b0wen
New Member
As a "newbie" I'm very interested in this, what designers are recommended? Thanks
Choice of 1st boat
- Thread starter b0wen
- Start date
As a "newbie" I'm very interested in this, what designers are recommended? Thanks
Buy now and you might be ready for March 2014. How close are you to the coast for all those weekend maintenance trips?
Re. value, there is an unpalatable truth that is rarely discussed on this forum, after 35 years and zero replacements a GRP yacht is effectively worthless. Any residual value at 35 years can be attributed to wise ownership and generous equipment replacement over the decades.
I owned a Trident 24 for a few years, crossed the Channel and got as far as north Brittany. They have tough overbuilt hulls and some nice long berths ( a rare feature in 60's and 70's designs). The flat aft hull sections and spade rudder means they are no so happy in auto pilot mode.
Given your likely budget and hence age of yacht I suggest you do not limit yourself to just 3 designs, check out many local boats for sale and buy the one that is obviously cherished and fully in commission. A doting owner who has spent more than the resale value in recent years on upgrades but who has suffered a medical mishap or career change is the ideal scenario.
If the Solent is in range get yourself down to Deacons at the top end of the Hamble and look at loads of boats until you have developed a sixth sense about the turkeys and good uns.
Re. value, there is an unpalatable truth that is rarely discussed on this forum, after 35 years and zero replacements a GRP yacht is effectively worthless. Any residual value at 35 years can be attributed to wise ownership and generous equipment replacement over the decades.
I owned a Trident 24 for a few years, crossed the Channel and got as far as north Brittany. They have tough overbuilt hulls and some nice long berths ( a rare feature in 60's and 70's designs). The flat aft hull sections and spade rudder means they are no so happy in auto pilot mode.
Given your likely budget and hence age of yacht I suggest you do not limit yourself to just 3 designs, check out many local boats for sale and buy the one that is obviously cherished and fully in commission. A doting owner who has spent more than the resale value in recent years on upgrades but who has suffered a medical mishap or career change is the ideal scenario.
If the Solent is in range get yourself down to Deacons at the top end of the Hamble and look at loads of boats until you have developed a sixth sense about the turkeys and good uns.
V1701
Well-Known Member
I would add be prepared to be disappointed by the condition in which a lot of older boats are offered up for sale, but do look at as many as you can - a few hundred quid spent on fuel or train fares to go looking until you find a cared for boat is well spent in my experience...
Other threads that may be of interest
