Moving from the dark side!

[oilyrag]

The Macgregor/Odin/Tide are Trailer-Sailers. They are bought by people who want to do a bit of estuary/coastal sailing in different locations without having to sail there. - i.e. you hook up to the car and drive it down to the Med, or wherever takes your fancy, and have your fun once you get there.

Others derive their enjoyment of sailing from actually sailing to different places in a yacht which has been designed to sail comfortably on the oceans.

There is no doubt you could sail an Odin type from the UK to the Med but a windless crossing with a 50hp outboard auxilliary would probably result in you running out of fuel half way across. If the weather were bad your wife would no doubt strangle you to death long before then.
I would attempt it in this type of boat if my life depended on it and there was no other option, but that is not my idea of fun - which is the primary objective of boating.

Ask yourself what type of sailing you aspire to and buy a boat that fits. Do not buy an unsuitable type and try to make it fit - it will end in tears!

 

[NealB]

You've had lots of sound advice, here.

I would definitely agree with those that suggest getting some sailing experience first, so you get a sense of what a 'real' sailing boat is like, and her capabilities.

I'd suggest that you're idea of getting out of trouble at 16 knots is not likely to be anywhere near achievable. You'll only get that speed in perfect conditions, not when you're struggling in dodgy conditions at sea.

My present boat (a 32 foot catamaran) does have an outboard (Yamaha 9.9), but it is situated at the forward end of the cockpit. It's a good set-up, though she sails so well that it is only used as a true auxilliary anyway.

All my previous boats have had diesels. I can't see that the diesel requires any more maintenance than the outboard.

Anyway, good luck with your new adventure, and enjoy the learning!

 

[Talbot]

If you are making the transition from power to sail, then I suggest that trial of a boat that is nearer in handling to your own experience may make the transition easier, and keep SWMBO interested. The boats you are looking at have the power, but in all other respects are totally different to your mobo. The requirement for speed means that they are very light and the hull form is such that they are very tender to movement when stopped. Thus anyone moving quickly willcause it to rock significantly - most swmbos dont like that. furthermore, they are likely to heel over in not very heavy winds, needing reefing quickly, again your SWMBO may find that a pain.

If you want her to keep boating, then perhaps you should look at a Catamaran, or if interior space is les important than performance, a trimaran such as the F-27. I dont know how much your budget is, but given the size of your budget, there are many different vessels that should meet your needs rather better than those you have looked at so far.

 

[gavin_lacey]

Did the Tide 28s cross the atlantic with huge outboards on the back, or smaller get into port engines? There are a huge number of seaworthy cruising yachts capable of the use you describe but the yachts you identify are really designed to be trailed rather than sailed to the med. Whilst they may be able to motor at speed in flat water I have doubts about their ability to motor at much more than hull speed in rough stuff. The conventional yacht can do this of course but will also be optimised for sailing. The huge weight of a large outboard carried much higher up compared with a small inboard must affect stability. The amount of fuel these outboards consume will give you far less range under power. Most small inboard diesel yachts can just about motor across Biscay and many did this year when the weather was all or nothing. If you intend to make passages buy a boat designed for it. If you intend to have fun close to home and enjoy blasting home if the wind dies then buy a speedboat/sailer.

 

[Sans Bateau]

A little bit surprised you havent considered the Classic 700. The Yachting Monthly review was very favourable. Slipway marine in Emsworth sell them, I've seen them there.

 

[Slow_boat]

£40k is a hell of a lot of money (it's what I shall be spending on a sailaway boat when I retire!) so you should be able to get a reasonable example of just about anything you want for coastal cruising. Have a good look around, try out as many as you can, at least try and get aboard one afloat. I would endorse the idea of a catamaran, unless trailing is important. It sounds like SWMBO will prefer it, they feel so much more stable.

As for how people managed before cat A,B,C etc.; It used to be that no one without years of experience would attempt an ocean crossing, partly because to buy a suitable boat would take years of saving. During that time a person would learn what boat was suitable for what type of sailing and where and would be learning by experience on the way.

Now that anyone can get credit and it is not uncommon for a first boat for a novice to be of ocean crossing size (30ft+) plus some perceive that there is no need to learn to navigate because there are gadgets to do it for you, many more people have the money to buy the boat but not the experience to know the boat or the sea.

That's why cat A,B,C is a useful guide. Like the Beaufort scale! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Jobs_a_ good_ un]

I made the move over last year from a broom 345 to a Beneteau 393 and funily enough was looking intially at the macgregor to buy as a trailor sailor
I think the speed and power of the engine had me with one foot in both camps
Luckily i didnt go for it as im now very pleased with the boat i have
If you would like a trip down the solent and a sail on my bene your very welcome

Regards

Mark