Jeanneau Fantasia 27

[Godwinpaul]

For the last year I have been looking for a keel boat, but I have to admit that I am not sure what I am looking for. I have about 5 years experience sailing a Miracle dinghy.

I am currently close to finalising a deal for a Jeanneau Fantasia 1989 for the price of GBP12,000. From what I have read of this boat, it is a cruiser. I am not sure about its performance, particularly speed, and I am afraid that I might find it slow compared to other boats. Some months ago I was close to buying a Beneteau First 26, which I have read is a racer cruiser, but I took too much time deciding and it was eventually sold. My concerns are the following:

a) How much slower is the Fantasia, compared to a First 26, or another boat in this latter category of cruiser/racer?
b) From my experience with dinghy racing, there is a strong relationship between speed and fun. Does this apply to yachts too?

I would appreciate someone helping me in my decision.

Godwin

Malta


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[jamesjermain]

The Fantasia was an advanced boat in her day, particularly in terms of the interior, though the fit-out was fairly basic. Performance was 'fast cruising' and, although not as sharp as the First 26, by no means disappointing and quite comparable with other fast cruisers of that size zand age.

Speed and fun certainly go together unless the need for easily handling and stability take precedence, as if often the case when family sailing.

£12,000 sounds a fair price for a Fantasia in modetate condition with a good inventory. Tatty ones can fetch a couple of thou less.

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[John_N]

I had a lifting keel Fantasia for 8 years before moving up to a Sadler 32 and was very pleased with it. I reckon that there is no basic difference in speed from the Beneteau - sails and the way you sail it are much more important. The accommodation is well laid out, comfortable, and very spacious for a boat of that length. Even my wife was very satisfied! The build quality on my 1982 model (boat - not the wife) was very good too. We made numerous cross Channel trips. My only complaint was that on long passages in heavy weather with big quartering seas I had to sit at the helm for hours on end as the autopilot couldn't cope. I attributed the lack of directional stability to a combination of the light displacement, hull sections, full broad stern and transom hung rudder. The only reason I changed was an unexpected windfall which enabled us to move up to a boat with a bit more accommodation, comfort, speed and better heavy weather handling qualities. In this the Sadler 32 excels.

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[Magic_Sailor]

Hi Godwin

We have a Fantasia. She has been excellent. SWMBO and I spent the summer cruising on her with absolutely no problems. Click on the website link if you want more info on that.

I would recommend this vessel. She fairly fast. Easy for short handed sailing. Very well laid out with a good build finish - better than many other types of boat we looked (built in 1988). 12K of our Great British Pounds sounds a very good deal to me - models built around '88 are fetching around £18K - £19K.

If you want more detail, don't hesitate to PM or email me from website (this might be better).

Magic

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