Cranchi 34, views and advice please...

Nautorius

Nautorius

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Following on From Jez's post I have been noting interest in Several Zaffiro 34's. The reason is that I like the quality/style/layout and the fact most have Kad 43's...so whoosh. On a downside interior cabinetry is white melomine and the covers are useless (but can get decent ones for 2.5k)

So what is the forums views? They do not sell fast in the UK, but still maintain their price (artificialy) and in Europe there are several that are 'seriously for sale' and therefore can be got at a good price. Just had a quote for £2750 +VAT to get one back here so what do you know that would stop me.

In the med most seemed to be owned by Brits who use them to holliday on and are fed up of not using them enough and paying a fortune. Marina renewals are now landing on peoples mats and they are all willing to do deals. This, has, overnight knocked up to £15k off the price of them which makes them considerably cheaper than an S34. But all second hand boats are taking a hit at the moment, so why are Zaffiro's taking a bigger one?

Before I book some flights I need some advice. I also still have my current boat so would need a great deal AKA Jezbanks, to make me go for it. If I buy at the right price I can let mine go at a price to get rid.

I have been on Zaffiros and seriously looked at one for the Med a few years (4) ago with my Bro. We thought they were perfect for the Med but queried them for UK. Do Italian sportsboats work in Rainy cold UK?

Looking forward to the grief,

Paul
 
I was looking at them, and liked the layout, earlier ones very good vfm, but not keen on the white interior. Later ones have wooden interior, but then they became more expensive.

Sports boats can work in the UK, with good canvas: I prefer not to have a tender garage/sunbed on the back, instead more seating, so the Zaffiro should work well in the uk. Off-white gelcoat is not to everyones taste, although more practical, really.

Hull shape is beamy and not very pointy, but only compared to the offshore class. I've always liked Cranchis...

dv.
 
I have a friend who has one. He's done loads of hours (600 plus) since he bought it new 4 years ago and not had a problem. Although called 34 I thinks it's over 37'. The only down side I've seen is the bolt on bathing platform. When they did a make over they should have intergrated it rather than bolt one on IMHO. Good for 36 knots and plenty of cockpit space. Shame about the dodgy fit out inside.

Nice boats, I almost bought one a few years ago but the waiting list was to long so ended up with what I have now.
 
We narrowed our choice down to the Sealins S34 and the Zaffiro 34.

Had a look at several Z34's in Majorca/Menorca last year. They are a very popular charter boat out there and most of those for sale were ex charter and somewhat the worse for wear. When you actually see the condition of them they appear overpriced!

It struck us as a great med boat, good use of seating in the cockpit, huge bathing platform and cushions on the coachroof, also quite a sexy look as well (when the covers are off!).

Didn't hold up very well down below though. Felt pokey - especially the aft cabin, lousy carpets and all the bare GRP looks a bit cheap we thought. Does seem that Air Con is more or less standard though. The downstairs layout may feel a bit unwelcoming in UK condition I think - alright in the Med sun though.

Worth repeating that the ones we saw all looked well knocked about so I would have a good chat with the broker before you spend any money booking flights.

In the end we went for a 2002 S34 because the one we got ticked all our boxes.

Martyn
 
Very nearly bought a new Z34 last year, but bottled out due to the size and went for 25ft instead. I must say that it seems a fantastic boat and apparently the handling is superb. Cranchi only send 8 new ones a year to the UK so you have to plan in advance if you want one.

We also looked at a couple of second hand ones, the new ones have a very bright blue work surface and dark blue carpet which is difficult to keep clean, whereas the older ones were very white. With the twin cabins the lounge space seems quite small, but then you can't have everything in 34/37ft. The cockpit is very white with white canvas that could be a nightmare to keep clean, but very roomy indeed.

I was at LIBS a few weeks ago to find my next years boat, but could not really settle for one as we still have to get this years one due to unforseen circumstances, it should arrive in time for the Yarmouth BBQ. I will wait and see how this years boat performs and if we will be ready to go to 34/37 ft next year, only problem is if I want a Z34 for March next year then they may be sold out by SIBS.

All in all seem good value for money.
 
