Go for a name you know or pocket the difference?

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Ammonite

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I'm not in a position to upgrade just yet but I have always liked the look of the Starlight 35 - who doesn't. There's a very nice looking 1997 model for sale at £82.5k with Red Ensign but I've spotted a 1997 Ericson 34 (34' 10") on sale with Ancasta Falmouth for £65k (I think the same boat was for sale for ages at £75k with Red Ensign) that would look to have similar sailing characteristics that if anything looks to be better built judging by the quality of the joinery, fittings etc. This is meant as more of an example rather than trying provoke an argument about which is the better boat.

Assuming no major problems with either and similar discounts on these prices what would you do? May be I'm odd but I quite like owning a boat that few have heard of (my current boat takes this to extremes) provided it's a) well designed / made and b) you get it cheap enough to compensate for the potential loss in resale value


http://www.ancasta.com/boat_details...p2PJ1rMcfuxLOEjIO1VqumafIA65vei3VbuM9CM2VnQ==

http://www.red-ensign.com/starlight-35#.Ug8ZTZBwaaw
 
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You would have to view both boats to be able to judge whether the Ericsson is actually equal or superior to the Starlight. In that case, and with your preference for owning boats no one has heard of, it is easy, take the Ericsson.
But having seen the pictures and the inventories, I think the Ericsson has had a harder life as a charter or school boat, and the Starlight seems particularly well cared for. I would not hesitate and fork out for the Starlight, but then I may be biased, as I have a Starlight 39 with which I am extremely satisfied.
 
Fair point about the degree of wear and tear although the Ancasta photos aren't much cop so it's hard tell without seeing them in the flesh. Having said that there are two older Starlights on Yachtworld, both of which look to have more wear than the Ericson. Both of these are on for £65k and date from 91 and 93.

Mortgage doesn't get paid off until next year so I have plenty of time to ponder :)
 
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chaktoura said:
Fair point about the degree of wear and tear although the Ancasta photos aren't much cop so it's hard tell without seeing them in the flesh. Having said that there are two older Starlights on Yachtworld, both of which look to have more wear than the Ericson. Both of these are on for £65k and date from 91 and 93.

Mortgage doesn't get paid off until next year so I have plenty of time to ponder :)
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The older Starlights were built by Sadler, the more recent by Rival Bowman. I am told the standard of joinery is higher on the Rival Bowman boats. Of the early Starlights quite a few were bought by clubs or schools and these boats will have worked hard. But speak to Moodynick of this parish, a refit can work wonders.
 
chaktoura said:
Fair point about the degree of wear and tear although the Ancasta photos aren't much cop so it's hard tell without seeing them in the flesh. Having said that there are two older Starlights on Yachtworld, both of which look to have more wear than the Ericson. Both of these are on for £65k and date from 91 and 93.

Mortgage doesn't get paid off until next year so I have plenty of time to ponder :)
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A lot depends on feeling. As far as price is concerned, a French magazine recently compared three second hand yachts for sale at the same price. A surveyor then looked at the work required distinguishing between essential and desirable. When the work was costed the values were wildly different.

Therefore it's difficult to judge on asking price only. That is a starting point.
 
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Fully appreciate the comments regarding price and condition. I guess my question is given two boats with similar levels of wear and tear do you go for the higher quality boat that you have never heard of or pay a premium for a popular marque.

I'm firmly in the first camp - just interested in the thoughts of others.
 
I cannot comment about the Ericson but I do own a Starlight 35. I have found it to be a superb sailing boat - I have been out in it in 40kn gusting 55 and it behaved safely with no breakages. Indeed we were the only boat in the race to make the upwind turning mark. Construction is good - woodwork solid and well made but not quite swedish standard. Stowage is excellent with huge deck locker space but the cost of this is internal accommodation less spacious than a benny of the same loa. I would sum it up by saying its in many ways a modern recreation of the contessa 32 with a similar balance between sea worthyness and accommodation.

If you want to chat, pm me with your phone number
 
chaktoura said:
Fully appreciate the comments regarding price and condition. I guess my question is given two boats with similar levels of wear and tear do you go for the higher quality boat that you have never heard of or pay a premium for a popular marque.

I'm firmly in the first camp - just interested in the thoughts of others.
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I think the resale potential always needs to be kept in mind.... All things being equal I would go for something evergreen and popular... Ergo easier to sell and more likely to retain value.

In terms of the two you out forward both seem remarkable value for very good boats... How much would a new starlight 35 cost now?? 160k?? 62.5k for a 34 footer built by Pacific Seacraft???

Why anyone would buy something new is beyond me... If things were a little bit more bouncy I would have that starlight in a flash... Though keeping that blue hull and teak in decent nick would probably be my undoing.


Anyways.. To put another one on the table..... This is what I would buy over either...

http://www.watersideboatsales.com/used-boats/boat-details.php?BoatID=4187518
 
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I was a massive fan of the Mystery 35 until I went on one. Great looking boat but definitely built to a budget. The quality of joinery etc really didn't impress. Not in the same league as a Rustler for example
 
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photodog said:
In terms of the two you out forward both seem remarkable value for very good boats... How much would a new starlight 35 cost now?? 160k?? 62.5k for a 34 footer built by Pacific Seacraft???
]
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180 k base price for the last one built by rustler yachts. My 96 boat was 120k from bowman

And you wouldnt go for the mystery when it came down toit pd - simply not the same league
 
Starlights are at the more attractive end of the modern market, to my eye.

But a blue hull, teak decks and a Vovo engine are a bit of a treble whammy.
 
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Bosun Higgs said:
180 k base price for the last one built by rustler yachts. My 96 boat was 120k from bowman

And you wouldnt go for the mystery when it came down toit pd - simply not the same league
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Not anywere near as big.... I would be keen to see how they compare Under sail... The starlight is undoubtedly a better all rounder..... But the mystery has more RAF than the starlight...

I suspect your right though... Given a straight choice the starlight makes a lot
More sense.
 
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