Boats... old... new...

[vseager]

This is probably a topic that is discussed far too regularly on here, so apologies in advance...

I'm on the looking for a possible upgrade after quite quickly outgrowing our first boat, a Cobra 750. She is a great boat but we would like something a little bigger and more comfortable for weekends away etc.

I'm looking for something around the 34ft - 36ft mark. I've always said I would rather an older scandinavian over a newer french boat. Not that I have anything against french boats, but I like the idea of having something heavy solid around me. After saying that, I've seen a couple of Gyb'Sea's and Dufours around which are a about 15 years newer and better equipped than a hallberg of najad of the same price.

I'm always hearing mixed reports, and I'm probably going to hear more, but I'm interested in other peoples views on this subject. I'm not a racer, but I would like a boat with a good combination of performance, quality and comfort. I'm not massively fussed on age.

Any opinions?

 

[Bobc]

Any opinions?

You'll get no shortage of them on here, and you'll end-up so confused that you'll buy a Bavaria.

 

[Stemar]

If you want solid and heavy, get a Snapdragon Except they didn't do them that big.

Not as heavy as some, but well built and seaworthy, I'd say the Starlight range is worth a look. Reasonably quick and I've been out in a friend's Starlight 35 in conditions from light airs, when she ghosted along very nicely, to I wish I'd taken up golf, when she gallopped along and positively refused to sink and put me out of my misery. The only downside is headroom if you're significantly over 6', cos the low coachroof limits headroom.

 

[uxb]

Pre 1986 Beneteau First...built before the got flimsy.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Budget?

 

[TonyBuckley]

Grampian 35. Solid, heavy, cheap. So many opinions lol.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Older Scandi designs will be well built, but won't break speed records.

What might suit are some of the last Westerlys, the Ed Dubois Ocean 33, or its predecessor, the Storm. Both well fitted out and surprisingly handy, especially in slightly heavier weather.

The Starlight 35 has already been mentioned. Sadler 34s have a loyal following, tho' I've no personal experience. Moodys - I never sailed one that excited me.

And then there are the French which someone else will know more about than me. I sailed Benny 311 which personified all that was worst in mass-production boat-building, and a Benny 345 which was tired but holding up well and went a treat. Also have fond(ish) memories of a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36.2 which I had on a Greek charter for a fortnight. Did everything well except go upwind in a blow.

But really, get out there and see as many boats in your price/size bracket as you can find, and also try a blag a ride on some.

 

[rudolph_hart]

You've mentioned Scandinavian & French. Have you considered German, specifically Dehler - their 34, 35, 36 and 37 are all fast, well built and have quality fit out, but some are more comfortable than others....

 

[Twister_Ken]

You've mentioned Scandinavian & French. Have you considered German, specifically Dehler - their 34, 35, 36 and 37 are all fast, well built and have quality fit out, but some are more comfortable than others....

Not German, but Belgian - the Etap range. Slightly oddball, but none the worse for that. Go all right. Also unsinkable, which some rate.