Simple way of avoiding damaging things with electric winch - only use 2 turns round winch and never use self trailer in electric mode. Countless times this has meant that the rope slipped slightly when something jammed - rather than cause any issue.
There is plenty of debate about that on here. With suitable gear sometimes a medium sized boat with modern gear is easier to single hand than a small boat - more stable platform, better below decks autopilot, bow thruster and an electric winch. But the costs go way up beyond the OPs case.
True except for parking I think. 32ish definitely a sweet spot for that.
Depends on your method. Solo I use a rope from centre cleat back to genoa winch - plus bow thruster with remote control.
What I should have said is that 32 foot is a good compromise between having a bit more space but still being easy-ish to park, assuming it has relatively good handling characteristics.Depends on your method. Solo I use a rope from centre cleat back to genoa winch - plus bow thruster with remote control.
No stepping onto any pontoons until secure. Sometimes put kettle on before going down onto pontoon.
If leaping ashore and man handling is your preference then clearly smaller is easier - but frankly for hand parking 27 ft is better than 32ft.
I think you're spot on.
Not sure what the 2005 era Dufour 34’s go for…..almost ordered one of those, back in the day….Sharp performers / capable cruisers….
As noted by others, I think we've seen the reason for the low price - the cracked perspex and bow damage indicate a hard life to me. Will probably find other worn out stuff if you look more.
I can't recall now whether it was this boat where he said the engine hours weren't known. He did say it will definitely need servicing.
I think your caution is very wise.
Reckon that your instincts are sound…as they have been throughout this thread…..when you find her, she’s going to be a cracker….. Happy Hunting…..You will know her, when you see her!
If that's your view now, cross this one off your list. Lingering doubts will never allow you to enjoy ownership. Plenty more fish in the sea.
Cheers John!
Couldn't agree more.
Really good point. My words yesterday were "I'd like something for now (i.e. my current skill level being low) but where I have some room to grow so that I don't need to upgrade later". It's finding that balance where I think "this is the size I want now and it caters for what I want later". Just so long as later isn't an ocean crossing on a 50ft boat otherwise I'm going about this the wrong way!
Absolutely. I agree I should not base my choice heavily on that! The alternative to that is I don't have any big boat sailing friends (though I'm sure a membership at where it'll be berthed will sort that!)
I don’t understand why the owner isn’t paying to get these issues sorted out, and at the very least sticking the running rigging through the washing machine. Always be wary of anyone selling who says “that will only cost about £800 to fix”. In my experience it translates to “the replacement part will be £800+vat”! Similarly brokers must have unusual relationships because a “couple of thousand” actually means three (+vat!). If a job is easy and relatively cheap to do then it makes no sense not to have done it already whilst it is sitting on the hard.
You’ll be surprised - all your friends will now be big boat sailing friends! Most of my friends have never sailed at all or perhaps sailed a dinghy on a Neilson holiday but will happily join us and get involved - the trick is not to scare them.
