Rob_Webb
Active member
Until recently, like many boat owners, I reckon I had a pretty good grasp of what my next 'dream boat' would be as and when bank account permitted. But recently I'm stumped because I've run into a set of requirements that I can't find an easy answer to...
Background
We love our 2006 Jeanneau 42DS which suited us superbly as a couple with one child but since child #2 came along we're starting to grow out of space. Or rather number of cabins. At some point soon we will find a 3rd cabin very useful to give the boys their own space and / or to accommodate friends & visitors overnight.
Challenge part 1
What's the best used boat (can't afford new) that gives us a 3rd cabin - ideally still with a lovely aft master cabin as we have today but with 2 other decent / equal sized cabins forward BUT is max. 50ft long. I'm struggling to find a make / model that delivers this?
Challenge part 2
Here in NZ we have a Med-style climate for about 3 months of the year but then it can turn bloomin wet, cold and windy. Which reminds me of my childhood days cruising the Solent and south coast in a (now) old motor sailor with a wheelhouse and centre cockpit. The more I think about it and the older I get the more it seems to make sense! Think of a Salar 40 for example, make it 5-10 feet longer with a 3rd cabin and a bit younger. That would be ideal. Again, I can't think of a modern production equivalent.
Any thoughts gratefully received?!
Background
We love our 2006 Jeanneau 42DS which suited us superbly as a couple with one child but since child #2 came along we're starting to grow out of space. Or rather number of cabins. At some point soon we will find a 3rd cabin very useful to give the boys their own space and / or to accommodate friends & visitors overnight.
Challenge part 1
What's the best used boat (can't afford new) that gives us a 3rd cabin - ideally still with a lovely aft master cabin as we have today but with 2 other decent / equal sized cabins forward BUT is max. 50ft long. I'm struggling to find a make / model that delivers this?
Challenge part 2
Here in NZ we have a Med-style climate for about 3 months of the year but then it can turn bloomin wet, cold and windy. Which reminds me of my childhood days cruising the Solent and south coast in a (now) old motor sailor with a wheelhouse and centre cockpit. The more I think about it and the older I get the more it seems to make sense! Think of a Salar 40 for example, make it 5-10 feet longer with a 3rd cabin and a bit younger. That would be ideal. Again, I can't think of a modern production equivalent.
Any thoughts gratefully received?!