Looking for a new boat

[MissIsle]

We have just sold our boat and are in the market to replace. Trouble is, the wife & I are in 2 camps when it comes to the replacement.
She likes older Westerlys, like the Merlin & Konsort, primarily because of the layout & the ability to close the doors to the forepeak. I don't like the antique Bukh 20's these inevitably come with & automatically cost in a replacement lump.
I like the newer Hunter Ranger 265 & the Oceanis 281 which market in the same ball-park, because of the age of the mechanical equipment, but the other half isn't fond of curtains instead of doors.
Talk some sense into us please.

 

[doug748]

I was looking at this ad the other day and pondering how the asking price of some newer designs had come down more towards Manky Old levels:

http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/o94513/o94513.htm

Looks a smart boat. Similar sort of internal set up to the Oceanis 281, I think. The forepeak is really just a shelf for storing junk and children, but you gain the big heads and aft cabin - the ladies are normally fond of this arrangement. If your style of sailing is mainly crewed and onshore there are a lot of advantages.

However if you sail lightly crewed and enjoy more offshore stuff then I think I would look for a Westerly with a newer engine, they are around. Always side with the ole Missus in the end and thank heaven that she cares enough to have an opinion.

 

[Seajet]

Doug,

one thing I think you are hinting at is that traditional layouts are generally better for offshore sailing; at this size of boat an aft cabin can mean a shallow, exposed cockpit leaving one feeling as if performing on a stage !

Depends on what sort of sailing one intends to do.

 

[Mrnotming]

Perhaps more important considerations for long term,
Moulded headlining or manky vinyl stuff that falls off earlier if the weather is hotter?
Lead keel or encapsualted, for low maintenance?
weatherly ability?
Heavy helm or well balanced.
Comfortable passage berths or in marina staterooms?
Sail plan set up for short crewed?
Ventilation for tropics if evisaged destination.