Hunter 245 vs Beneteau 25.7

[Sailing steve]

For the sailing you describe she would be ideal, albeit you would need some sort of code sail for lighter airs, which with her standard sails is probably her weak point

It's probably more important to buy a good example of a used boat rather than have your heart set on one particular boat because in the broad brush age and price range under discussion you'd easily spend a big chunk of the purchase price again on new sails or a replacement engine if you bought a wrong 'un.

As far as the Ranger 245 goes a Code 0 sail is essential in light winds and with a bit of practice it's easily hoisted and recovered even single handed and can be goosewinged when running too. Makes a huge difference.

 

[WorcesterMan]

One of the nice things about a smaller boat it's nice and easy to pop the kite up. The number of times we have been sliding along nicely under spinnaker while the big boats rattle along at the same speed under mainsail and diesel, or even just diesel

agreed: smaller spinnakers are fun whereas larger ones are daunting (or worse). I know you could have a smaller spinnaker on a larger boat but you probably wouldn't... I do like the variety of a range of sails and being able to play with them, We were lucky with our 211 which the previous owner had kitted out with an aftermarket asymmetric. The same previous owner (4 years on) is now selling his B 25.7 similarly kitted out with symmetrical and asymmetric, but he's sold the trailer that it came with making it a very expensive option!

 

[WorcesterMan]

One of the nice things about a smaller boat it's nice and easy to pop the kite up. The number of times we have been sliding along nicely under spinnaker while the big boats rattle along at the same speed under mainsail and diesel, or even just diesel

Thats a reminder of what we like about the Beneteau First 211.

 

[WorcesterMan]

I’ve listened to the collective wisdom and chosen a slightly bigger small big boat, a Beneteau First 27.7 with lifting keel. Thank you all

 

[fredrussell]

Nice! I remember one review mentioned 15kts with the kite up on a First 27.7. Very similar hull to the Mini Transat / Figaro types. Lucky blighter!

 

[mrming]

Very cool boat @WorcesterMan - hope you have a lot of fun with it!

 

[TSB240]

Really great choice for a modern lift keel boat.

We ruled it out when we were looking for a trailable yacht to take to France. It was light enough but having a beam of 3.0m legally required a Police escort. We towed a 2.8m beam and that was scary enough!

 

[WorcesterMan]

Really great choice for a modern lift keel boat.

We ruled it out when we were looking for a trailable yacht to take to France. It was light enough but having a beam of 3.0m legally required a Police escort. We towed a 2.8m beam and that was scary enough!

yes, we were seriously considering a 25.7 to trail home for the winter but absolutely everyone advised that we would not like the trailing part, and without that it was an expensive way of adding 4 feet.

 

[TSB240]

yes, we wer seriously considering a 25.7 to trail home for the winter but absolutely everyone advised that we would not the trailing part, and without that it was an expensive way of adding 4 feet.

We swapped our LK for a Hanse 301 wing as considered in your op! Had it for nearly 8 years.
It was still very much like sailing a dinghy.
I had legs for it.

If you can, get hold of a set of legs for the 27.7 as this opens up all the safe drying anchorages either in Brittany or Isles of scilly.

 

[DownWest]

Really great choice for a modern lift keel boat.

We ruled it out when we were looking for a trailable yacht to take to France. It was light enough but having a beam of 3.0m legally required a Police escort. We towed a 2.8m beam and that was scary enough!

Are you sure about that?
German resident here trailed his 3 mt beam catboat down from Germany. Yes escort, but it was OK to have a friend in front with the Wide Load sign and the lights.

 

[TSB240]

Are you sure about that?
German resident here trailed his 3 mt beam catboat down from Germany. Yes escort, but it was OK to have a friend in front with the Wide Load sign and the lights.

Yes police informed at least two days before of your planned route or a police escort.

I was checked by French Police on entry to France. They asked me to drive through a 2.9m width gauge without assistance of an escort.
I had to swing my extended side mirrors in as they were just too wide!
My only assistance was shutting my eyes and hoping I was on the centre line with only 2 inches clearance each side.

The Germann resident probably had it a lot easier with a left hand drive vehicle and a flashy mate in front!