Finnsailer 34

[Sandgrounder]

As a few of the assembled members will know, I am seeing what might be suitable for my next boat. I have seen details of a Finnsailer 34 which looks like a lovely boat. Sadly the example I have seen has teak decks which is a no no for me.
I know nothing about these boats; does anyone here have any experience of them?

 

[Tranona]

They were popular - at least on peoples' wish list, when they were new. However very few were sold for obvious reasons, but particularly price. They were very closely related to Nauticats both in design and target market. So the emphasis is on motor rather than sail and the layout and equipment reflects their home market. Think you will find they all have teak decks - one of the defining characteristics of the style of boat, although of course the deck may have been removed and not replaced by an owner who balked at the cost.

Like many old (30+ years) custom built boats they require dedication and probably deep pockets to keep running to the high standard set when built.

 

[Sandgrounder]

Thanks for this Tranona. It looks lovely and given the fin and skeg design I thought it might be a reasonable performer if not up to modern bendytoy standards.
This was the boat which provoked my question; looks nice but probably needs a new engine soon so 40k ish overall: http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Cruiser/finnsailer-34/106655#BDt21Jdzc4Xugq9C.97

 

[LadyInBed]

I had then on my shortlist some time back.
This info may be useful

 

[jwilson]

I'd be far more worried by condition of 35 year old teak decks than by a 35 year old Perkins engine.

The Finnsailer 28/29s and 35s were long keel motorsailers, the 34 and 38 fin keel, and reasonable sailing performance.

 

[Sandgrounder]

As you'l see in my original post I'm not keen on a teak deck, even if in good condition; too much upkeep. I doubt that it could be removed simply so it would need industrial quantities of Teak Oil and a lot of regular hard work.
If overhauled completely, would you regard a 35 yr old Perkins as a reliable proposition?
Good to hear about the sailing performance though; I think some of the opinions offered refer to the long keel boats. Of course what was regarded as good sailing performance may be thought not to cut the mustard now. I'm not unduly concerned about anything above a good cruising performance; I have a Piper to get the blood going!
My shortlist at present seems to be: - Rasmus 35; Moody and Westerly 33; maybe a Nicholson 38; Finnsailer 34 fin keeler.

 

[Tranona]

As you'l see in my original post I'm not keen on a teak deck, even if in good condition; too much upkeep. I doubt that it could be removed simply so it would need industrial quantities of Teak Oil and a lot of regular hard work.

Never, never use teak oil on teak decks. If the deck is sound, maintenance is minimal. Just wash it a dose it withy boracol a couple of times a year.

The worry with teak decks is not the upkeep it is the repairs or replacement that is the killer once it does go.

 

[Sandgrounder]

Why not teak oil? I had a daysailer with a teak capping to the toe rail, teak tiller and teak benches which were all oiled three times a season. Is it that oil might make it too slippery?

 

[Tranona]

Why not teak oil? I had a daysailer with a teak capping to the toe rail, teak tiller and teak benches which were all oiled three times a season. Is it that oil might make it too slippery?

Exactly - plus it encourages mould growth and some oils have additives and when it evaporates it leaves a residue.

The whole idea of teak for decks is that it can be left bare and just washed, while retaining its non slip. There are treatments to seal it and retain the fresh bright look which are popular with the powerboat brigade because of the importance of dockside posing. However rarely used on yachts where functionality is more important.

Treating solid trim is different, although even then oil is not very good for exposed timber as it has a limited life and you need to regularly top it up. There are far better coatings for external teak than oil if you want a good looking low maintenance long lasting finish - but that is a debate for a different time - although it does come up on here regularly.

 

[Sandgrounder]

Thanks. Your advice is valued

 

[clyst]

Have owned a 34 and lived aboard for the last 6years . Pm me if you want info from an owner .