe look for a twister .
Any more thoughts much appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

I sailed a Centaur out of Falmouth for quite a few years. We went across to the Channel Islands and Brittany every year and did extensive cruising all over the West Country. In your budget you could get radar and full electronics, diesel heating,.... I had all of these things, plenty of room (my wife insists on loads of room) and a really excellent seaboat. Being bilge keel was useful up the Helford in places and in the upper reaches of the Truro River. Also fun to go straight across the Carrick Roads at low water...more than once a fin-keeler tried to follow me! The Centaur points remarkably well despite being a bilge keeler.

 

[Gunfleet]

I would say Nicholson 26 and no doubt Topcat will be along soon to confirm it. A bit over £10000 will find one in very good condition (better than the rather tired looking examples I could find via google). Full height headroom, long keel, four berths - for blood relatives (but that will be the case for virtually any sub 30 ft boat except perhaps a cat). With 2 tons of lead in the keel they sail beautifully. Mine carries 30 gallons of water in a tank on top of the keel and has three batteries giving just over 300 Ah of electricity, so it's a comfortable boat. They have a real classic feel and they're £10K less than a good Twister! Of course if the 10K didn't matter I'd buy the Twister. That extra couple of feet makes a big difference.

 

[michael_w]

Have a look at an Albin Ballad. 30' long fin keel, standing headroom for 6'. Good RAF (row away factor), wicked to windward and good turn of speed down wind. Eats Contessa 32s for breakfast.

Bad points, The if she has the original 10hp Volvo its is getting rather tired. The bulkheads need careful inspection.

 

[Pete7]

Does it have to impress the Mrs? if so perhaps something French. Whilst this isn't going to go to windward in a F9 nor are you and she is a bit more modern and faster than some of the long keeled yots on the market which seem to look a little long in the tooth. okay its a personnal view, but nice cabin decent turn of speed and more modern styling are going to be our priorities shortly.

This one is bilge so she will dry out but there are lots of others several local to you, actually I suspect you problem is being spoilt for choice

http://www.boatshed.com/jeanneau_fantasia-boat-35037.html

Pete