First time buyer - yacht?

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Johnob

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I was looking at buying a yacht, around the 4-5k budget range. Something very seaworthy with a good ratio of cabin space.

Any ideas? I've seen the Achilles 24, but I believe their cabin space is very limited. Is this the case for yachts around their length in general, or is it small for a yacht of that size?

I've also seen a few leisure 20's up for sale - but ideally I'd want something that I could take outside the coastline and I've read a few posts about them, so I'm unsure if they are suitable.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Any ideas for a first-time buyer?
 
Thanks Morgana. Had a look, seems to be a few for sale. Looks the part too. Have you any experience with them?
 
I know cabinspace is going to be limited on whatever I get with my price range, but roomier the better - obviously performance is also important. Will have a look though, thanks TMLondon.
 
Only sailed them 2 or 3 times, but have enjoyed it thoroughly every time.... they have a big reputation as an extremely capable and seaworthy boat, and are sensible and practical in their layout down below... plus attractively priced!

I know they do have one known problem with the coachroof loosing its stiffness below the mast step, that is easily cured with the addition of a small mast support pillar (or compression post if you prefer that terminology), but there are many others on here who will know them and their foibles far better than I... try Silkie.... he has a lovely example of one....
 
I would recomend the Snapdragon 670, standing headroom (ok, im only 5'7", but thats not bad) bilge keel so will take the ground well, and is happy on a drying mooring. I sailed one frequently as a teenager, three of us were quite comfortable for about a week and i would have no compunction about cruising the UK and near continent in her, We sold ours for a little over £4000.
 
I have an Achilles 24 and would have to agree with you on the limited cabin space but I think that is due to the age & preferences at the time of the design (early 70's)

She has a very narrow beam (7ft) than more recent yachts so limiting space below. You also will not get standing room below.

Having said that she is a very seaworthy yacht with one having sailed from UK to NZ in the 70's. We certainly find that far bigger yachts are running for home whilst we are still out having fun.

She is very stable but wet and we give up far before she is even thinking of giving up.

If you find yourself in Dublin then PM me and we'll take you out for a sail and you can see for yourself.

Have a look at http://achilles24.users.btopenworld.com/ for more info
 
CruisingSam, that sounds great. I'm in Waterford and could make it up to Dublin during the summer. Appreciate the offer. I'll keep in touch.

Robstracey - I've seen a few, I'm only 5'4" btw /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'll look into it, thanks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Just about everything in that price and size range is going to look cramped in comparison with beamier modern stuff; it used to be the norm however and such boats have been sailed on some pretty epic trips. The designs can vary from ugly slow boxes to slinky speedsters with no room. Have a good look round. There are LOADS of boats like that - all open to a low but sensible offer. Last year a Contessa 26, list price about £10k went for £4k because urgent sale needed. Remember that sail and engine condition is crucial and don't be seduced by a project that "only needs a bit of tlc". I reckon that looking around is the best bit. If you see somebody on board a boat you like the look of, start a chat - we like to natter about our obsession.
 
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I would recommend the Snapdragon 670, standing headroom (ok, I'm only 5'7", but thats not bad) bilge keel so will take the ground well, and is happy on a drying mooring. I sailed one frequently as a teenager, three of us were quite comfortable for about a week and i would have no compunction about cruising the UK and near continent in her, We sold ours for a little over £4000.

[/ QUOTE ]
You would probably be able to go up a size to a 24 or maybe even a 747 - takes you up to 5'10" headroom. Depends though on what you are looking at in terms of "performance", to improve accommodation you usually have to sacrifice performance and vice versa.
 
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... try Silkie.... he has a lovely example of one....

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TFT Morgana *blush*

She is indeed a fine boat for the money and LOA with Atlantic crossings aplenty. My old and probably now abandoned blog Plain Sailing? gives a flavour of how a novice and an H22 cope together. This thread elsewhere Brilliant! describes one of Morgana's H22 experiences!
 
Great, thanks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Something to read to pass the last hour in work. Going to check it now. You guys are all awesome. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Endorse everything said about the Hurley 22, I've sailed one a few times and very much enjoyed it. The Westerlys also have a good reputation.

Because they are so well known and respected both are relatively expensive for their size and condition; given your limited budget you may want to consider less well known marques where you may get more bang for the buck. My first boat, a 27'er, cost me £1500 a very few years ago. Albeit that I put some more money into sorting it out, it still cost half of your budget. It was a one-off, a pleasure to sail, had crossed the atlantic twice, so sea-worthy, and is now being enjoyed by another forumite.

So worth looking at cheaper less well known boats on eBay, ApolloDuck etc.
 
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