HARDY 27 : Opinions please and alternatives

[SHUG]

Thinking of moving from sail to power.
Intend to explore the European canal system and pop out to the Med to cross to Mallorca and other islands which I have previously visited in a 43ft sailing yacht. The Hardy 27 with single inboard diesel looks a good prospect for my needs but are there any other suggestions for a boat of similar size which can take a bit of sea.( Budget less than £50K)

 

[longjohnsilver]

Channel Islands 32 is a great boat, should get a decent one for 50K. Had one for about 9 years, loved it.

 

[SHUG]

Thanks for that. The old Nelsons (32 and 34) also look like a possibility but the engines are getting a bit long in the tooth!

 

[Ramage]

Can I suggest you contact Boatone on the Thames Forum... he recently purchased a Hardy 27.

 

[bumpy_the_dog]

You could get a get a good Seaward 23 for that budget, or an older Seaward 25 with smaller engines. I believe the Seawards were inspired by/evolved from the Chanel Islands, and they are often the first choice when moving from sail to power.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Yep Seawards look the business. Could also consider Aquastar, Aquabelle, Lochins, Nimbus to name but a few.

 

[Firefly625]

Some have mentioned Channel Island 32 and Nelson's etc, and Seaward.. all very nice, but for similar age boat to a Hardy 27 you will not find any of those upto £50k.... Seaward 23's maybe, but too small...

...but why do you want to find something else when you have found perfection, just stick to your initial idea and get a Hardy. I have a Hardy Mariner (and moved from sail to power) and am smitten with her. She is really well built, takes a big sea incredibly well for her size and is economical (and that is with the Yanmar 230hp). Hardy 27's generally have Volvo power, 100-150hp, some have twin engine applications and layout is nice. I do prefer the ever so slightly more modern looks of the Mariner, but there's not a lot in it! Or why not go for a Mariner, she will tick over very nicely at canal speeds and will cruise happily at 16-18knts for any longer hauls intended..

a nice Hardy Mariner for sale;

http://www.boatshed.com/hardy_25-boat-36225.html

and another..

http://www.ybw-boatsforsale.com/Boats/45411-Hardy-Mariner+25

a Hardy 27 for sale;

http://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/37136/

and another, with twins

http://motorboats.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=181503

...my Hardy..(not for sale!)

 

[SHUG]

Excellent leads and alternative suggestions. Thanks