I don't think the boat i want exists - prove me wrong!

[Growltiger Girl]

We have recently purchased a Princess 35 which is a very nice boat but I know we made some compromises. We went for the dinette version as the galley is a little small and I need food prep spill-over space. This meant we compromised on not having a second cabin. Some of our guests will are ok with not having a cabin but there are some who like a little privacy. Ideally what we want is:

2 cabins
2 heads but could live with one
A separate dinette but if not then a bigger galley than on the P35
Saloon to be at least as big as the P35
No longer than 42 feet
NOT an aft cabin as I don't like the high exposed back and it's difficulties this brings about when mooring alongside when in canals.
Not steel
Good outside space (we like the P35)

I'm no sure such a boat exists as I think it may only be possible to fit so much into such and such a length. We are prepared to go a bit longer (up to 42ft) but will that be enough for us to get the second cabin and either a big galley or a smaller galley with a dinette opposite/alongside.

Looking forward to hearing people's thoughts.

 

[Hugin]

I realize it's a different kind of boat than your P35, but it checks all boxes on your list.... maybe bar one

2 double cabins Check
2 ensuite heads Check
Galley with big dinette opposite Check
Saloon at least as big as P35 Well, yes and no. The lower deck is fairly spacious, but the saloon you probably was thinking of is actually the aft cockpit on this boat
No longer than 42ft Check
Not steel Check
Good outside space Check. Better than P35

Here it is: http://www.rioyachts.net/en/yachts/parana-38/

Notice there is also a 3 cabin layout with only one head - not suitable for your needs, I guess

Probably pricey as it has only been on the market for a few years

 

[Whitelighter]

I know you said no aft cabins but have you looked at the Sealine 390/410/F43?

It's an aft cabin but has a low stern with aft cockpit and swim platform which is not much higher than a conventional FB.

It would tick every other box
View attachment 49119

 

[Jurgen]

I realize it's a different kind of boat than your P35, but it checks all boxes on your list.... maybe bar one

2 double cabins Check
2 ensuite heads Check
Galley with big dinette opposite Check
Saloon at least as big as P35 Well, yes and no. The lower deck is fairly spacious, but the saloon you probably was thinking of is actually the aft cockpit on this boat
No longer than 42ft Check
Not steel Check
Good outside space Check. Better than P35

Here it is: http://www.rioyachts.net/en/yachts/parana-38/

Notice there is also a 3 cabin layout with only one head - not suitable for your needs, I guess

Probably pricey as it has only been on the market for a few years

Will take 2 but only if the crew are included lol

 

[paultallett]

Will take 2 but only if the crew are included lol

Good to see the crew are fully equipped with buoyancy aids!!

 

[oldgit]

Surely its the Princess 388
http://www.princess.co.uk/about-us/princess-yachts-heritage/

 

[Greg2]

Are you sure you don't like aft cabin? Many designed with European canals in mind and the cockpits aren't usually exposed......quite the contrary as they are usually enclosed with a canopy which has the option of being opened up for fresh air.

I am biased because we are on our second but they will probably tick more of your boxes than many other types. Worth looking at Brooms/Atlantic/Haines/Westwood etc

 

[Cashbuyer]

K

Are you sure you don't like aft cabin? Many designed with European canals in mind and the cockpits aren't usually exposed......quite the contrary as they are usually enclosed with a canopy which has the option of being opened up for fresh air.

I am biased because we are on our second but they will probably tick more of your boxes than many other types. Worth looking at Brooms/Atlantic/Haines/Westwood etc

Agree. Best boat we had for the river was an aft cabin (Broom). Never had to leave the boat for locks/mooring as you just stand and throw the rope over the bollard with a good safe rail between you and the drink. Brilliantly steady in the wind and so easy to handle. And we had two showers, large galley and the best privacy with guests ie an aft cabin with ensuite shower. Get one with a covered deck which gives you a good cockpit area and,hey presto, all your boxes ticked.

