Chasing the dream

[Geordiedreamer]

Looking at buying a Contessa 26 for a family cruiser, want a good solid boat. Any comments on other boats to look at? for around the same sort of money as a secondhand Contessa 26.
Many Thanks

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[johna]

Hi
You say you are looking for a family cruiser so have a look at the Sabre 27 web site www.sabre27.org.uk
The Contessa 26 is a fine sailing boat but restricted in accommodation and headroom for family use.
You will see on the site what boats are for sale. I would expect them to be similar in price to the Contessa.

Johna

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[oldsalt]

The Contessa is a superb boat, but being based on a Folkboat would have a lack of space for family accomodation. How about a Vega, or a tomahawk? Or perhaps a year old Bav 38? (only joking, before defensive Bav owners put finger to keyboard....)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Neal]

Halcyon 27...

is a very fine boat of similar style to the Contessa, but slightly larger - surprising the big improvement it has on the amount of room below. A very powerful boat in heavy weather to windward. A real beauty.

I regret selling mine some years ago.

Invicta is good too - very comparable to the Contessa.

Also worth a look -Albin Vega (personally, the looks aren't quite as good as the others mentioned, and I'm not keen on the propeller being above the rudder), Cutlass 27, Folksong (you see them advertised very cheaply, often home completed).

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Avocet]

Re: Halcyon 27...

I have a Cutlass 27. On the "plus" side, it's a lovely boat to sail with a nice easy motion, light helm and a reasonable turn of speed (for a 20' waterline!) The downside is that there's no space down below, it doesn't go astern the same way twice under power and it's initially quite tender but stiffens up at around 20 degrees of heel. They seem to be quite cheap compared to the Contessa.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Geordiedreamer]

Re: Halcyon 27...

Thanks for all the help, I'm new to the site and think the interest and help supplied by more experienced boat owners is invaluable. I've made an offer on a Twister 28 but don't think they will accept it. But there is a Halcyon 27 for sale locally as well. Needs a bit of work but if it's a decent boat I suppose I can get it just the way I want it, and would probably be more rewarding doing the work myself.
Thanks again................

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dickh]

Re: Halcyon 27...

Also look at a Jaguar 27, excellent boat and faster than a Contessa 28 with a new genoa!(as I found out on saturday!) For the Jaguar website see<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.unisonfree.net/paul.absolon>http://www.unisonfree.net/paul.absolon</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[SABREMAN]

I recently got hold of a Sabre 27 after looking at a Liz 29 and considered others such as West. Centaur and Contessa 26. I'd agree the Johna that the Sabre offers better accommodation than the others and the sailing performance is acceptable too. Still a few outstanding jobs to do but the basic package I bought allowed me to start sailing straight away with SWMBO and the dog. Good luck with your search.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[sailbadthesinner]

agree with above comments
but any of the sabre albin or contessa will do.
i think that often first boat is a learning curve so you will probably change your mind or want somehting more bigger or a challange after you have had it a while. so buy a boat in as best condition as you can and keep her that way or better ( budget allowing)

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=red>I can't walk on water, but I do run on Guinness</font color=red>

 

[Little_Russel]

Re: Halcyon 27...

You will not go wrong with a Twister. We had two on the trot and they are superb. You are correct to go for a good solid boat which will look after you, both at sea and financially in the long run. It is always better to have a boat that handles well out at sea rather than in the marina.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[sailbadthesinner]

Re: Halcyon 27...

speak to twisterken (where is he btw?)
check any scuttlebutt thread and he is usually on there and you can pm him
about twisters
he is the resident board expert about all things twister
nice boats


<hr width=100% size=1><font color=red>I can't walk on water, but I do run on Guinness</font color=red>

 

[DavidmWood]

Re: Halcyon 27...

I have a shipman 28 for sale in Northshields if you are interested. It is in realy good shape and worth a look. give me a bell on 0191 296 2070 and we can talk further.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[polarity]

Re: Halcyon 27...

Re Halcyon 27, by the same Manufacturer and designer is the Nantucket Clipper... which there just happens to be a link to below!

<hr width=100% size=1>Paul
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.polarity2.com/Clipper.htm>http://www.polarity2.com/Clipper.htm</A>

 

[JeremyF]

Jaguar

There's a very nice looking one for sale on www.myboatdetails.com Seems in nice condition and a decent price

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=red>Jeremy Flynn/forums/images/icons/crazy.gif
Dawn Chorus</font color=red>

 

[wishbone]

Try looking at the dutch boat sites most are in english, good boats, good prices!

Wishbone

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Geordiedreamer]

Thanks guys for all your advice. It help me alot. Looking round the Jaguar 27 or the Halcyon 27 seem to have a bit more room for the family. And now I like the Nantucket Clipper. Thought choosing a boat would be easier than this DOH!!!
Don't get me wrong I'm loving every minute reading up on all the different boats people are suggesting, but then I get to the stage of not knowing which one I like the best. Still would really like the Twister might have a word with SWMBO. Put another offer in. Still plenty of time, sailed dinghies for a lot of years now hooked on bigger boats for the family. Going to do some courses before I venture on any bigger voyages than poking my nose out the harbour and a sail around the coast nearby.
Thanks again, no doubt I'll be posing some other questions soon!!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Viking]

I started, with family, on a Maxi 84 (28ft) good safe family boat (rode 3 gales no problems) with two cabin areas and separate heads. Lots of headroom and storage. Sold her a few years ago and how brought another over here. They go for about £17/18K.
Good Luck

<hr width=100% size=1>