It's going to be a long winter

KREW2

KREW2

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Without a boat. Iv'e just sold "RacyLady" I feel a bit sad, but hey! the fun of searching for a new boat starts. The choice so far is Contessa 32, Sadler 32/34, or Westerly Fulmar, however browsing the web I found this today.
http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=125598
I've never heard of them, what is the general opinion of American built boats.
 
KREW2 said:
Without a boat. Iv'e just sold "RacyLady" I feel a bit sad, but hey! the fun of searching for a new boat starts. The choice so far is Contessa 32, Sadler 32/34, or Westerly Fulmar, however browsing the web I found this today.
http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=125598
I've never heard of them, what is the general opinion of American built boats.
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looks like a "Steal" to me get down there quick ;)
 
Cals generally seem to have a pretty good reputation, and this 35 does look rather nice - and a steal at the price being asked.
Definitely worth going to have a look at her I reckon.
I am intrigued by the Westerbeke engine - it appears to have a tripod system of mounts, with one mount in the front (the Reliant Robin of engines? :) )
 
KREW2 said:
The choice so far is Contessa 32, Sadler 32/34, or Westerly Fulmar, however browsing the web I found this today.
Click to expand...

I think a Contessa is a picturesque little thatched cottage, beautiful on the outside, but small and dark on the inside.

Spoken like a true Sadler 32 owner don't you think!?! ;)

There's a review of a (very fine ;) ) Sadler 32 in this months YM, and there will be a Contessa coming up soon.

Seriously though the Sadler is cheaper - for a younger boat in better condition, it has a better/bigger pilot berth, better chart table, a better bigger galley, a bigger saloon, a bigger heads, a bigger forward cabin, bigger cockpit, more headroom, flat saloon floors, she's also dryer sailing to windward.

The Contessa has (slightly)better looks and a deeper bilge.

We were out last weekend in 30 knots of breeze (35 over the deck) and she is one of the most well behaved yachts I know...And No I'm not trying to sell ours ;)

PS on a positive note, just think, no antifouling, no worrying in the winter gales, no removing sails/cushions...You lucky, lucky .......!
 
Thanks for the input, surely MacGregors are built in Scotland.
As for the engine, where are westerbeke built, watermota in Totnes are the agents. I see what you mean about the mounts, maybe it's gimbaled.
 
Not entirely unlike a Catalina. I had a 36MKII and loved it. Well built and sailed well. Probably real Teak down below and usually full of the creature comforts. Mine had a Universal too. Looks like very good value. Check out the RCD regs or history.

Edit: Thinking about it, RCD came in for later built boats?
 
KREW2 said:
I like your description, maybe you should do some boat write-ups.
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After the Dick, contessa owner reviewed my Sadler (14 mentions of "Contessa" and 16 of "Sadler"!) I thought it was only fair that I should be allowed to write up the Contessa, alas it wasn't the case, just as well really, I might get the mag in trouble with my biased opinions ;)
 
snooks said:
I think a Contessa is a picturesque little thatched cottage, beautiful on the outside, but small and dark on the inside.

Yes! just found that out, we went to view one yesterday. The forpeaks are very small, and to walk in the saloon, one leg longer than the other would seem to be advantagous, also I wouldn't fancy getting out of the quarter berth in the dark.
I like your description, maybe you should do some boat write-ups.
Click to expand...
 
Cal are a well known US manufacturer who were significant in the 60s and early 70s. According to Dennis Conner (Sail like a champion, p. 24) the Cal 40 was a seminal design - one of the very first to separate the keel from the rudder. If you like the Cal 35 you might also like the Ericson 350.(http://www.seacraft.com/ericson350.htm). They had a dealer in Falmouth so there are a few around in the UK.
 
sailorman said:
Mcgruer are Scotish
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Were. For the past 20+ years just the sad remains of a slip on the Gareloch and an ugly wee housing scheme called "The Soundings"

503358252,20081218213716,p,152x114,photo1.jpg
 
Wet decks..
Drill up from underneath into the deck to absolutely verify whether you have balsa cores, wet or dry..That aside, why not?
 
jump on down there. I looked at US build boats from the 80's over a few days in Vancouver this summer, a lot to admire in terms of build, finish, price, and general standard of maintenance. It seems well worth a long look.
 
doug748 said:
......and erm...is closer winded, faster, more weatherly and a good egg to singlehand.

To paraphrase Father Ted :-
Thats not a small boat, its a big boat - a long way in front : )
Click to expand...

That would be a Sadler a long way in front in light winds then ;)

A C32 is not always faster than a Sadler, and I'd happily singlehand our Sadler, so that leaves you "closer winded" and "More weatherly" and I'm not convinced on either to be honest :)

Yes the C32 built it's reputation in the 79 Fastnet, but the Sadler only came out in 79, and the one that took part (Sissy too) retired in Ireland after coming through the storm due to crew fatigue, not the boat.

The closer a boat can sail, depends on the helm, sails and trim etc.

Sorry, I'd take my Sadler any day...Did I mention cockpit stowage?? ;)

:D
 
That's a lot of well equiped boat for the money. You're in an ideal position, boat sold, money burning a hole, get over there cash in hand and get a few more pounds off it.
 
SWMBO has just looked at the ad, and wants me to buy it. The reason.................wait for it....................... it comes with a laptop.
 
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