boatyards galore....

[Phoenix of Hamble]

OK.... so our weekend plan is to visit boats... lots of boats....

Our 'ideal' boat is generous in space internally, has preferably 8 berths, but less is OK if 8 could be accomodated on an infrequent basis... its seaworthy, kindly in most conditions for when you sometimes get caught out... its a cruiser... not too bothered about racing.... so set up for easy handling.... definitely has a wheel, and pref fin or long keel, not a BK.... galley is well appointed, with a hob, and an oven, furling genny, but not roller main...happy with slab reefing... something that is substantial in construction, not 'too' light weight, but not a tub that needs 30knots to get going..... and finally, fair on the eye.....

Main targets for the weekend are:

Moody 33 MkI
Oyster 34
Sigma 36

Discuss in the context of above requirements!

 

[Stingo]

And your budget is???

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Completely unlimited........

(I wish)

about £25k.... but thats an on the water budget... so if it needs £1k of new standing rigging... then that's £24k for the boat etc etc...

I've allowed a bit more for other stuff like additional lifejackets, insurance, survey, lifts, berthing fees, charts, new oilies for the kids etc etc....

 

[whisper]

All are a bit small to sleep 8 I would have thought, "cosy" for 6.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Whisper, forgot to add that 4 of the 8 are under 10yrs old... might ease matters a little...

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I'll explain....

ordinary use is for 4... two adults, 1 6yr old, and 1 9yr old.... and this will be dominant use...

But... my wife is an identical twin, and very close to her sister, who is also part of a sailing family of similar age makeup....and I suspect that unless we have space to accomodate them for the odd night here and there, the boat will get less use than I would prefer....

so its a a matter of compromise... and finding a boat that meets mine and my families needs...

 

[jac]

Hm - not sure if you'll get a Sigma 36 for 25k. I'm considering a 36 or 362 if I can stretch to it. 36's seem to be 35k - 40k. There is one for sale on this site at 27k but I would expect her to need some work at that price.

 

[doris]

The Sigma is by far the best of this selection but one available for £25k..I doubt I would want it. Sorting out boats is like sorting houses. Always costs more than you budget. The 36 would be perfect for your plans. Best of luck looking.

 

[VicMallows]

Sorry, but agree with others that you are really stretching it at £25k total. At that you're really looking at 28-30ft maximum at 15-30 years old. Plenty will have nominally 6 berths (and in summer 2 could sleep in cockpit) but it'll be a real squeeze, with absolutely nowhere left for stowage. I also suspect you may be underestimating ongoing costs on boat of that size.

Sorry to spread gloom ... but you asked for opinions.

Vic

 

[ianwright]

[ QUOTE ]

about £25k.... but thats an on the water budget... so if it needs £1k of new standing rigging... then that's £24k for the boat etc etc...

I've allowed a bit more for other stuff like additional lifejackets, insurance, survey, lifts, berthing fees, charts, new oilies for the kids etc etc....

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah,,,,,,,,,
You see in boats as in much else there is the object and there is the price. Broadly speaking you only get to choose one. Pick a boat and ask "How much?", or ask what you can get for the cash you have got.
If it were any other way I would drive a new car and still have money in the bank. Neither of which is the case. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

IanW

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

OK,

Thanks for the initial feedback folks.... I have to admit to also being nervous of looking at boats at the lower end of their price range.... I've learnt about that the hard way with various classic cars over the years...

So, the Moodys are currently top of my list, as they seem to fit my budget better..... or at least the MkI which is a little old fashioned in layout, but I secretly admit to quite liking...especially with that enormous aft cabin.... I've looked at one, and reckon that a simple addition of a removable filling piece could make that a really big berth.. albeit one you wouldn't want to be in at sea!

but I don't want to miss the opportunity to at least take a look at a few others like the Sigmas while I've travelled quite some distance to take a peek.....It can't do any harm....

At least I'll be looking with my eyes wide open.... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Ian,

You mustn't say things like that.

My heart is considerably stronger than my wallet.

 

[capt_courageous]

If they are identical twins then alternate - who is to know? Saves space.

 

[Talbot]

If you are looking at a boat that can accomodate 8 people, do you want to be able to have them in the cockpit all at the same time when sailing, because if you do you can forget the sigma 36. In fact I would suspect that tthis would be impossible for all of your contenders - only really possible in a cat - had 13 in my cockpit on one occasion (at anchor admittedly), but my boat is only 9m long!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Capt_courageous....

What can I say.....

Seriously, an acquaintance of my brother-in-law nearly beat me up a few years ago when he saw me with his friends wife /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

As for other points... I don't think its practical to expect to get 8 in the cockpit!

Unless I've won the lottery (haven't checked last nights ticket yet!)

 

[bendyone]

A 9M catalac would suit your accom. needs, and be in your price range howevere you must consider how well you want to sail. Off the wind you will leave a lot of boats standing but into a head wind you must accept that it turns into a motor sailer. We had one for 11 years while the kids grew up and it was ideal but now have gone back to a momo hull-- half the space but it sails well!

 

[ShipsWoofy]

All your needs will be fulfilled by opening your horizon a tiny bit.

Sleep four adults comfortably. Six when using the saloon, easy conversion into a bunk, all adults, saloon bunk becomes queen sized double. Easy sleep four kids in it, leaving two double private adult berths.

Full galley (I mean full), and separate heads / shower. Lots of space for kids, they would have their own cabin. Sun loungers out on deck or big play area. Big cockpit, well sheltered. Small enough to be sailed by one or best two adults. Everything controlled from the cockpit. Big cockpit. No steep ladders in and out of saloon, 360° visibility from saloon table so kids don't go nuts if they have to stay inside during manoeuvre or bad weather.

Bright and airy. Boat happy on marina, wall, deep or even drying mooring, stable sailing, cruising at 6 - 8 knots, faster if you don't get scared. Rig smaller than many too, full new rigging under £350.00. All for 24k, not a chance you might say.....

But then, there is the Heavenly Twins catamaran.

Just before you buy your 30ft half boat, have a look at one, or two, some are scruffy (like all boats). You might have a shock.

I guarantee, that if you look at a Heavenly Twinge /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You might struggle to match it within your budget with anything else you see.

Also worth a looksee at Catalac 9M too.

Just look at this beauty /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hope this helps....

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Additional....

Just in case you want to look further in to this

Multihull World brokerage

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I think I might actually cry now!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif