New boat on the horizon, possibly....?

[ashtead]

I suspect you might have to double that number if looking for a newly new boat of any make around that size .Usual problem particularly in todays market but all newish Hanse have that self tacker . I recall a couple buying a 33 version though that had a bowthruster as well. The choice is actually simple and while numbers have changed the issue remains same -you either buy a slightly larger older boat -you will be a tad below a moody 36cc but other moody exist or you buyer newer but smaller . For your money it really comes down to if the newer style attracts from around 2005 or you want a larger 1980s style boat . You might be perfectly happy with say an elderly westerly but might like more modern cut of a Hanse or say Dehler from same stable. Don’t dismiss a Hunter legend though which give much space for their length in an older make.

 

[seumask]

We recently went from a 1982 Westerly Fulmar we had for 10 years to 2001 Sun Odyssey 37, mainly because we wanted more space to give each kid a cabin or take friends with us. I do all the maintenance and upkeep on it, and yes it is a little more work polishing and anti fouling, but most of the jobs are easier as the boat is bigger there is better access and newer systems to work on. We don't go on charter holidays but we do sail the channel and Brittany coasts in the summer. I'm very glad we moved up, passage times and range are now much improved and were looking forward to exploring further afield for our 2 week summer Holiday. In my mind the extra running costs are not that significant compared to the extra capability. Single handing the boat is no harder than it was, no bow thrusters etc. I still visit the marina single handed to fill up with Fuel and water, and am happy sailing it single handed (with Autopilot) as I was on the Fulmar. IMHO The loads are a little higher but the winches and sail handeling gear is better, so it is no harder to sail.
Good luck with what ever you do, but I doubt you will regret it if you manage to move up.

 

[eddystone]

Elderly Westerly - think not! I've always liked Moodys since I frequently crewed a Moody 37 in the early 90s. Problem is the less ancient ones are quite rare on the market eg 35 or 36cc. Later Starlight 35 - same problem - only about 60 ever built I think. Dehler 34/35/36 sounds appealing. In terms of numbers built and availability it's probably going to come down to Bavaria/Jeanneau 37, Dufour if I'm lucky.

 

[TSB240]

We recently went from a 1982 Westerly Fulmar we had for 10 years to 2001 Sun Odyssey 37, mainly because we wanted more space to give each kid a cabin or take friends with us. I do all the maintenance and upkeep on it, and yes it is a little more work polishing and anti fouling, but most of the jobs are easier as the boat is bigger there is better access and newer systems to work on. We don't go on charter holidays but we do sail the channel and Brittany coasts in the summer. I'm very glad we moved up, passage times and range are now much improved and were looking forward to exploring further afield for our 2 week summer Holiday. In my mind the extra running costs are not that significant compared to the extra capability. Single handing the boat is no harder than it was, no bow thrusters etc. I still visit the marina single handed to fill up with Fuel and water, and am happy sailing it single handed (with Autopilot) as I was on the Fulmar. IMHO The loads are a little higher but the winches and sail handeling gear is better, so it is no harder to sail.
Good luck with what ever you do, but I doubt you will regret it if you manage to move up.

I second everything you have said. We have upgraded to a Bendytoy Oceanis 40cc from a Baby Hanse 301
Passage making is so much easier and comfortable. We have had enjoyed having enthusiastic family on board with all their gear!
OK boat is slightly older. But she came with brand new sails, all new through hulls and seacocks. A low hours well maintained engine. A bow thruster and electric windlass with remote.
I am spending this summer locally in the Irish Sea.
I am enjoying sorting out the usual older rarely used boat problems before planning longer trips away next year.
Now I just have to work out how 500 litres of freshwater ended up being pumped out by the bilge pump in the last week.?