halcyon / elizabethan / twister?

the elbowing seems to be over, so “thanks” are in order – and here are some thoughts for future searchers of forum keywords…

my starting point was a list of boats below 15k, between 27-30 ft with a reasonable reputation. Centaur could be in but reputed slowness went against. The second number in the list is average price based on boats currently on yachtsnet, last number is Portsmouth yardstick.

Halcyon 27 - 9k
Albin Vega - 11k - 1114
Trapper 500 - 11k - 1063
Cobra 850 - 14k - 1135
Elizabethan 29 - 14k - 1080
Elizabethan 30 - 14k - 1021
Nantucket Clipper ketch - 14k - 1038
Hustler 30 - 15k - 975

My OP question was really about the boats I felt to be “classic” from this list. Twister was added because one with seemingly good spec is on the market a _bit_ over budget (but most are 20k min). The Clipper was omitted because of ketchiness. Vegas known to be solid but less pretty to my eye.

The classic folkboat based designs (halcyon, liz 29 and twister) fall into three price brackets - 10, 14, and 18+k.

If there was no family to consider, Halcyon seems top value. But with a need for a bit more space (and secret lust for speed) I’ll be teetering towards Liz 30 (virtually none for sale) or Hustler (kicks ass?). Twisters look loverly but a tad pricey.

Noted the tips for Shipman, Jouet and Arpege - latter seem to have lack of forward windows - makes them gloomy?

Thanks to all and especially those who added the detail and advice (leave budget in hand, go for a sail, don’t buy tatty etc)

Keith
 
Can I make an alternative suggestion, MG Spring 25. It has the speed you seem to like, within budget, good accommodation and younger than some of the boats you are considering. I shouldn't be posting this as I'd like one next!!
 
Out of interest the original Yachting Monthly write-up is here for the Halcyon 27

But as said earlier, test sail before you decide, it is your boat, not the forums.

Best of luck in your quest.

Brian
 
[ QUOTE ]
Kim Holman Designed some very nice boats /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Holman & Pye carried on the tradition /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
i am not Bias @ all /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
whence your bias sailorman? do tell.
 
JolieBriseAshore.jpg


a bigger UFO 34
 
thanks for the link.
yes a fine Yacht to sail very rewarding & stiff as old boots 52% ballast ratio. none of this reefing every 5 minutes stuff.
docile under motor in tight spaces, prop kick like a mule so us it to advantage.
we are the 2nd owners in 29 yrs & just completed 11 yrs of ownership last week /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

cheers
roger
 
I couldn't agree more about Holman and Pye. My Centurion 32 designed by H&P in '68 and my partners Oyster 26 in the late 70's - both sail beautifully and look (to my eye) very pretty. The '26 is a revelation to me achieving so much in such a small package.

Jeff.
 
Here's a couple of Swedes to add to the confusion. Both with pretty good accommodation.

Scampi, damn fast even by today's standards, quirky looks though.

Albin Ballad. Better looks, but not quite as quick. Still eats Contessa 32s for breakfast.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Can I make an alternative suggestion, MG Spring 25. It has the speed you seem to like, within budget, good accommodation and younger than some of the boats you are considering. I shouldn't be posting this as I'd like one next!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Not in any way in the same league as any of the boats previously listed.
So flexable that doors swing open and shut in even in a moderate sea.
Quite a handful when the wind gets up.
They are large inside but are only of use in inshore waters.
I went with my wife to try a sail on a demonstrator at Kip marina when they first came out. It was about a four and the salesman invented all sort of excused for not taking it out.

I later sailed one from Carickfergus to Kip and we were lucky with the weather on the second attempt. On the first attempt we only managed four miles in ten hours.

Fast boat but very tender. I found the eboat more seaworthy. Not that I would sugest one of those for the original posters purpose.

Iain
 
[ QUOTE ]

Scampi, damn fast even by today's standards, quirky looks though.
Albin Ballad. Better looks, but not quite as quick. Still eats Contessa 32s for breakfast.

[/ QUOTE ]
michael, v interesting last minute additions - ballad seems over budget (which seems to be creeping up) but there is a scampi around - although the price seems suspiciously low? good portsmouth no. - 974 (UFO 34 969)
any views on handling / comfort.
 
The Ballad is a good idea, you often see them asking £16,000 so worth a look.
How about a Varne 27, a yacht in the classic mould (snug below decks). See Varne Owners site for one priced at £11,000.
 
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