I need a faster boat

[ridgy]

Right fellas,

Someone needs to talk some sense in to me before I do something I could regret. I have a lovely but stately Elizabethan 29 but having just spent some time on a Farr 40 and become aware of the pleasures of sailing something light and sporty, I've decided that I'm too young for a MAB.

I'm thinking Hunter Formula 28, Hunter Impala, and Westerly GK29 in that order of silliness and cheapness.

If anyone has any knowledge of these esp the Formula I'd love to hear it, or if anyone knows of anything similar that I might consider...or if anyone thinks I'm doing the wrong thing?

Cheers,
Nick

 

[Kilter]

GK29 is well thought of, seaworthy and fun. IIRC there was an article in ST not so long back, one of the staffers bought one.

 

[Will_M]

Got enough dollar for a J92?

 

[ridgy]

How much we talking? I'm thinking 18k absolute max, preferably less. Formula 28s seem to go for 8-12 hence the interest.

 

[Will_M]

Ah, a wee bit more than that...

Have you thought about a Projection 762, per chance?

 

[Evadne]

Anyone who has a bad word to say about the Liz 29 is asking for trouble, IMO. A better boat it is not possible to find, keep her and you will not regret it. Given a F3 or above she will beat most things either through the water or on handicap. If you want to go faster, new sails would be cheaper. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Or an Elizabethan 35.

I have, however been impressed by my mate's GK29's turn of speed, especially in light airs. You do need to make sure the keel strengthening has been done properly, though. Also the Dragonfly, but you are talking serious money there.

 

[Will_M]

Info HERE for the projection 762, dont know what kinda of value they fetch used. Fast boat though...

 

[ridgy]

Oh don't get me wrong Dave, I'm not saying bad things about the lovely Liz 29, it's just that after seeing a boat do 7 knots in 8 knots true, and then an effortless 10 knots downwind in 15 knots true I'm thinking I've been missing something all these MAB years.

Now obviously I'm not going to get Farr 40 performance for 15 grand but there must be a junior version somewhere.

What about an Achilles 9m or or maybe a Hunter HB31? Stretching the budget there but it looks just the job...

 

[Evadne]

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I often wonder what would have happened if I wasn't too lazy to go through the rigmarole of selling my first boat and buying another. I do quite like the look of the Dragonflies I have seen sailing. Not to mention some of the big heavy wooden things that I ignored when I was looking, but you do meet a lot of grey(er) haired chaps who go all misty eyed and say things like "I always wanted one of those when I were a lad.", so I'll probably keep her.
For £15k you'd get a decent GK29, but if you're prepared to put in a bit of work, who knows? What about a Barracuda or a Sigma in need of tlc?

 

[michael_w]

At the risk of getting up someones' nose, GK 29s and Hunter Impalas ain't quick boats. Pedestrian plodders rather than greyhounds.

How about a First Class 8. Trailerable, lift keel, solid glass layup. Oh, and I got 15kts out of mine. Good international racing in Spi Ouest at La Trinite.

Lots of J24s about too. Or if you want something a bit bigger, keep your eyes peeled for a good half tonner, they are making something of a comeback. You'll have to put up with a spindly mast, in-line spreaders and runners+checkstays.


/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Vagabond]

Go for a Corsair F28-R Trimaran.

Even on her berth she looks fast and you may even overtake a Farr 40 /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif!

 

[ridgy]

I need something I can cruise on too so realistically min size of 28 feet. That also means I might need to park it somewhere too so a trimaran not very practical /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I can see the GK29 being not that fast but shame about the Impala. Had high hopes for that one. Any comment on the Formula?

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Fast maybe, but...

Unfortunately I don't think a F28 would be remotely within the price limit of £18k. I don't reckon any other recent trimaran will be either, not even the smallest F24 or DF800, unless there was something seriously amiss with it.

Old DF800s still go for £30k. A F28 would be £40k to £50k, and DF920s are usally over £70k.

 

[Vagabond]

True ... although a Dragonfly 920 parks on a marina berth with the amas folded in very well and also has some comfort.

Trimarans are a compromise when it comes to living space though.

 

[Vagabond]

Ah .... yes you do need a little more cash.

Tri's are very expensive compared to a mono which is a shame. I can only guess it's because of the small numbers made.

 

[chippysmith]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sailing-Yacht-34Ft...1QQcmdZViewItem

Maybe of interest?

 

[ridgy]

Would be very interesting if it wasn't in Portugal. There is another one here:

http://wales.boatshed.com/viewboat.php?boat=6137

but it looks like it's due a very major refit. Anyone know anything about them?

 

[rudolph_hart]

But souped-up Impalas do rather well around here under IRC.

Other options: Hunter Formula 1 (too cosy?) or Formula 28 (disgustingly quick for its LWL). Laser 28 (remember Howard's Way?). MG 28. MGRS33. Hustler SJs: 30, 32 (or the Verle 33 variant), 35, 36 (all rather ugly -IMO- but v.fast). Dehler DB1 or DB2. Jeanneau Selection. Contessa 33 (over budget?) Beneteau First Class 10.

MOst of these are racers rather than cruisers, and will easily go well into double digits (and then some downhill in a blow if your nerve holds!)

All a matter of opinion, of course.

 

[gardenshed]

Agree with Michael W. I've sailed all of these and sailed against them in races. The First Class 8m is a great wee boat. Been round the Mull of Kintyre and across to Ireland in one many years ago. Other alternatives: Albin Express, X99, J29 (not many in Europe).
Formual 28: kinda twitchy and needs to be kept flat. Not much fun unless crewed by 3 - 4 who know what they are doing.
Impala: OK but performance isn't sparkling. Doesn't give much feedback.
GK29 OK but huge variation in quality due to different builders/home completion.
Older production 1/2 tonners might also suit you but they are becoming expensive just now as there is a revival in half ton racing and the "worlds" are in Dublin next year.

 

[Talbot]

Try to find a GK34 - its a much better boat than the 29

http://yachts.apolloduck.com/display.phtml?aid=40656