Buying First Boat

[Jono]

Hello,

Over the next few months I am intending to buy my first Yacht.

I got into sailing racing Mirror dinghies in Brighton. I'll be keeping my yacht on a swinging mooring in Poole and am looking to do mainly week-end sailing.

I'm looking for something fast and responsive but also comfortable enough for 2 - 3 people for a few days.

Budget: Up to around £25000

Boats I've looked at include:

Etap 26
Jeanneau Fantasia
GK24
Jeanneau 24.2
Dufour 2800/1800
Etap 28i

The GK24 is the least expensive and perhaps the fastest - but maybe not the most comfortable! The Etap 28i is the most expensive - I understand it's quite a fast boast and has ample accomodation.

Most grateful for anyone who can chip in any ideas for this novice to be yachtsman!

Thanks.

Jono

 

[billmacfarlane]

Jono , I've replied to your post on PBO's web site. One point more. The Etap 28i has actually quite poor accommodation for her size due to the fact that to make the boat unsinkable all extra areas are foam filled.

 

[derekgillard]

I did the same exercise this time last year and looked at the very boats you are considering The boat that came out the best in my findings was the Sadler 29.I bought one and am very pleased with it.

Sleeps 4 in comfort and keeps up with the pack in a blow. Check moisture in the hull with the foam this can be a problem, mine cost under £25,000 with osmosis treatment included.
.

For more info check out mikelucasyachting.co.uk, who is the Sadler guru.

Good Luck
Del Buoy

 

[david_e]

All the advice you have been given here is sound, reading between the lines I suspect that you will want a low maintenence boat not just for economy but also for time, so I would try and steer you to as new as possible. Can't help but feel that if you spend half your first season having to do repairs etc it could well spoil the fun of all of it.

I have been watching the market closely for some time and little appears to be moving, so look for boats at around £30k at present and bid low. Also look at the private classifieds and across the water in France as well. I have seen a 32' boat in the UK at £52k and the same boat in France at £42k (VAT paid), both with brokers. Likewise I have seen the same boatagain, private ad, in the UK start at £50k and is now down to £45k, a more realistic price.

A couple of others to think about, Jeanneau do a nice Sun Fast 26, have seen 1-2 year old one like new at £30k, Beneteau do a First 260, which is a bit lively but might suit someone with your dinghy experience, it is roomy inside. A few around below £30k, both are the sporty types that you will enjoy and quite likely will have some warranty with them.

Best of luck and let us know your shortlist and/or what you end up with.

 

[chippie]

As you have experience of dinghy racing make sure you get a boat that will satisfy your need for high performance. Most of the hot keelboat skippers I have come across have graduated from dinghies.
Good luck.

 

[Jono]

Thanks for your ideas. Sun Fast 26 sounds very nice - but I think that's out of my budget range...

I really like the sound of the Etap 28i - but I've never sailed one - I've read a lot about them - and I've chatted to Etap people. I think Etaps are generally a quality boat? Would you say? Thing is - no-one who's ever sailed one or has one has ever said - oh yes fantastic boat - go for it!

I mean at one stage I had my heart set on a year old Jeanneau 24.2 - but then having talked to people on this site - I think a slightly bigger and beefier boat is a better option.

Regards,

Jono