choosing a boat

[feef]

Interested in hearing ideas on good live-aboard boats. Owned a new Fisher 34 from 1986-1989. Not had a boat since.

I am cosidering a used Fisher 34 or 37. Need the protection that a wheelhouse offers. I am a British Citizen resident in Norway -intend opertaing from UK/EU with UK registered boat. Is a Fisher as good quality as the Northshore brochure insists? I read that an F37 was dismasted in Biscay this summer, though that can happen to any vessel if the 'stringy bits' are worn or not adjusted properly.

I was pleased with my F34 but never really got the chance to use it properly. Please resist the temptation to say that a bathtub with a mast sails better! I want comfort and sturdy construction. I dont' want the leeside rail under the 'og' while sailing, and I don't want a multihull.Otherwise all comments and viewpoints welcome.

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[feef]

Don't all shout at once! I can't hear what is being said.

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[bruce]

the fishers are the boat of choice for me, but don't have the money, they arn't the fastest, but will get you there and back, and out of the bad weather, with a/c etc. you could do worse, but not a whole lot better. and, you liked them enough to buy one before...

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[billskip]

fisher is a good boat...holds its price well..likes a good wind..only down side is going backwards it stears like a rattlesnake with an attitude problem

<hr width=100% size=1>Bill

 

[Paragon]

Hi George

I've got a F25 and have previously had a F30, both great boats and for my current cruising (coastal & cross channel) the F25 is perfectly suited and easy singlehanded. My eyes however are on more distant surroundings eventually and I would seriously consider an F34 or 37 as my boat of choice. As has been mentioned, they may not get you there quickly but they will get you there safely and comfortably.

There is a F34 currently for sale in Spain that did the 2002 ARC, and is quite tempting as she comes well equipped as well.

Great boats and not as slow as some people think, but then I'm biased!

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[feef]

Thanks for the inputs so far.
I churned up a lot of saltwater while turning the 34 in the marina. Prop walking and full ahead/astern to make a 180 before proceeding. Trying to motor astern with the bows doing it's own motoring was too 'entertaining' for me. Next boat must have a bowthruster.
Saw the 34 at Almeria, present owner has only had it since June this year, don't know why it's on the market again.

Looking forward to hearing any comments on quality/durability of attatchments and fittings.

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[feef]

Have three adult stepchildren and 8.5 (step) grandchildren. F25/30 ain't big enough. Must have space for a guest or two now and then, though not all at once!There's a 1977 '46' in Fort Lauderdale but it's a bit too old / too expensive. Too much hassel to get it to UK I suspect.

Many thanks.

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[Paragon]

George, would agree F25/30 not big enough for what you want!

You may already be aware but Fisher Owners Assoc. at http://www.fisherowners.co.uk/ may be helpful, they also have links to dutch & US sites that are also very interesting.

Regards

John

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[feef]

Had a quick look at Owners website. Have not been there before. Look at it thoroughly later. Must get back to work for a while before starting a weekend of Fisher dreaming. Thanks again.
George.

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[wazza]

What sort of power(HP) and weight does the F34 and F37 have???

Nauticat seem similar....

Myself I have a Najad 343.... 36hp... 6500kg

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[feef]

F34 has 60-75HP 11600 Kg
F37 has 80-100HP 14200 Kg. If you can get 'em going, they don't stop!
Nauticats are lighter, different hull, maybe sail better -like the Najad. I like the Najad interior but I must have a wheelhouse, for family reasons as-they-say!



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[feef]

John, thanks for the info. I have applied for an associate membership. Hope it's not too many months before I can be a 'real Fisher person'. I see there is a 46 called 'Griffyn' in Berthon Lymington. Ad is from early this year -don't know if it's still for sale. Is the 46 a bit of a handfull do you think? Probably much more expensive to run that a 37? Don't have enough £ for either yet, but I'll get there next year.

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[Paragon]

George, I think there is a substantial price difference between the 46 and the 37 and I guess running costs also differ accordingly. I would have thought the 37 would be more than enough, particularly if shorthanded, for extended cruising / liveaboard.

Glad to hear about the associate membership, welcome to the club. There is a fairly active (albeit US biased) forum on yahoo that may prove helpful as well. If you have trouble finding it let me know.

Regards

John

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[feef]

John, an early 1980's 46 is about the same price as a mid-90's 37. State of maintenance and therefore value vary enormously esp. for a 1982 46. But on reflection I agree that a 46 needs crew, whereas a 37 will do for two 'enthusiastics'. That rules out the wife then.
I'll post a Photo when the big day arrives.

Thanks, having a look at Yahoo.

George

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[mocruising]

I went from a Fisher 37 to a Hallberg Rassy 46 with a hard top. Now I have the best of both worlds a boat that sails and a shelter to get out of the sun and weather. Both similar build quality and both good sea boats but the Fishers are never going to be described as a sailing boat. The HR has a 110 HP engine and motors as well as any motor sailor and sails as well as many sailing boats.

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