Cruising yacht for £3000, suggestions for make and model?

[R.Ems]

An old mate is going to buy a small cruising yacht, but he is fairly skint. Such as £3k initial price, with more in reserve for commisioning.
I am giving him all the usual advice, but I don't know all the different names of possible makes and models, to search online and get to know what's out there, and view a few. (Based London/ S.Coast)
Me and other sailing friends have all suggested similar..a 1970's English built, GRP bermudan sloop. 24' to 28' long, ish.
Scruffy but complete, hopefully a diesel inboard. Fin keel or bilge. But everything has to be flexible at this price point.
We will be giving him lots of help and advice, to steer him on the right course. He's done some sailing but not skippering, and is keen and practical with tools etc.
I don't know of all the types from that era, I can think of Hurleys, Westerlies, Marcons, but I know there are lots of others of similar description, and if anyone can name any it would be great, cheers for some potential names if possible!

 

[Wansworth]

Macwester

 

[Wansworth]

Try Andrew Seedhouse

 

[R.Ems]

Try Andrew Seedhouse

Good idea

 

[Stemar]

We had a Snapdragon 24 (the 747 is the same hull) for nearly 20 years and it was a great little boat. Not the best to windward, but goes well enough off the wind, and tough as old boots. One big plus is a separate heads, which isn't common in that size.

Definitely look for an inboard diesel, and don't walk away from anything wooden in that price bracket, RUN!!!!!

 

[doug748]

A Trident 24 would be worth looking for. Best not to be too ambitious in size at that price point. Here is a Hurley that might fill the bill:

Hurley 24/70 Sailing yacht - 24 ft - 7mtrs | eBay

It's well worth checking Ebay if only to see some of the duffers and get an idea of the run of prices. Buyer beware though

 

[wombat88]

Jaguar 21 or 25?

 

[LittleSister]

In that sort of price range there are many decent potential boats. Don't get hung up on looking for a particular model.

The condition is more important, together with how well it is equipped, and especially the soundness of the engine and the ability to obtain spares for it.

When you've identified a boat or two that look like contenders, you can research their strengths and weaknesses. All boats are compromises, and you need to find one who's compromises suit the intended use.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Surprised no one has put a word in for the fastest most seaworthy boat ever built.

Anderson 22

 

[SaltyC]

Westerly Cirrus and Pageant sprink to mind, Hurley 22, Tomahawk, Pandora.... etc.
Lots to choose from look at all, find a cared for example then research the model.

 

[RivalRedwing]

Anything by Hunter at the price point... a Duette.. for instance

 

[PhillM]

Just bought a Corribee (21 bilge keeler) for quite a bit less than that budget and have budgeted another couple of K to get her properly seaworthy. You can pick up some decent ones around the £3-4K mark but tbh I wanted a down-at-heel one so I can refit her to my taste and expectations.

 

[ProMariner]

Albin Viggen, little sister to the Vega, should be in the price range, great boats.

 

[ashtead]

I guess it depends on planned usage but maybe a vessel with an active members assoc might be of use to a newbie -clearly Westerley scores here as many wise forumites can no doubt attest. I guess if looking for a small 24ft boat you can race say the choice might be different to a pottering daysailer type. How many crew does the friend propose to sail with and what are their comfort expectations if any? I once sailed a Formula 1 out of itchenor having slept on board but will the crew expect more comfort ? so another source of inspiration might be a day sail around chi harbour in summer to see what attracts etc.

 

[Concerto]

I once sailed a Formula 1 out of itchenor having slept on board but will the crew expect more comfort ?

I used to own a Hunter Formula 1. A great boat to race, but accommodation was very limited with only an Elsan as a toilet. In the 4 years I owned it, I never slept onboard, used the cooker (single burner) or used the Elsan. It was used as a pure day race boat. When racing I stayed on my parent's 37ft boat with mine tied alongside.

 

[R.Ems]

Cheers for the well-informed suggestions..he just wants to cruise, definitely not race. We are developing a short-list to view and I will go with him.
(I cruised and lived aboard a Hurley 24/70 back in the daze, for a few years, so in many respects I got the T-shirt..)

 

[V1701]

Put your parameters in to Apollo Duck & see what comes up, also worth looking at what's on ebay & Facebook if you're on it...

 

[Concerto]

It might be worth visiting local boatyards to see if they have any abandonded boats they want to offload. Recently a reasonable Mystere 30 was sold by my marina for peanuts to a chap who was going to tidy it up and sell on. I know several people who do this with motorboats and they can make so real money as they know others with storage containers full of secondhand engines and parts.

The best advice will always buy the boat in the best condition as it will cost less in the long run as it will need less "new" parts. In the section of the market you are looking at, it remains a buyers market. So you do not have to worry so much about other potential buyers snapping a boat up in minutes after it is advertised. If you can find a boat from someone selling it as they are swallowing the anchor or from the estate of someone who has passed away, these are usually the better buys. Also check out local yacht club notice boards for boats for sale. If you do find a boat you like, check if there is an owners association as useful advice can be gleaned on potenial problems or possibly others for sale. The bigger owners associations like Westerly, Moody, Hunters, Sadlers, etc all have active associations.

About 10 years ago PBO did a series of articles on small sailing yachts by Peter Polland (ex part owner of Hunter Boats). I have tried to find a link for you but someone else may be able to find it for you as this would certainly guide you to most of the available models that could meet your friends budget.

 

[Concerto]

These PBO articles contain some pointers to some boats worth seeking out.
Coming of age: the 1970s yacht designs that have stood the test of time - Practical Boat Owner
Popular classics - 1980s yacht designs that are still making waves today - Practical Boat Owner
Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Is this the ideal size for a yacht?

Not mentioned before but a Pioneer 30 from the 1960's would be close to budget and be a good boat to sail and stay onboard.

 

[doris]

Surprised no one has put a word in for the fastest most seaworthy boat ever built.

Anderson 22

I think Ben Ainsley has cleaned out the market of all A22s