Max 20k budget - what boat ?

Javelin

Javelin

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 Sep 2010
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Location
Southwold
www.southwoldboatyard.co.uk
Based at Southwold on the East coast.
Criteria -
28 to 30 ish ft
sleep four
Mix of day sailing/racing and channel crossing, so good passage speed and sea worthiness but agile to go round corners.

Current contenders,
Would love a contessa 32 but will I get a good one for less than 20k ?
Contessa 28 (there's a good one for sale near me)
Sadler 29
Carter 30
Nicholson 303
Impala for 12k and throw 6 or 7k at it

I actually work in a boat yard so I'd prefer not to go French, no offence....

Any thoughts......
 
My 28ftr has five berths, but only sleeps three unless they're lovers! (Weston 8500) Highly unlikely that you'll find a Co32 for the price with any of the gear still working! The Carter and Nicholson are a little long in the tooth and sadly those models tried to show a modern finish rather than the previous classics from both stables and would need to be pristine to avoid looking dowdy. Why is it that a classic can get away with being a little more scruffy?

The Sadler is likely to give you everything you are looking for and nearly every one I've seen ihas been kept in good nick, so considerations are the sails, engine and electrics. The Impala is an excellent boat for your day sailing and club racing needs and quite capable of offshore passages, though it may not have quite such a comfortable ride as the Sadler.

Rob.
 
http://yachts.apolloduck.com/display.phtml?aid=281096
http://wales.boatshed.com/carter_30-boat-130751.html
http://haylingisland.boatshed.com/nicholson_32-boat-144306.html
Pic the style You like... all above I would prefer to Contessa.
But naturally You could get even THE Contessa 32 - Assent was for sale for 19 k. http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advert/contessa-32-boating-world/37408278#top

Not to mention I personally like Contest:
http://yachts.apolloduck.com/feature.phtml?id=150276
http://poole.boatshed.com/contest_31-boat-140313.html
http://yachts.apolloduck.com/display.phtml?aid=283144
http://www.networkyachtbrokers.co.uk/boats_for_sale/Contest_29-1010890.html
http://www.eyb-boats.com/en/ads/sailing-boats/contest-yachts/contest-29/_R_853_593798_.htm
http://www.eyb-boats.com/en/ads/sailing-boats/conyplex/contest-31/_R_853_584206_.htm
http://www.eyb-boats.com/en/ads/sailing-boats/conyplex/contest-30-b/_R_853_596251_.htm
http://yachts.apolloduck.com/display.phtml?aid=245248
 
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Thanks so far.
Rob2 - thanks for that, it does confirm my own thoughts.
I've noticed there are a couple of Sadler 32's below 20k which was a surprise so maybe that's worth considering also.
Not sure the contest fits my criteria really and I don't have a burning desire for a Twister though they look very pretty.
That's a very nice looking Carter that Rossy' uncovered.

I'm tempted by this Impala
Though I've no idea what condition down below will be.
 
Javelin said:
Thanks so far.
Rob2 - thanks for that, it does confirm my own thoughts.
I've noticed there are a couple of Sadler 32's below 20k which was a surprise so maybe that's worth considering also.
Not sure the contest fits my criteria really and I don't have a burning desire for a Twister though they look very pretty.
That's a very nice looking Carter that Rossy' uncovered.

I'm tempted by this Impala
Though I've no idea what condition down below will be.
Click to expand...

Good luck with whatever you buy, but don't forget the Sadler soggy deck syndrome.

If you're in a boatyard it might be an easy rectification to a depressed-price boat.
 
Is 20k including everything or are you really looking at 15k with 5k to get it to a spec you're happy with?

Expensive boats are often the cheapest, but they will still need something doing to them.

Have a look for Hustler 30, Twister, Sadler 29

Shame you've discounted French boats as a Dufour Arpege fits the bill
 
I would have a serious look at a Westerly GK29. It is a huge amount of boat for the money, sails really well, lots of interior space, decent seperate heads. Also a bit more modern in design that some of the other suggestions. You would also have a chunk of money left over for any extra's you want.

As it happends a friend is selling his, it's had a new engine and LOTS of money spent over the last couple of years. He's in the process of buying bigger so a deal availble to shift it. PM me if interested.
 
I would not go for a cheap Contessa, they tend to hold their value, and are not the most cost effective buy at the bottom end of the market (as you suspected).
The Contessa 28 got very positive reviews in the yachting press a few years ago. That Hunter looks nice too, with a good fast rig.
Personally I am not a great fan of encapsulated anything (decks, hulls etc) but the Sadler 29 has a different take on composite construction which has a lot of advantages. Roomy as well.
My only tip is not to look for boats but for bargains - see as much different stuff as you can. For example I would get to see this sharpish:

http://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats_for_sale/513387/

Very much a cruiser, compared to the others, but well built and an expensive boat in their time.
 
doug748,

agreed, they have a good reputation, even if one does have to nail on a sensible bow roller !

I may have a copy of the review of the Contessa 28 when first out, I know it was well thought of even if a bit smaller than some others mentioned.

Also agree not to just stick to a list but to see what's going.
 
@TimBennet - Yes saw that Starlight 30 also.
Tanking Snooks thoughts into account and spending 5k down below could make the Starlight the ideal package.

@Seajet - Thank don't have much knowledge of the Carter, just saw a few of these at the right price and in the photo's they look ok.

@Aquaholic - The Verl in the add looks superb with a great inventory. It's a shame there doesn't appear to be many available of the same ilk, if any.

@Georgio - Bit nervous about the GK29. We've had issues here lifting and storing them on shore. They don't like resting on the keel and deform markedly if you get the slings even a few inches off the bulkhead.

@Doug - the Marieholm 32 looks really nice and I've had experience of their 26ft - however that would be the entire budget gone on purchase of a 1979 boat leaving nothing for any upgrades.

Having looked at the PY I've suddenly got a bit of a downer on the CO28 as either the guys sailing it and returning results to the RYA were rubbish or the boat is just plain slow.

@Slow-boat - Wondering if your user name is ironic or is your Sadler29 really slow ??
If indeed there is an element of irony in your name are there any further details, especially photos of down below? (her indoors has the ultimate power of the release of funds)

No thoughts on the Sadler 32? good bad or indifferent ?
 
I don't think the Contessa 28 is a rocket ship, but I can't see her being slow !

I have noticed PY's can be very distorted unless it's a big racing class with lots of data.

The Sadler 29 is a good fast passage maker, and will keep going.

NealB,

I recognise that boat,

like the spec' although she 'only' has a sensible engine ( my Carter 30 had a 13hp and it was fine ); nowadays one would probably expect a turbo 36hp with a 3 blade folder, and why not throw in a bow thruster ! :rolleyes:

Andy
 
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