LIBS- Did you buy a new boat

[Sailfree]

Come on now don't be shy - did you order a new boat at LIBS and if so what were the main reasons for your choice?
If you didn't actually put a deposit down what tempted or impressed you?
I also spoke to a few people who said they had loads of visits from tyre kickers but difficult to get people to actually commit their money. Is this a reflection in a lack of confidence in the economy?
Regards
roger

 

[Sanderling_]

Why go for new when something like this is available?

55' RACING TRI

 

[Sailfree]

With the latest bid of £10.5 is it a tri of doubtful quality (1976 built) or does it reinforce my opinion of lack of confidence in the economy. I know dear old Gordon Brown will get dearer after the next election!

 

[T_S]

I don't look at things I can't afford to buy.......gives me the hump!

 

[Birdseye]

No - despite looking hard. The choice seems to be either AWB or Swedish in my size range. When what I want is a new Westerley bilge keeler. So I remain boatless, to the irritation of SWMBO

 

[T_S]

Westerly....now thats a decent name /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.....although a trailer sailor I do charter every year abroad, I have sailed the Seahawk....a fine old boat built around 85 with character that new boats lack! Although having said that I would love to own a Southerly, but the wife won't let me sell the house to own one!

 

[Sailfree]

Two replies that hanker after a Westerly!
For our sins we also sail a Wayfarer and at LIBS the builder told me that while people go on about the old wooden boats people don't buy either the 2nd hand one's nor would they be prepared to buy a new one. Is it that the dreamers go on about old design boats (that had so little support they went bust!) and the realists that actually buy boats want something modern.
I love our old traditional Wayfarer and accept the maintenance but would not be able to cope with a larger wooden boat or accept the dark interiors of older larger boats. For big boats I want a light interior!

 

[graham]

Whats happened to the Westerly Moulds?I remember reading that someone was continuing with them but they would no longer be called Westerlies.

If all the old models were still available which would you go for?

I have allways admired the Fulmar in its size bracket.Also the Konsort for a solid roomy 29 footer,The Duo version looks immensely practical in our cold climate but not pleasing to the eye.IMHO

 

[Sailfree]

I will risk being prevocative - those that talk about good old boats DON'T buy them just write on scuttlebutt about how bad AWB's are.
Those that are actually spending their hard earned money buy the AWB's
From memory isn't the "Mystere" or something like that based on a traditional design and 35' long - tiller steering, available but at a price! How many have been sold to that great big market that waxes lyrically about good old designs.
I remember that the Westerly moulds were transfered but can anyone enlighten me on how many orders have been placed for these boats?
I asked the question about who had actually ordered a boat at LIBS to tease out those that actually do it! put their money where their mouth is, and hopefully learn what they chose and why.

Don't get me wrong I love my friends Rustler 36 but would not buy one. I just feel that peoples prejudices expressed so freely on scuttlebutt are inversely proportional to the boats that are actually bought.

 

[cameronke]

N ow that IS nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Now if I sold my laser, and maybe both kidneys.............)

Regards
Cameron

 

[cameronke]

Just been reading the blurb, Gone all goosebumps ;-)

"none of your ferraris, ribs, seadoos etc will fly a hull 20 feet out of the water at 35mph under sail. so if you are serious about this, please understand that this is an extremely rare, seat of your pants racing machine. a seriously expensive machine if you want to race, as the upkeep is not cheap. so whos ready to break some records then? i cant stress enough how dangerous this sport of sailing/racing huge trimarans can be. the acceleration is phenomenal, most wouldnt have experienced anything like this. and if you wish to fly 2 hulls, (a most appealing sight!) then on your own head be it..... the accommodation is in the centre hull as the outriggers are purely for buoyancy and adjustable water ballast. the yacht can sleep 4 people, but in racing mode, can be hotbunked to 8 or more................................"

Jings!
Cameron

 

[AlexL]

Quite right - westerly went bankrupt more times than Lotus cars, so they obviously were not that great! Yes they may have been strong and hardy but if you achieve that by pricing yourself out of the market then it is still a bad product. I quite agree that there is a big difference between what people talk about and what actually happens when the cheque book comes out.

Anyway back to origonal question. Did I buy a boat at the show - well sort of, but not this show. My new boat was exhibited at LIBS (Hanse 371) but I actually slapped the cash on the barrel head about a week before southhampton show, so I could have my pick of delivery dates.

 

[Sonnamara]

Considering my inability to stay dry on even a hobie, the thought of sailing a machine like this scares the life out of me!

 

[cameronke]

ME TOO !!!!!!!!!

But wouldn't it be fun )))))))

Regards
Cameron

(Wonder how much she will go for)

 

[clouty]

Re: the Ostar Tri

I know this boat. The man has been working his socks off on it (and spending a fortune) for three years at least. It is all very sad.

 

[jac]

Re: the Ostar Tri

One to go on my ebay watchlist then!!