I did a week-long cruise from northern Italy, via Venice (see the pic in this month's MBY...my copyright, by the way...must send them an invoice) to Slovenia and Croatia. Three of us on board, covered a lot of miles, and the boat was excellent. As the others have pointed out, it's a great Med boat but not necessarily perfect for UK weather. Build quality was good, layout is nice, and in good weather the large cockpit is a great place to hang out. We had a couple of pretty rough days and the Zaffiro handled the rough stuff very capably. If you can get one at a decent price, I'd go for it.
 
Thanks guys, advice sound so far, please keep your views opinions coming.

Glad to see you all back up what I have heard, my only problem is what the prices should be.

Both Med boats. one is a top spec 2001 Kad43's and one owner. Only used as a day boat and Imaculate. The other is a 2000 with Kad 43's, 2 owners. Second owner had young kids and used it for hols and so some of the interior cussions are stained.

Both have not been chartered, are very clean externally, have Teak Platforms and 2 fridges etc.

So what about a reasonable price to pay given current market.

Thanks

Paul
 
Thanks Tom,

That is great information. Glad to see three men found it Ok for space. We always use the cockpit as we Entertain a lot so we only use downbelow in the morning and at Kids bedtime so we want twin cabins + cockpit space. There are only 3-4 of us regualrly on it to sleep so plenty of space for all.

Glad to hear the handling is as good as I remember it, especially as the Thames gets very rough with an easterly wind! We will be blasting it to S.Coast, France CI's etc so that is a definite consideration. If all goes to plan it may also end up back in the Med but we are a few years away from that.

Thanks

Paul
 
VFM is the main driver at the moment. With Limited cash flow this year we can not get a V42 so we will go sensible. Are considering most 34/37ft boats but at the price we want to pay we are strugling with the age of them. The Cranchis seem to be the best value at the moment, however last year when we looked they were well above what we wanted to pay. I think people are presuming the Zaffiro 32 is a like for like replacement, when it is completely different. This may have a short term effect so may strike while the boats are in our range.

Thanks

Paul
 
Kelly,

I am not too sure about Marex because there are not that many around, but the Windy's are still holding their value well. They also have a higher new price so that takes them to an Targa 34/37 level of resale.

Paul
 
Hi Paul,

Yes he did replace the covers and if you ever think about doing the same I suggest you come and have a look at the way they have been done. He put a lot of thought into the design and did an excellent job. My covers will need replacing shortly and I intend to copy his ideas.

It's been done so that if the covers are up you can split the screen cover for better vis and the unzipped screen clips on and covers the instruments to protect them from water. Also all the rear covers are seperately zipped for untold variations and can all roll up onto the arch with no need to remove them.
 
There is a little trick you can do if you are making new covers for a Z34, you extend the top of the canopy just a wee bit, like a tail, this then lets you sit with your back upright instead of hunching on the rear seat when the canopy is on /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I purchased a 2000 Cranchi 34 last year kitted out with all the 'toys' etc.... I looked at numerous other boats with my £90k budget - S34, didnt like the cockpit, Sessa 35 pokey down below, Fairline 34 1999 version didnt have a walk round front berth, whereas the Z34 had everything I wanted in terms of space and layout. I also like you spoke to several owners who all spoke really highly of them. The biggest thing that swung it for me was the handling and performance vs the others and the overall build quality. Cant remember the detail (perhaps some one else can help here) but the method of GRP and hull construction is different vs its rivals which gives it a point of difference. There is a surveyor on the south coast called Tony McGrale who is very knowledgable about Cranchi's and he speaks very highly of them and has a lot of insight into their build quality (more than me!).
I guess like most things there is a comprimise namely:-
White canopy, looks better with blue.
White fittings below are not everyones cup of tea
Navy Carpet - not too sure.
On the plus side, leather upholstery (i have a 2yr old)
Bigger aft cabin vs S34
loads of storage
Kad 43's
lots of cockpit space.
the other thing is its LOA is over 37ft.
I found overall that it was best value for money for me, I think I viewed every Z34 for sale in the UK under £100k.
If you want to send me a PM I'd be happy to give you some more feedback.

Nick. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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