 

[salar]

Will take 2 but only if the crew are included lol

The helmsman wasn't keeping the course very straight but with that sort of distraction on board I am not surprised.

 

[Biggusstickus]

I realize it's a different kind of boat than your P35, but it checks all boxes on your list.... maybe bar one

2 double cabins Check
2 ensuite heads Check
Galley with big dinette opposite Check
Saloon at least as big as P35 Well, yes and no. The lower deck is fairly spacious, but the saloon you probably was thinking of is actually the aft cockpit on this boat
No longer than 42ft Check
Not steel Check
Good outside space Check. Better than P35

Here it is: http://www.rioyachts.net/en/yachts/parana-38/

Notice there is also a 3 cabin layout with only one head - not suitable for your needs, I guess

Probably pricey as it has only been on the market for a few years

Thats surprisingly well put together...... and so is the boat!

 

[Erik C]

Low and slow, perfect for canal cruising.

http://www.boarnstream.com/classic-line/40-classic-line-ok

 

[benjenbav]

Obviously the perfect boat doesn't exist. Get compromising like everyone else!

 

[Imperial One]

Are you sure you don't like aft cabin? Many designed with European canals in mind and the cockpits aren't usually exposed......quite the contrary as they are usually enclosed with a canopy which has the option of being opened up for fresh air.

I am biased because we are on our second but they will probably tick more of your boxes than many other types. Worth looking at Brooms/Atlantic/Haines/Westwood etc

+1, well said Greg.

Eric C - Boarnstream are very good, we used to be their agent and they are much better than equivaelnt looking craft BUT they are Steel and the OP does not want steel:encouragement:

 

[Erik C]

+1, well said Greg.

Eric C - Boarnstream are very good, we used to be their agent and they are much better than equivaelnt looking craft BUT they are Steel and the OP does not want steel:encouragement:

Well, only the hull is steel, the rest is fiberglass so that could easily be overlooked.

 

[Growltiger Girl]

Thanks for all the responses. I should have mentioned that we want the boat to be able to cope with sea voyages around the CIs, West Country and the Med.

Absolutely NO steel. We've seen what happens when it corrodes and I don't want to become food for the fishes.

The Sealine range looks interesting and we will take a look. I know they are aft cabin but the deck at the back looks low-ish and fairly easy to hop off alongside banks. Hubby is keen to keep under 40/42 feet in order to keep engine size/fuel consumption/marina fees etc etc manageable. I know the after cabin has a compromise in a low hanging ceiling over the bed but we are keeping our minds open. We will go and take a look at some.

Can anybody recommend any Sealines on the market at the moment in the 38-43 foot range.

 

[Whitelighter]

There are plenty. The model that ticks all of your boxes is the390/410/F43 range.

This will give you two cabins, two heads and a dinette plus big galley and a saloon much bigger than your P35.

The 390 was introduced in 1992 and was in production until it morphed into the 410 in 1994/1995. The 410 gained a longer flybridge and swim platform. In 1998 the model was updated subtly again in 1998 and became the F43. It continued production in this guise until 2007. It represents one of sealines most popular and enduring models.

Early 390 biats can be bought for £60-£70k, 410s around the £80k-£100k mark and a good F43 will be in the £110k-£150k region unless you want a very late boat.

The hull on all three is the same though quite a few 390 boats had a third bunk cabin rather than the Dinette opposite the galley so a 410 or 43 might suit you better. A third full double cabin on the 43 was an option but few boats have this.

Below is the standard layout diagram showing the cabins, galley and dinette for a 410/43

View attachment 49144

 

[Imperial One]

Well, only the hull is steel, the rest is fiberglass so that could easily be overlooked.

I know and that is why they don't roll as much as some similar looking craft. They have a low COG and with stabilisers fitted are rock solid at sea.
Steel hulls are a good thickness as well so will last for donkeys years. Not aware of any of them ever rusting through either but then again neither has the Queen Elisabeth!