Great cruising boat suggestions.

[Allan]

We are looking for a a new boat. It will be second hand. Maximum 36 feet, suitable for an Atlantic crossing. Suitable for two people and a few guests occasionally. We've looked at Hallberg Rasseys, Najads and Malls so far and would like some suggestions for other makes/models to look at.
Allan

 

[jwilson]

Any specific reason why max 36 ft? Bigger is better at sea: faster, and usually a more comfortable motion. The HR/Malo/Najads etc are lovely boats but you are really paying for lovely joinery: a "lesser" quality 40-45 footer will probably be a better boat for the task at similar money.

For example three boats:
http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/f410915/f410915.htm
http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/t401015/t401015.htm
http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/h35515/h35515.htm
The Victory is probably the "toughest boat" in terms of absolute hull strength, the Moody will be significantly the fastest, but the HR does have rather lovely woodwork below...... What matters most to you.

 

[Minchsailor]

A Rustler 36? Ideal for 2 up + occasional guests.

 

[Andernos]

Hi,
I would suggest an ovni 365. Amazing boat. A few have been around the world.
You can check this link: chamade.ch
An amazing story with an amazing boat!

 

[pvb]

We are looking for a a new boat. It will be second hand. Maximum 36 feet, suitable for an Atlantic crossing. Suitable for two people and a few guests occasionally. We've looked at Hallberg Rasseys, Najads and Malls so far and would like some suggestions for other makes/models to look at.

Can you indicate your budget? That would make it easier.

 

[doug748]

I would invest in one of these:

http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=443513

But actually, for your spec, I think the best suited is that Rassy 352 linked to above. Superb finish, comfy below for four, sails well in light and heavy conditions.

 

[richardbrennan]

Have a look at a Westerly Oceanquest. They come in both centre and aft cockpit configurations, are tough as old boots, and would be cheaper than the Scandinavians.

 

[mobeydick]

Any specific reason why max 36 ft? Bigger is better at sea: faster, and usually a more comfortable motion. The HR/Malo/Najads etc are lovely boats but you are really paying for lovely joinery: a "lesser" quality 40-45 footer will probably be a better boat for the task at similar money.

For example three boats:
http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/f410915/f410915.htm
http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/t401015/t401015.htm
http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/h35515/h35515.htm
The Victory is probably the "toughest boat" in terms of absolute hull strength, the Moody will be significantly the fastest, but the HR does have rather lovely woodwork below...... What matters most to you.

Th Victory looks like a lot of glass/ports for a trans-atlantic?

MD

 

[Peroo]

Don't overlook Contests, particularly early ones - solid, built for the ocean and a very kindly sea motion.

 

[johnalison]

Speaking with the expertise of one who has never ventured onto an ocean, I would be more concerned about the general form of the boat than its size. One of my ideal boats would be an HR 36, because of its conservative rig and seaworthy hull. Experienced friends of ours sailed a Moody 385 back from the West Indies and they found its high volume hull very uncomfortable in anything of a sea, even though it would have been OK for Channel sailing.

 

[dansaskip]

We are looking for a a new boat. It will be second hand. Maximum 36 feet, suitable for an Atlantic crossing. Suitable for two people and a few guests occasionally. We've looked at Hallberg Rasseys, Najads and Malls so far and would like some suggestions for other makes/models to look at.
Allan

I'm biased as I own one but How about a Vancouver?
This link is for a 32
http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives/vancouver-32/vancouver-32.htm
but there are also 34 and 36 versions

http://www.vancouveryachtsassociation.org.uk

 

[pvb]

But what's the budget? Is he looking at £50K or £500K?

 

[Tim Good]

SeaStream 34? I might be biased of course

Remarkable amount of space for the size. Sleep 6, very heavily built, deep cockpit, pilot house, semi long keel and good in a seaway.

 

[E39mad]

But what's the budget? Is he looking at £50K or £500K?

Spot on - was going to say this thread is useless without knowing the budget!

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

But what's the budget? Is he looking at £50K or £500K?

Yes impossible to be reasonably specific in advising.

e.g. I know of a beautiful, near immaculate 37' in Corfu whose OCD owner (in terms of good care) is selling for around £40K (with sugar scoop and fin keel, gantry, solar etc.. etc...

Likewise I know of a 36' World girdling long keeled wooden sloop with massive bowspit and very traditional looks and build, for £58K

S.

 

[rib]

neither near 500k

 

[Allan]

Many thanks, we are looking around £60-£70k. Vancouvers are out as we don't want a long keel. 36ft is the maximum as there may be some single handing invovled. Starlights have been added to the list. One reason for the original list is the weight, we believe this is a big factor in comfort at sea. We are not fans of in-mast furling or sugar scoop sterns and prefer shaft drive and wheel steering.
Allan

 

[rib]

rival. rustler. tradewind

 

[pvb]

One reason for the original list is the weight, we believe this is a big factor in comfort at sea. We are not fans of in-mast furling or sugar scoop sterns and prefer shaft drive and wheel steering.

If you actually compare the weights, you'll find that most boats of a particular length have a similar displacement. The often-repeated myth about HRs, etc, being more "heavily built" is just that - a myth.

For a couple, in-mast furling makes a lot of sense. It keeps sail-handling safely in the cockpit and it encourages early reefing.

And don't dismiss long-keeled boats if one of your priorities is "comfort at sea".

 

[Hadenough]

We are looking for a a new boat. It will be second hand. Maximum 36 feet, suitable for an Atlantic crossing. Suitable for two people and a few guests occasionally. We've looked at Hallberg Rasseys, Najads and Malls so far and would like some suggestions for other makes/models to look at.
Allan

You really would be better off making your own mind up. This is an invitation to total confusion.