Choosing a boat for the UK

stiknstring

stiknstring

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We took our boat out to the Med some 5 years ago and enjoy our albeit infrequent visits there every year. Although I remind myself that the weather in the UK motivated taking the boat to sunnier parts, I still hanker after a small cruiser/racer to keep in the UK to share with my two adult sons and occasionally with my wife (who prefers the comfort and warmth on our Med boat). I have looked at a number of boats in the sub-30' (and sub £30,000 secondhand) range and keep returning to the Beneteau 27.7 with lifting keel (important to me as I intend to spend some time solo and creek-crawling). It almost ticks the box for my two sons (in their early twenties) who are keen on racing except that the boat is a dog upwind (although a flier downwind) and the rating means that it is rarely a pot-gatherer.

So, what I am looking for is the following:

Secondhand
Sub-30' LOA
Retractable keel
£30,000 - maybe to £35,000
Comfortable enough for occasional weekends for my wife
Racy enough for my two sons
Inboard diesel

I have run my eye over the Contessa 32 (too big?), Sadler 25 (too small/old?), POGO range (too expensive) and a number of dedicated racing boats (need cruiser element for comfort).

Any ideas from forumites what to look at?

Many thanks to all for helpful suggestions, Alan
 
Lots of old cruiser/racers out there for not much money.

Get something that race well and do some round-the-cans.

Something like a GK29 or Sigma 33 are good value and do both jobs well (race and cruise). First 27.7 is a good choice also and a lot of fun. Also worth looking at things like the Hunter Impala?
 
The Beneteau 27.7 isn't a bad shout. If it weren't for the creek crawling part of the brief, I'd suggest an Archambault Grand Surprise.
 
stiknstring said:
We took our boat out to the Med some 5 years ago and enjoy our albeit infrequent visits there every year. Although I remind myself that the weather in the UK motivated taking the boat to sunnier parts, I still hanker after a small cruiser/racer to keep in the UK to share with my two adult sons and occasionally with my wife (who prefers the comfort and warmth on our Med boat). I have looked at a number of boats in the sub-30' (and sub £30,000 secondhand) range and keep returning to the Beneteau 27.7 with lifting keel (important to me as I intend to spend some time solo and creek-crawling). It almost ticks the box for my two sons (in their early twenties) who are keen on racing except that the boat is a dog upwind (although a flier downwind) and the rating means that it is rarely a pot-gatherer.

So, what I am looking for is the following:

Secondhand
Sub-30' LOA
Retractable keel
£30,000 - maybe to £35,000
Comfortable enough for occasional weekends for my wife
Racy enough for my two sons
Inboard diesel

I have run my eye over the Contessa 32 (too big?), Sadler 25 (too small/old?), POGO range (too expensive) and a number of dedicated racing boats (need cruiser element for comfort).

Any ideas from forumites what to look at?

Many thanks to all for helpful suggestions, Alan
Click to expand...

Do Contessa 32's have "retractable keels"? ;)
 
alant said:
Do Contessa 32's have "retractable keels"? ;)
Click to expand...
I always thought the Contessa 32 (one of my dream boats) was a long fixed keel. Don’t think there was a lifting keel version.

Not my favourite boat but if you want a boat that can be used for cruising as well as a healthy racer the Westerly Fulmar seems to have a good reputation, however if I was looking at that type of boat I would rather go for the Sadler 32. But neither of these are lifting keel. The Ovni is a lifting keel but I think it would be over budget.
 
Thanks everyone. Some interesting suggestions. I think the lift keel is going to be a stretch as there are not many types with that type of keel, hence why I also took a look at the Contessa 32 and others. maybe that will have to go by the wayside as a requirement....
 
Thinking about it, you should be able to get a lifting keel version of the Beneteau Oceanis 311 for that sort of budget.

A little over 30 feet, it's Groupe Finot designed hull is that of the First 31.1 which itself was based on that of the original Figaro. I once sailed a lift keel one down from Cherbourg to Trebeurden, and she sailed pretty well - the draught with the keel down is about 7' IIRC.

A quick look shows a nice tidy example for sale with Red Ensign. Maybe they'd accept an offer in line with your budget. http://www.red-ensign.com/boats/beneteau-oceanis-311-2/
 
Last edited:
Parker 31 - not that many around but sail very well indeed, or if you can find one in budget a Parker 325. Big brothers of the similarly fast but cramped interior Super Seal 26.
 
E39mad said:
MGC27 - there are some lift keel versions out there - lovely Rob Humphreys design
Click to expand...

Just make sure the transom has been reinforced so that the rudder won't pull off splitting the transom open and if left on a mooring the keel is locked either up or down. (Both observations based on actual incidents). Also check the Volvo 2001 which is fitted to many as they are prone to overheating and a pig to work on.
 
Praxinoscope said:
Not my favourite boat but if you want a boat that can be used for cruising as well as a healthy racer the Westerly Fulmar seems to have a good reputation.
Click to expand...
I sail a Fulmar and can confirm they are easy to sail and are fast. They were built in 3 keel versions- fin, bilge and lift keel. Finding a lift keel is definitely difficult to find as only 6 were built.

Definitely find one well within budget, so plenty of cash available for any improvements/upgrades.
 
Last edited:
Bobc said:
Lots of old cruiser/racers out there for not much money.

Get something that race well and do some round-the-cans.

Something like a GK29 or Sigma 33 are good value and do both jobs well (race and cruise). First 27.7 is a good choice also and a lot of fun. Also worth looking at things like the Hunter Impala?
Click to expand...

My marina neighbour has a Ben 27.7. Has just done a quick return crossing to NW Spain and back.
 
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