Corvette 320 vs Swift Trawler 42

[LadyJ]

I'm looking for views on the two boats and what way you would lean if your short list was these two boats. My cruising will be a fair bit of solo or with my wife albeit the two kids or one of our friends (couple) joining periodically. Main cruising ground is the West Coast of Scotland but with further trips to South Coast or France envisaged. I will also use the boat as a 'floating office' but very much still on the move. Budget would be an early ST42 and accept the Corvette is prob a bit cheaper but that isn't a key deciding factor but may come into play.
Any views welcome.

 

[superheat6k]

I don't know about the Swift Trawler, but at ~10' longer it is going to offer a good deal more space.

However, with the Corvette you are getting a decent aft cabin and plenty of space for two adults, with two decent size guest berths fwd. And they can cruise to the SOF through the canals.

If you have dogs or kids the wide side decks are excellent. I regularly use mine as an office.

Handling is great and I find it a doddle to single hand, with decent cleats at the ends and midships for short handed berthing.

Website for the Corvette Motorboat Association below. PM me or make contact through the CMA if you want to know more. Non owners are welcome to join as associates and there are no fees. There is also a listing of those for sale presently, at least one in Scotland I am sure.

If you want a sea trial on one let me know and I will see what can be arranged. Mine is on the Hamble.

 

[Bandit]

Big size difference and probably age difference.

Beneteau is I believe a planing hull ?

Also consider Aquastar 38 in the Mix.

 

[LadyJ]

However, with the Corvette you are getting a decent aft cabin and plenty of space for two adults, with two decent size guest berths fwd. And they can cruise to the SOF through the canals.
.

Thanks for your reply and appreciate the information. You mention the canals but would you be happy with the Corvette's ability to go round past the Bay of Biscay and down to the South of Spain?

 

[superheat6k]

Thanks for your reply and appreciate the information. You mention the canals but would you be happy with the Corvette's ability to go round past the Bay of Biscay and down to the South of Spain?

Whereas they can handle rough weather as well as any other 32 footer and indeed better than many, I wouldn't personally want to be more than 30-40 miles off shore, so for the Coastal route port hopping say up to 200 miles then just fine. Tankage is around 212 gallons so at 7-8 knots reckoning on a conservative 3-4 mpg the safe range based upon 2/3 tank capacity is ~400 miles.

Rough weather in the Bay of Biscay is very predictable, so providing you are prudent and in no rush then no problem. Make sure all your paperwork is impeccable before you enter Portugese waters / ports.

 

[rotrax]

A fellow owner of the marque of sailing boat we have had a Beneteau Swift Trawler.

I am not sure if it was a 42 but it was a biggish boat.

He gave it back after the second time its shaft seals leaked causing severe water ingress.

He said it was fabulous value for money but the quality he was used to-he is an Island Packet owner-was absent in spades.