Hauraki Gulf vs Solent?

[Rob_Webb]

After nearly a year in NZ I'm finally getting around to seriously searching for a boat. Given my budget, the options basically fall into 2 categories, namely locally designed and built kiwi baots versus European (esp. French) boats. Many lovely kiwi boats (e.g. Townson) have ruled themselves out due to headroom (I'm 6'2") but the current contenders include Farr 1020, Lotus 10.6, Wright 10.6, Cavalier 36 and the like. I want a cruiser with a reasonable performance but not too racey, hence the Farr probably also drops out. To be honest, the European designs tend to offer me better accommodation and headroom for the same length and so are very tempting e.g. Gibsea. But I'm receiving mixed reports about the 'unique' sea conditions of the Hauraki Gulf and how the local kiwi designs cope very well (e.g. Lotus) whereas some of the Euro designs really struggle in the short, steep chop (e.g. Beneteau).

Can anyone with experience of the Gulf versus Euro waters comment? I struggle to believe that a boat that deals with the Solent well would be flumoxed by the Hauraki Gulf? But maybe I'm wrong?

Any comments/thoughts gratefully received. I don't want to shell out for a Euro design and then be disappointed by performance in my home waters!

Thanks
Rob

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[elenya]

Hi Rob

My money is on a Cav 36. A good solid boat with a great performance. I've sailed one in Cook Strait, no problems. That particular boat had circumnavigated with no problems, husband and wife team. Ive sailed lots in the Solent and H Gulf on Ben, Gen, Bav's and found them all to pound in choppy conditions. The Cav seems to have a slightly better motion, although traveling faster. Not as much room inside, but good headroom.
Unless your bying a long keel heavy displacement vessel its not a real sailing boat!!
Enjoy the summer cruising, reccomend G.B.I for good fishing, diving and quite anchorages ( as long as you keep away from the main ones!!)
Jim D.

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[pugwash]

What's unique about the Hauraki Gulf (apart from the fact that it's the prettiest sailing water in the world)? Don't see why a boat could be good for one and not the other, except in the Gulf I'd want a BBQ on my pushpit.

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[Rob_Webb]

Hi Jim

Thanks for that. I thought that might be the case. I'm familiar with the Solent and if the Gulf is comparable then I know what I'm getting myself into - and whilst the Euro design might be less than perfect under sail I'm happier with the accommodation side of things. But if the Gulf is signifcantly worse then I'd be worried enough to think again about priorities. I liked the Cav 36 too although it had rather pinched ends, especially around the stern, resulting in a much narrower cockpit. But then the Lotus was the other extreme and the cockpit was too big and wide with lack of bracing points I felt, esp. being tiller not wheel.

Your bio looks interesting by the way - where are you currently based/living aboard? I live out at Gulf Harbour.

Rob

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