MG Spring

[Guest]

I am looking to buy my first yacht (how many times have you read this post before?).

I fancy the Spring , have a budget of around £15,000 and basically want something that can go round the cans but provides a solid base to cruise around Scotland.

My alternatives are the UFO 27 and Nicholson 27.

On the right track or hopelessly lost ?

 

[Strathglass]

Have you sailed before? The Spring is quite tender in a blow.
The Nic, an Elizibethan, a Contessa , a folkboat, Stela and many others would give you a more stable platform. BUT sailing is about personel choice. I like the spring but it was built to a price. Could you stand internal doors opening when the hull flexes? Let the forum know your more precise requirements and you will get a multitude of options some conflicting.
Iain

 

[burgundyben]

I sailed the spring 25 quite a bit when they were new, they are tender in a blow, one cowes week we broached sooo badly that the mast was laying in the piss and BOTH rudders were out the water.

I would reccommend a look at the MGC 27 and as posted above look at the folkboat.

......girls, girls, get back, please, one at a time......

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the feedback guys, to give a bit more info:

We have been sailing about 5 years but accept we are still on the lower slope of the learning curve.

I looked at the Spring as I have seen some good write ups on it and have had a peek at a couple. They also seem to be a popular starter boat and are generally sold with a reasonable inventory and since we tend to sail 2 handed the set up - lines led aft etc would suit.

However, we would also be sailing with a crew of 5 (6 if we are all friendly and stay of the cabbage).

We have done some initial look sees but are now looking to seriously buy.

The Nicholson and UFO seem to be viewed as good in a blow. A Contessa / Folkboat may be too small though I intend to look at a C26.

The MGC 27 is a bit morethan we can afford. The GK24 is an option but too small below (crew -6foot plus) the GK29 with the keel stepped mast appeals but again we will have to push it a bit to get a good one.

Before I lock horns with the broker your sagely and considered advice / experience would be useful.

We are also looking at the following:

Seawolf 26
Albin
Maxi 84

Cheers

 

[billmacfarlane]

The Seawolf 26 doesn't have a lot of space for it's size bit is well built and you'll certainly be able to both cruise and race in her. I haven't sailed one but have sailed it's larger sister the Seawolf 30. It had the most murderous weather helm I've ever known in a boat , due to an unbalanced rudder. The Albin Ballade is handsome , well built and sails well but is old so you'll need a thorough survey done. For your budget you might try something a little larger like the Scampi , a true cruiser racer. I know you mentioned your budget is £15,000 but keep aside a sum for refurbishment whatever you buy - you'll almost certainly need it.

 

[Guest]

I have recently bought a Spring, sailed up to Lancaster from Guernsey and now to head back for France. Hard to sail well but rewarding when you do. Tender at first but stiffens up once it has gone so far. If really pushed will nose to wind as all good sailing boats should. Great use of space for a boat that size. Ignore those who say that the sugar scoop is a waste of length. It is very practical and contributes to the functionality and safe use of the boat (e.g. Entering & exiting tenders). Look out for all the well documented problems(masts??). Only draws 3 feet. I feel confident enough with mine to take my young family cruising in her but will pick my conditions.
Good luck & in my experience a suitable boat for your reqirements

 

[hugh_nightingale]

This is the boat I started to look at but was forced by the "crew" to look larger.

A very good user group was started as well. You should be able to find them, if not I may be able to dig up the web address.

Do watch for the ones that have been raced hard. At one time these were "the" boat to have and a few lost their masts. Don't necessarily be put off by this, they were pressed hard. One of the user group suggests you could get 15 knot.

 

[Jeremy_W]

I've chartered a SW26 and Bill MacFarlane is right - it's cramped for more than 4 crew. The CO26/Folkboat are even more cramped, but are awesome yachts in a serious blow - totally bulletproof. Did you mean the Albin Ballad, or were you looking at one of the 26-foot Albins (Cirrus/Vega)?

 

[quaelgeist2]

Alternative option:

Book a holiday in Holland and look there...
- different makes, some of which have dramatically better design inside than the ones mentioned here
- better price/value due to the strong pound
(- since Uk is EU, there is no hassle, just get your VAT proof -> a certified yacht broker in Holland will only send the money to the seller once he has seen the full paperwork + seller pays the broker)

something to think about

chris

 

[bunyip]

You would find the Maxi 84 an excellent boat but you might have difficulty finding one at your budget price - most seem to go for £16,000 and upwards. It is very roomy, fast and an excellent sea boat - no problems with force 6 in the Irish Sea!
Swedish quality is obvious. We sail 2 up with ease even though ours is an early number and all the halyards etc are at the mast - later boats 350 onwards have controls led aft. 1350 of them were built so they must have something going for them! Good luck in your quest.