Help: Beneteau 32.5s Bav 31 or Sadler 32?

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Considering these three boats. The Benny is good nic very well looked after but may be a bit racy for my needs although she wasn't raced (everyone says must reef earlier or spend time on my ear??) Bav 31 seems better but much more expensive (and I wonder does early reefing apply also??) and absolutely immaculate 1980 Sadler 32 deep fin with updated electrics and almost new mainsail (slab reef) and furling headsail with an engine I'm told is not original (but has been kept the same way as the boat ie immaculate) but 'could be 1990(ish) . I am drawn to the Sadler but really like the 'newness' of the other two. I've raced 'round the cans in a Benny (Oceanis 311) with friends and she could be a right handfull when the breeze got up. While I really like sailing (have been on other peoples boats for years) I've never enjoyed being overpressed - except racing and that's only if we're 'caught out' - and I prefer an easy ride. Time and speed easily give way to nice motion and seaworthiness.
What do others think? Should I be put off by all the talk (on various forums and among friends) about the Bavaria and Beneteau 'being a little too giddy'? Thanks in advance.

 

[30boat]

What year is the Benny?There's a world of difference between older and newer models.

 

[wrongfontagain]

What year is the Benny?There's a world of difference between older and newer models.

Beneteau First 32S5 (1990) Bavaria (2007) and the Sadler 32 (1980)

 

[30boat]

In this case I'd go for the Sadler.The 32s5 is flimsy and the Bavaria is volume oriented wich doesn't help it's sailing ability.
Inside space on the Sadler is very limited and it's not the best of boats downwind but it's great in a blow.And it goes very well to windward.Really ,it depends on what is important to you.

 

[photodog]

The newer Bav 31 is pretty well screwed together... but not in the same league as a Sadler 32.... Sadler you can take around the world..

We have a 99 Bav 31 which is a different article all together from the modern boats.... far less bloaty.. double spreader fractional rig... 2 meter draft.... lloyds certified build.

You are looking at 3 quite different boats.... and they will suit different conditions.... but you also need to think about accomodation and what will suit swmbo...

I would have the Sadler out of that lot, being based in Plymouth.... but I know that
swmbo would prefer the Bav.

Maybe look at some more boats around the 99-2001 vintage?

 

[BAtoo]

The Sadler 32 is a go-anywhere decent sailing boat but cramped on space and will be slower than the Bene. Will be best of the 3 in a blow. The Sadler 32 will have osmosis - they all do - unless its been treated.
You cant compare the 32s5 and an Oceanis 311; very different boats. The 32s5 will be the quickest of the 3 that you list, have loads more space than the Sadler, may need to reef before the Saler 32, but being a First have decent sail controls to enable you to control it, far faster in light airs.
Having had a Sadler 32 & two Bene Firsts (38s5 & 310) I dont think you will notice much difference in build quality. Unless its been replaced the benes Goiot mainsheet traveller and mainsheet blocks are a bit poor; but the original Sadler ones were not too hot either.
Never had a Bav - and probably wouldnt - so cant really comment - but it will be the worst sailer of the 3. Similar space to the 32s5.

So it really depends what you will do with the boat. If you really will want to go out in most weathers, go round the UK, proper long distnce then the Sadler 32 is probably the one. If like most people its day sailing, a few coastal hops, occasionally across to france Holland etc the the Bene 32s5 will be fine - and have more room.

 

[Tranona]

3 very different boats, so you need to decide what you want to do with it. Slightly odd that one of them is likely to cost nearly double the others!

Anyway you have good opinions on the differing capabilities. However, on economic grounds you have a different set of choices. The Sadler is nearly 30 years old, so no matter how good it is, it will only stay that way if you spend each year. On the other hand the Bavaria is likely to give you at least 5 years of sailing with no more than routine maintenance. So, if you just want to get out on the water with minimum hassle, the Bavaria is the choice.

 

[fireball]

Ok - I'll throw my two penneth in here ...

Sadler 32 - old style, cramped living, slow but the best of the 3 in a blow. Oh - I don't think they go backwards very well (a teaching boat had fun in Cowes once)

Benny 32.5S - all those of this model seem to be quite "racy" - this means you've got to sail the boat complete with trimming to sail it properly. I think it would tip easily & early - it will be the fastest of the 3

Bav31 - not sure I'd want a 2007 model - there are plenty of Bavs built before mid 2001 with lloyds (german) approval - these are NOT racing boats and are definately cruising boats - it won't be as fast as the Benny and won't be as good as the Sadler in a blow, but it does have living space and is reasonably stable - however I wouldn't want to sail around the world in one.

 

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Help: Beneteau 32.5s Bav 31 or Sadler 32? Reload this Page Reply to Thread

My apologies: I've only just spotted this by accident and I know it's been ages since I first asked the question. For what it's worth I eventually ended up with neither of them and decided to go for a really nice looking 2002 Hanse 301 instead with a 19hp Volvo (standard was 10) engine - not too much room down below; not the beamiest boats and headroom is tight but she feels like a nice sailing boat and we've enjoyed her now (mostly just two of us) since we purchased in Sept 09.