My next boat.

[flaming]

I suspect this might well be where I land. The 27.7 would suit my program pretty well. Only downside is they don’t really sail to rating, but then that isn’t really an issue as racing isn’t my main objective. They are a popular boat here; I just missed out on a smashing one in Saint Malo because I was dragging my heels.

If you're prepared to go that bit flightier and seriously consider the 27.7, have a look at the A31 that's on yachtworld.

 

[Frogmogman]

If you're prepared to go that bit flightier and seriously consider the 27.7, have a look at the A31 that's on yachtworld.

Nice idea. I did think about the A31; there was one for sale with an asking price closer to my budget, but on reflection I think that it is too close to the race boat end of the compromise. Perfect for sailing with my mates, but maybe a bit too frisky for pootling around with the missus.

The one you mention looks great. Really well equipped, but already €12 k over my top budget and all of the sails are 15 years old…

 

[Frogmogman]

It’s a lot less budget wise, but for a short handed, narrow beam cruiser / occasional club racer, the Hanse 291 / 301 is worth a look. It’s based on the Aphrodite 29/291 by Carl Beyer, and very different from the later Hanses. SA/D of 18 but ballast / displacement ratio of 40. A good sailor raced one single handed in our crewed club race fleet and it was very competitive.

As you’re in the EU, the Dutch (and later German) built Winner boats are also worth a look. They were designed by Cees van Tongeren at van de Stadt who created the brilliant Dehler DBs and all their cruising variants like the 34, They’re a more modern boat in that spirit - powerful rig but lots of ballast low down, nice interior and very handy in a club race. The Winner 9.00 fits the size limit.

I like the look of the Hanse 301. This example ticks lots of boxes for me with the exception of the teak decks .

https://www.boat24.com/en/sailingboats/hanse/hanse-301/detail/544869/

 

[ridgy]

I don't know if it's permanently for France and so might attract vat but I know the owner of the 31.7 in Falmouth and he's spent some good money on sails over the last few years. Well proven boat but he wants to go bigger.
He mostly sails it with his wife.

https://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/beneteau-first-31-7-for-sale/770804

 

[Frogmogman]

I don't know if it's permanently for France and so might attract vat but I know the owner of the 31.7 in Falmouth and he's spent some good money on sails over the last few years. Well proven boat but he wants to go bigger.
He mostly sails it with his wife.

https://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/beneteau-first-31-7-for-sale/770804

Thanks, but it will be a French boat, so nothing from outside the EU

 

[mrming]

I like the look of the Hanse 301. This example ticks lots of boxes for me with the exception of the teak decks .

https://www.boat24.com/en/sailingboats/hanse/hanse-301/detail/544869/

That’s been for sale since at least March. Agree it’s a shame about the teak decks - otherwise it’s great.

 

[John_Silver]

You seen this, in budget, X 302 ?

 

[flaming]

You seen this, in budget, X 302 ?

On the face of it, that's by far and away the best suggestion on this thread.

 

[Frogmogman]

You seen this, in budget, X 302 ?

Yes I have. Very high up my list. Looks in good nick (Baltic boats often seem to be - not so much UV, short season and often the winter months stored under cover).

I’ve always fancied sailing in the Baltic so the prospect of bringing a boat back from there does not daunt me in the least, au contraire is quite an attractive idea.

 

[Frogmogman]

That’s been for sale since at least March. Agree it’s a shame about the teak decks - otherwise it’s great.

I’ve also just noticed that the reason it seems so roomy is that it has no heads compartment. That definitely wouldn’t work for ‘er indoors.

 

[Gurrig]

You seen this, in budget, X 302 ?

Had one for 7 years, cried the day I sold. A bit sticky in light conditions but stiff and stable when lively.