How to advise Legend 38

Sailfree

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An old friend of SWMBO and her hubby is seriously considering buying a 2007 Legend 38.

Now while I have owned 3 new AWB's I have always discounted the Legends and it would not be my choice but trying to be logical and analytical what are others opinions or better still personal experience.

Is it a weekend boat or could it do a X channel even if caught out in a F7? Would you cross the Atlantic in one?

A couple of important factors to them (as I understand it) is that they want a newish boat and go sailing not an old one and go repairing and also would like a bilge keel

I have always been aware that many quickly spout their prejudices rather than personal knowledge but I would like to give sensible advice/opinion.

Having just chartered a Bavaria 33 on holiday I can now understand why so many get anoyed by the Bav bashers. I agree its not a Najad or an Oyster but for bang for your bucks they must be hard to beat. We were out in 36kts of wind but only short seas but it handled all that it needed to very well.
 
As I've said elsewhere on these boards, my Dad used to own a 336, and my experiences over many channel and North sea crossings in that boat in some pretty nasty stuff suggest that Legends are quite easily capable of "being caught out in a force 7". We once sailed back across the North sea against a force 7 that rose to close to 40 knots true. It wasn't pleasant but the boat arrived safely in one piece.

However it should be stressed that it was by far the least comfortable boat to sail offshore that I've ever sailed and if my plans included regular channel crossings I would not be considering a Legend.
We have also been a regular visitor to the Legend stand at the boat shows since buying the 336 in 1996 to "see what they're up to" and have noticed a general decrease in the sailing fit out of the boats since then.

That interior is hard to argue with though.....
 
What on earth does SWMBO stand for? Is it yachting term for bimbo? I take offence!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
 
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I can even use a computer! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

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Then, FFS you'll know how to look up what SWMBO means ....
 
I would'nt have a problem with a Legend would'nt want to spend a lot of time bashing into the wind in one .. but I would'nt on any boat. They want to be sure they want a bilge keeler though, I thought I did but when I sailed a couple I realised I did'nt as the slap between the keels when beating was too offputing
 
A friend of mine has one, and spends the whole school summer holidays sailing down to Brittany and back. Massive cockpit - great for lounging around and entertaining, not so good for feeling secure at sea.

Due to the rig, it has a very tall mast and hence mainsail, with a relatively small genoa. Being quite light in weight, and with a couple of very keen crew, it goes like the proverbial off a chrome shovel.

As is it happens, my friend is thinking of selling but its about 7 years old I think, so not suitable for your friends.
 
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Is it a weekend boat or could it do a X channel even if caught out in a F7? Would you cross the Atlantic in one?



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Bit big for a weekend boat but of course it could do the channel in a F7. Very few sailing boats couldnt cope - if the crew can. Got a couple of friends who've done that ( inc the return) in a Wayfarer.

Would I cross the Atlantic in one - yes. A surprising number of my sailing pals have done that and to a man they say its a/ less stressful/ risky than sailing the bristol channel b/ bl**dy boring

To me the issues about a Legend are rather different. Questions of depreciation. Long term quality problems. Being a big barge rather than a fine sailing boat. Dont like the rig.
 
Honorific used for Ayesha, the heroine of H Rider Haggard's books "She" and "The Return of Ayesha". Ayesha is a semi-immortal demi-goddess, whose lightest whim must be obeyed instantly on pain of painful death (in "She"; she softens up a bit in "The Return"!). SWMBO is a term of respectful affection!
 
I'm sure I know of the exact boat you are talking about. I bought the 36 that was until a few months ago standing next to it at Opal's offices in Swanwick.

At the price it was being offered for it was an absolute bargain.

I really like my 36 and the 38 was a close call but in the end we decided that the smaller boat was big enough.

The 36 is rated Cat 'A' and is supposed to be OK up to a force 10 although I'm in no desire to test that out. The 38 should be rated to as least as much.

If you need any advice regarding pros and cons and the costs that are involved in getting the boat commissioned then send us a PM.
 
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The 36 is rated Cat 'A' and is supposed to be OK up to a force 10 although I'm in no desire to test that out. The 38 should be rated to as least as much.


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Cue a hundred posts about the usefulness of the ratings....
 
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