Jeanneau 26 (2002) vs Dehler 31 (1991)

[Brett]

I'm looking for a family crusier that I want initially keep on the River Medway (don't ask).
I've 2 children, aged 3 and under 1 ....and a dog. Mums not a great sailor, I've had 3 racing boats and like big spinnakers, bow spirits, tweakable rigs, I like my boats to look good and sail that way. I prefer to sit on rather than in, this may change because of the rug rats.
I'm trying to decide (at the moment) between a Jeaneau 26 SO - great inside, needs more thought out side (how do you single hand when the genny winches are on the coach roof?) and ther's no traveller for the main (what?)
And a Dehler 31 that's 18 years old but looks good.
Also running costs are an issue, the 26 will be cheaper to run etc. May spend more time doing small runs with the kids, not planning to go around Britain (again) just yet.
Anyone had experience of either of the boats I'll be very pleased to hear from you or anyone with some alternatives ideas.
Keeping the kids looked in a cage not an option!
Thanks
Brett

 

[Twister_Ken]

No experience of either, but experience of children. They grow. Quickly.

Ten years down the line, a 26 footer will seem pretty cramped with a couple of boisterous pre-teenagers bouncing around.

 

[Sandyman]

I'm looking for a family crusier that I want initially keep on the River Medway (don't ask).
I've 2 children, aged 3 and under 1 ....and a dog. Mums not a great sailor, I've had 3 racing boats and like big spinnakers, bow spirits, tweakable rigs, I like my boats to look good and sail that way. I prefer to sit on rather than in, this may change because of the rug rats.
I'm trying to decide (at the moment) between a Jeaneau 26 SO - great inside, needs more thought out side (how do you single hand when the genny winches are on the coach roof?) and ther's no traveller for the main (what?)
And a Dehler 31 that's 18 years old but looks good.
Also running costs are an issue, the 26 will be cheaper to run etc. May spend more time doing small runs with the kids, not planning to go around Britain (again) just yet.
Anyone had experience of either of the boats I'll be very pleased to hear from you or anyone with some alternatives ideas.
Keeping the kids looked in a cage not an option!
Thanks
Brett

Har Har love your attitude/ approach Brett.
Reminds me of ''oh yes, been there, done that'' Did that.
Fortunate now my kids are making similar decisions of their own.
My feelings about your dilemma is to look further afield. If you want to be able to sail single handed on a larger yacht then you are going to have to compromise when you say you like your boat to look & sail good.
Single-handers IMO dont do it for the show effect and the lines. Far more things to consider when going to sea single-handed than worrying about what others (sic) may think about how I look. Take a step back & re-consider where you are going & what you want to achieve now & in the future. Sorry to sound so hard on you but can only pass on experience.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Har Har love your attitude/ approach Brett.
Reminds me of ''oh yes, been there, done that'' Did that.
Fortunate now my kids are making similar decisions of their own.
My feelings about your dilemma is to look further afield. If you want to be able to sail single handed on a larger yacht then you are going to have to compromise when you say you like your boat to look & sail good.
Single-handers IMO dont do it for the show effect and the lines. Far more things to consider when going to sea single-handed than worrying about what others (sic) may think about how I look. Take a step back & re-consider where you are going & what you want to achieve now & in the future. Sorry to sound so hard on you but can only pass on experience.

The bloke asks for advice and you give him more problems!! I ask you!!LOL

I dont know either boat, but would be more interested in a Dehler than a 26 Sun Oddity. But thats IMO

To try and answer the question you are asking though, consider this:

1. Dont be put off by an older boat.
2. Whatever boat you buy, you are likely to change it within 5 years.

 

[Nautorius]

OK,

Is SWMBO used to boats? If not she will prefer the interior 'modern feel' of the SO 26. It will be easier to run with less maintenance meaning more time sailing with the kids! I had a SO24.2 and it sailed like a big Dinghy! The 26 is much better because of the beam and was a great all rounder. Yes you may grow out of it but you will have 5 years happy and relaxing sailing in the meantime!

Go SO for SWMBO,

Cheers

Paul

 

[Brett]

Thanks for the advice

Guys, thanks for the thoughts. I'd probably not keep it more than 3 years, if the rug rats decide ballet/football/haning around street corners is more interesting I'll go back to racing. Good observation about SOMBO, her comments on the interior of the 26 was on of delight!
Any other boats to consider . . .

B

 

[rudolph_hart]

One thing's for sure: the Dehler's build quality will never be in doubt

see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvxhQO4pw2E

Perhaps this is why they retain their resale value so well.

 

[Theshipscat]

I bought a yacht once because of the accomodation. It was a gibsea 282 LK which is a lovely boat, well made and very comfortable below decks. I thought this would tempt my family on board and that was the plan. Sailing wise however because the keel is just a big 1/2inch Ally plate she didn't like to go up wind, which lets face it is what we seem to spend most of our time doing. Did it tempt the wife and kids on board? Not a hope in hell. They are 14 and 17 (the kids) very rarely the little one comes out with me. The eldest never and the wife twice this year.
My advice to you is buy a boat that does what you want it to do. If you come from a racing back ground get something that sails well. It sounds to me like the Dehler is more your kind of thing. The other one will not last as long or be as strong.

I sold the 282 and I bought a rare beastie called a Seawolf 30. A bilge keeler with a difference. Goes up wind very well and will match most fins of her age and size.
Good luck

 

[robp]

Guys, thanks for the thoughts. I'd probably not keep it more than 3 years, if the rug rats decide ballet/football/haning around street corners is more interesting I'll go back to racing. Good observation about SOMBO, her comments on the interior of the 26 was on of delight!
Any other boats to consider . . .

B

It seems then that the priorities for now are comfort and welcoming for mum, who'll probably need to spend time with the babies whilst you will definitely need to single hand. There's plenty of time this winter before you'd probably want to take them sailing in the spring?
So maybe spend a little more time looking around marinas at what might suit, then you'll have a list to check out the ads with?
If it turns out to be a recent model - fine. If you choose the boat to suit your cruising area, I think there's been plenty of discussion on here to establish that modern production methods don't just mean cheap build quality.

 

[Ubergeekian]

No experience of either, but experience of children. They grow. Quickly.

Ten years down the line, a 26 footer will seem pretty cramped with a couple of boisterous pre-teenagers bouncing around.

Ah, remember the days, not so very long ago, when a 26 footer was the big family yacht you worked up. All those Centaurs ...

 

[aquaplane]

Ah, remember the days, not so very long ago, when a 26 footer was the big family yacht you worked up. All those Centaurs ...

I was thinking the same, our family had an old Westerly 25 (Windrush) with 2 adults and 2 teenage lads on with no problem at all. It was cosy with 7 Venture Scouts on though.

I don't know about the two boats you are looking at but agree that satisfying your immediate needs is what you should do now. You may get it a bit off and try a different boat to see if that one suits any better in a year or few.