Frances 26, talk me out of it!

We just bought an MG Golden Hind 26 cos we thought she was pretty. And that was in spite of various things turning up on survey. Also had to borrow money.

There is never anything remotely sensible about buying boats!! Think you should go for it...
 
I would think there must be useful differences between the cutter and sloop rig versions ,but thats for you to decide.
Worst case scenario ? You outgrow it in a couple of years so you resell it,no problem.
Drawings
 
Hard on the wind I would say she was not as quick or as close as something with a modern fin keel, but off the wind and with a fresh breeze she can be as quick as boats a fair bit bigger.

Get one where the rudder has had its cut-out filled in (or get it filled in yourself) as it makes steering much more balanced.
 
Well Dyflin, 26' should be fine for a single-handed yachtsman. Over time you may wish to think about a cockpit tent cover and a cabin heater. Legs, although buggers to carry, may allow you to beach in suitable places.

I now raise the question of 'her'. Will she tolerate the coziness of 26'?
 
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What about a Spitsgatter - the real thing? is going for only £5,000 and you get tons of character chucked in too.
 
Im sure I will get shot down for this but I allways liked the look of the Frances 26 until I saw one pitching like crazy moored to a pontoon in a bit of a chop. All the boats werre pitching but the Frances noticably more.

The Frances may have been badly loaded or something ,no way for me to know.I have read accounts of them being great sea boats so maybe this only occurs when they are moored.
 
There's a victoria 800 (same boat with more cabin) on a swinging mooring near me and I've watched her lie quietly while the other bigger boats were moving around quite a bit. I also spoke with the owner of a hans christian forty something which has a canoe stern and he sang it praises. But I'll take a closer interest during the next NW'ly when the harbours a bit more exposed.
 
I remember my first boat show with about a tenner in the bank and not even able to afford the Albacore dinghy that was being offered to me cheap and in instalments. I stepped aboard a Frances 26 and loved her instantly. Well my first boat was an ancient Fantasie 19, then a Sigma 33. However I never forgot the Frances. Deciding I wanted something smaller and more docile I revisited various boats, and courtesy of a departed parent managed to acquire a Vic 800. Much admired and envied by many with larger boats. The stern access on a Frances is better, via the quarter berth. Have a look at the website. www.victoriashadow.co.uk. Unless my life changed and I became a liveaboard I will stick with mine..a great boat. Go for it.. remember..shrouds have no pockets.
 
Forgot to add..mine sits at anchor better than the Sigma 33 ever did. Yes the Twister may be more close winded but the Frances draws a lot less. And the forepeak is more comfortable. Solidly built as well.. talk to the sec of the association...a yard once dropped his onto the pontoon..she bounced I believe but the surveyor who went over her couldn't find a single thing damaged. PM me if you want more info.
 
[ QUOTE ]
No reason to walk away. I just bought a pretty boat, pretty irrationally. And yes now I have to pay it off, but who cares?

Well apart from SWMBO, of course. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I have just had a look at your blog and if the first couple of pictures in that are your new boat it's a beauty
Rob
 
You can get much better deals for borrowing dosh than the marine mortgage route,
if you have an existing mortgage you can get a loan on that at say 5 or 6% depending on your mortgage company.
Also many unsecured loan companies out there at 6 or 7pcnt a marine loan will be somewhere in the region of 10 12pcnt. Shop around.

By the way don't do it, its too good looking.... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Oh just a thought re finances - even if you go against all the advice & buy her (she does look good doesn't she??) get yourself a separate credit card that SWMBO don't know about, for all the extra boat bits... sneaky I know but saves an awful lot of explanations & withdrawal of favours. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif


poter
 
Ah Dr Liz... you'll be good for the money since that nice Mr Brown has been so generous to the doctors... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Seriously have a great time sailing her and welcome to the forum
 
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