Colvic UFO 27 MK2 vs Jeanneau Fantasia

[adrianjones]

I am considering purchasing a UFO 27 MK 2 (Fin Keel) or a Jeaneau Fantasia 27 (Bilge Keel).

From limited knowledge it appears that the Jeanneau is a nicer layout of boat - particularly interior but the UFO looks a superior build quality and I anticipate will be a better sailor.

Does anybody have experience of either of these 2 boats or able to offer advice?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Gin]

No knowledge of Fantasia but I liked the look and reputation of the UFO 27 when I was looking for a boat a couple of years ago and nearly bought one.

I found the PBO article from their copy service very useful

 

[Strathglass]

The Jeanneau is a much friskier boat than the UFO 27.

If you are planning any longer sea voyages there is no real choice.

If however you were going to stay inshore and could arrange things that you never get caught out in nasty weather and the boat was used as a weekend cottage in a marina then the Fantasia would be better.

The Fantasia is a nice boat to sail but will take a bit more handling in heavier weather than the UFO.

Iain

 

[adrianjones]

Thank you for your advice. I want the boat for sailing on the West coast of Scotland - in a wide variety of weather conditions (not just fair weather sailing!). Many outings will involve an overnight stay.

I really like the look of the Jeanneau the most (particularly as we will frequently be staying on board overnight and it has the best interior layout), but am concerned that it wont be up to sailing in some of the rougher conditions.

Is this a genuine concern or do you think it is good enough to cope?

 

[Strathglass]

I think it is a genuine concern.

The Jeanneau is a well laid out boat which would appear to offer a lot of benifits.

Although the layout of the UFO may initially appear to be less user friendly and smaller inside.
It is a much better sailing boat which will look after you and your family better.
This is especially the case when the weather gets worse.

Of course you could cruise in a Fantasia but on the Scotish West coast you would find that the UFO would match the weather conditions better.

Iain

 

[gibbo26]

I have a hustler 25.5 (the UFO's smaller brother) and a friend had a fantasia, we could always outsail the fantasia and the fantasia would somtime tack by its self (but never at the right time)
So I would say for fine weather sailing and good comfortable interior the fantaisia has it.
but if the conditions worsen or against a foul tide, go for the UFO

 

[sailorman]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a hustler 25.5 (the UFO's smaller brother) and a friend had a fantasia, we could always outsail the fantasia and the fantasia would somtime tack by its self (but never at the right time)
So I would say for fine weather sailing and good comfortable interior the fantaisia has it.
but if the conditions worsen or against a foul tide, go for the UFO

[/ QUOTE ]

i have the 25.5 & UFO 27s big brother NO Contest
Go for the Holman & Pye everytime (IMHO that is)

 

[wcarpenter]

My UFO 27 has just been sold, SWMBO wanted a nice new white plastic boat with a shower. But I miss my UFO been out in some rough weather in her and always felt safe. She does not like to carry to much sail in a blow (boat not SWMBO) will keep rounding up in gusts unless you reduce sail. Will fly along on a no. 4 jib and two reefs in the main in a blow with just a little weather helm. I could go on but I think you know where I am comming from.
Good luck with whatever you buy.

 

[sailorman]

Er
Im not buying /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Aja]

I have seen plenty of Fantasias on the West Coast. With due regards to the conditions it is a good small family boat. Wouldn't be that happy being caught out in a blow (anything over F5 in exposed water) in it with a family aboard.

We looked at one a long time ago. SWMBO didn't like the 'aft' cabin - far too small a boat to be able to accomodate 2 adults in any degree of comfort. I would stick the kids there.

A much better boat if you can get your hands on them id a First 29. More expensive - but far superior.

I would worry about selling on an older type of boat these days.

Donald

 

[Kristoria]

Hi if you live or sail in N wales you will probably know my old 27 as she still resides where I took her following her first launch in Pwllheli, N. Wales.

They are far better boats than many give them credit for and my particular boat the same name as my None de Plume was substantially constructed down below of solid teak, consequently she was no racer but on a broad reach she would get in a groove and whistle along.

Race her, try and keep up with the fleet, pinching and as some one said earlier, she'd round up faster than a spinning sixpence. Still given that I had larger boats before her and after however I would not regret returning to her and would love to sail her again. My advice - Buy one they are not far off free.

 

[bendyone]

For space and cabin layout the Fantasia is best, but the UFO is a better sea boat, Its a hard call, I looked at one as well as a Gibsea 76 which is very simular but in the end brought a Hunter 26. Has the same layout as the Fantasia but the chart table faces the other way so you dont lose day cabin space. I felt the Hunter was a better sea boat than the Fantasia.

 

[michael_w]

A lot of UFO 27s are home finished from mouldings. Fit out can be excellent or awful. A fair number have Petter engines, which are to be avoided. I used to sail one a long time ago. Sailed reasonably, but no racer, despite being designed for the quarter ton (IOR) rule.

Never sailed a Fantasie, though I have been aboard one. Seriously impressed by the layout and use of space on such a short waterline. Yanmar engine and a lift keel. She'll sneak into the smallest anchorage.

 

[strathenry]

I keep a ufo 27 in Oban and have just today decided to think about selling her (to buy a 34) but am a little reluctant because she has served us so well. We've extensively cruised Scotland in her (from the firth of forth to Inverness and from Ireland to Skye and she's shown herself to be a very seaworthy boat in all conditions (including a force 10 off Jura)I
can't recommend the design enough (whether or not you're interested in mine) graham

 

[strathenry]

PS (and i'm not sure if you're allowed to do this on these kind of forum) my email is strathenry@aol.com if you're interested - i haven't yet placed any adverts.

 

[Seapepper]

I had a ufo 27 from 1999 to 2006. It was a tall mast version with lead keel with ballast bulb on the end of the keel. I have had experience of quite a few boats of around that sizr but must say that the ufo wos the one which I always felt most secure in. Sailing to windward at the top end of force 7 was quite comfortable but downwind sailing without the spinnaker was rather sluggish. She was a home completed boat with superb build qulity and a boat which I can unreservably reccommend.....apart from the rather cramped accommodation.
Hope this helps you.