Chosing a New boat

[Davydine]

Hi All,

Well after a couple of false starts a couple of years ago we are finally in a position to go out and buy ourselves a new(er) boat, and I would appreciate the input of you all....

We are looking at something about the 33 foot mark that will provide us with better sailing performance than our current boat (A Macwester 26.... so not too hard there!!) More importantly to us is a comfortable home from home, a boat that will look after us when it gets rough, has enough space to cope with guests (we have a lot of sailing freinds and family) or for children should we be blessed with the little angels and also not too deep draft as we sail out of a tidal marina on the Essex coast.

All this for about the £35000 mark plus or minus a bit!

To give you an idea of what we like we are very interested in a Westerly 33 (we have previous experience of this type) and also a slightly newer Moody 34. Which would you choose and what others should we look at...

Over to you!
David

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[waterboy]

How about the Westerly 33 Bridgedeck Discus. The after cabin, though really a large single works a treat with the young 'uns as it is so cosy and private. There is good security, as opposed to the earlier 33 centre cockpit with its separate entrance to the aft cabin from the cockpit. I know that the discus centre cockpit had a tunnel leading back from the saloon but if it was an adult wanting to get aft, it had to be an adult limbo dancing pygmy to get through. My bridgedeck sailed beautifully in all sorts of weather and I only sold her 'cos I needed even more space.
If you decide on a discus, you will not be disapointed.

<hr width=100% size=1>I never make the same mistake twice. I always make new ones.

 

[Mudplugger]

I suspect that you will find the W33 exceedingly suitable to your needs, built like a brick outhouse, superb seaboat, sails far better than given credit for, stacks of room, and easy to get at everything for maintenance purpose. Had mine for 15 years and she took us to Germany, Holland, France & Belgium with never a problem, Crews ages started at 10 & 17,(finished @ 26 &33) the only reason for selling was the arrival of grandchildren! One could argue the point about the walk- thru, cos as the crew got older the seperate stern cabin gave all of us a little more privacy......Like you sail on the East Coast, so if you go down this route, happy to help. ..... Tony W.

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[Davydine]

Thanks for the input, there are pros and cons to the centre cockpit version and we will look at both, but I think that our preference is for the seperate aft cabin. The 33 we have looked at has a complete canvas cockpit enclosure which makes the aft cabin feel more a part of the boat rather than stuck on at the back! also two single berths is probably more flexible than a double for our needs.

I agree about the walk through version. Probably a waste of a decent cockpit locker!

I am particularly interested in the moody 34. The fin keel version draws less than the westerly which is good for our situation, and the aft cabin looks excellent on the plans. Unfortunately it is more expensive. I would like to know if there any more downsides. I am sure that people will let me know if they have any serious problems!

Thanks
David

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[yoda]

I would agree with the comments onthe W33 sailing performance, I have always struggled to get past them, I just wish I had their waterline length! They do sail well.

Yoda

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[PeteMcK]

I'd expect the M34 to cost a good deal more than your budget - say 45k minimum. Once you're up to that price, you can start looking at, e.g., Bav 32s. New.

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[SimonD]

If you're thinking Westerly, how about a Tempest? Thirty-one feet, twin aft cabins, spacious heads, over 6 foot headroom in cosy saloon, large chart table, tons of stowage, superb safe comfortable cockpit design, sails well.... I could go on, but then, I'm biased.

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[Davydine]

Yes you are right, but I have seen a Moody 34 advertised for under £40K and we may be able to stretch that far if the 34 would be a suitable boat. I expect that it will be a basic spec for this money but I can always upgrade instruments and add things like heating and Radar over the next few years...

We will also be looking at the Moody 33 (preferably the Mk2). I have sailed a friends and was very impressed. The only problem for me is the headroom in the heads, but I could probably live with this..

Thanks for your input
David

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[Davydine]

Hmm Wasn't aware of the Tempest but have had a look and they do look quite interesting. We were looking for a centre cockpit boat because I sometimes find the berth under the cockpit a bit claustophobic, however the Tempest certainly ticks a lot of the boxes so I will try to have a look on board one.

Thanks

David

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