buying a small family cruiser

[bobt]

I am looking to buy a small cruising boat to suit family with 2 kids Ages 5 & 7.I need, Safe, stable easy to sail ,above all as a first boat it must not frighten Swmbo or it will become a last boat. I have an RYA day skipper certificate and some limited previous crewing experience which I am trying to increase this year. the boat will be used for day and long weekending so standing headroom in the cabin would be a definate advantage.
I am limited locally to drying or at best very shallow moorings.
my budget is 12- 13K.
Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated

thanks bobt

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[terryo]

I can recomend the Colvic sailer 26 mine is a fin keel but I believe most have twin , she is a very stable boat that has helped me through a steep learning curve.

Good luck
Terry

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[l'escargot]

Look at Westerlies and Snapdragons in the 24 to 28 foot range. Old but usually well looked after and what many people get as their first "real" sailing boat. They tend to be bilge keeled, standing headroom and within your price range.

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[Talbot]

I was faced with a similar problem, and to make things more difficult, my wife and daughter did not like being heeled over. I eventually decided that mmultihull was the only viable way forward and have been very pleased with the decision ever since. These type of boats are fine for drying/shallow moorings with enough space for all the family. You might find an early 8m Catalac or Mk 1 Heavenly Twins at that price (may well need a bit of TLC) but would be a lot of boat for the money. Alternatively if you could squeeze a bit more, <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www6.rapidhost.co.uk/multihullworld/splash.htm>Under "Whats Changed"</A> - "HT reduced - Owner must sell" - might be a better bet as it has already been well reduced. (I have nothing to do with this sale)

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[kilkerr1]

Have a look at the Kingfisher 26 too, bilge keel (gotta be able to get up those pesky little muddy creeks..!), standing headroom, built like battleships. Extremely safe and sturdy, easy to sail, which sounds like what you want. The association website is here too.

Good luck!



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://kilkerr.members.easyspace.com/santateresa_pics.htm>Santa Teresa and other t'ings</A>

 

[sabresailor]

Try looking at a Sabre 27 - very solid - bilge keel avail 3ft draft - standing head room - bags of room inside - in your price range too.

I have had 1 for 1 yr & pleased

http://www.sabre27.org.uk/

Mike

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[Duncs]

Hi
I was in exactly your position a year ago and went for a Westerly Centaur, very very pleased with my choice, would meet your requirements 100%, also plenty of stowage space and lots of them around so you should be able to find some for sale in your area.

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[freebird1]

I would second the Colvic 26'. You get full standing head room, 9' beam and normally 5 berths. You can pick them up from about £10k although basic spec / a bit neglected at that price. I don't think i've seen any priced over £14k. Nearly all bilge keel, and most home completed so standards can vary....

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