New boat options

[Magaz97]

SWMBO has decided in her infinite wisdom, that I now need a bigger and better equipped boat. (I love her!)

I (not WE, as it is definitely MY boat) currently own an Invicta 26. I sail a lot single handedly, as SWMBO is not overly keen on the current boat. Lack of 'proper' heads, no standing head room, no running water etc.

WE need a boat to satisfy certain criteria. Standing head room, 'proper' heads, running water (hot and cold), double berth, cooker with oven. A shower in the heads would be nice.

It also needs to sail well, with a chart table and be of a more 'modern' design. (Fin keel?) I would like something over 30' and have a budget of about £25k

I have been considering Sadler 32 / 34 or Sigma 33.

What does the panel have to offer by way of advice, guidance or observations?

Many thanks (in advance)

Tony

 

[Seajet]

Well, the Sigma was really designed with a big crew in mind and listening to a friend who used to crew one, build quality while Ok is not tank-like; the Sadlers sound a good bet, the 34 if within price range.

 

[webcraft]

.
If going for a Sigma try to find a 33C, the masthead (cruising) version. It is less likely to have been hammered and (IMO and unsurprisingly) more suited for cruising. I teach occasionally on an old and extremely well-used one and it is a great boat to sail, very easy for a couple - tiller steered, light and responsive, lines and winches to hand. Chart table is good, galley adequate.

It is a tough boat, and with the right canvas very good in strong winds.

Double berth-wise though the forepeak is a bit small and slightly difficult to get in and out of.

- W

 

[johnalison]

Ease of handling is obviously going to be important and you might want to consider a Westerly Fulmar in the same general size range, though I don't have personal experience of sailing one.

 

[Seajet]

Agree on the Fulmar, quite possibly the best thing Westerly's ever made; excellent sailing boat even in twin keel form, solid and easily handled.

 

[redsnapper]

I own a Sadler 34, so am biased, to the Sadler range. However, for your budget would think you will struggle to find a nice one. I would suggest you look at all the boats on your list - and the fulmar. They are all great boats, can take you more or less any where you are likely to go. Look at as many as you can, and buy the one that's in the best condition.

Good luck!

Steve

 

[dunedin]

Agree on the Fulmar, quite possibly the best thing Westerly's ever made; excellent sailing boat even in twin keel form, solid and easily handled.

Fantastic sailing boats - fast but not furious, and great interior for the age.

But condition can vary hugely (and get used to glueing back the rooflinings regularly)

 

[BAtoo]

Had a Sadler 32 - good boat, dated design, nowadays the walk-through heads is a very outdated.

I'll start the recommendations for the older Bene's & Jeanneaus. The ""purists"" will say they are not "proper" sailing boats but these boats fulfill the requirements of the majority of "normal" sailors more than adequately. No, they wont take you "across the pond", "round the horn2 - but how many of us do that ???
Beneteau first 325 - v good boat, just about in budget if you are lucky, first 32s5, first 32 (note first NOT oceanis)

 

[GeorgeTina]

Beneteau First 305 would also tick the boxes

 

[BAtoo]

Beneteau First 305 would also tick the boxes

Yes, though I found it a bit narrow at the fore of the main cabin when I looked at one.

 

[Grumpybear]

Jeanneaus: Sundream 28 (actually almost 30 ft with the sugar scoop), Sunlight 30 should both tick your boxes. We enjoyed our Sundream for two years, the only oddity being that although there was a shower tray built into the floor of the heads compartment, there was no drain; I plumbed a drain through into the engine bay and installed an electric bilge pump in a Tupperware box. she also had been re rigged with a roller furling main and a taller rig to make up for the lost roach in the main. with an enormous genoa as well, she went like s**t off a shovel!

 

[Tranona]

Put your parameters into www.yachtworld.com and see what comes up. 30-32ft, 1975-1990. £20-30k gives over 70 possibles, many that you would not have thought of if you stick to the old favourites.

 

[lufc71]

Beneteau first 325 - v good boat, just about in budget if you are lucky, first 32s5, first 32 (note first NOT oceanis)

Could you explain this comment?

Is it because it is not a 'good boat', or because it is too good and therefore out of this budget?

 

[Fantasie 19]

SWMBO has decided in her infinite wisdom, that I now need a bigger and better equipped boat. (I love her!)

I (not WE, as it is definitely MY boat) currently own an Invicta 26. I sail a lot single handedly, as SWMBO is not overly keen on the current boat. Lack of 'proper' heads, no standing head room, no running water etc.

WE need a boat to satisfy certain criteria. Standing head room, 'proper' heads, running water (hot and cold), double berth, cooker with oven. A shower in the heads would be nice.

It also needs to sail well, with a chart table and be of a more 'modern' design. (Fin keel?) I would like something over 30' and have a budget of about £25k

I have been considering Sadler 32 / 34 or Sigma 33.

What does the panel have to offer by way of advice, guidance or observations?

Many thanks (in advance)

Tony

Is the implication that the current Mrs Magaz will sail more purely if you had a bigger boat, or a more comfortable boat, or both?? The answer will help form the decision surely.... if you end up with a bigger boat and end up still "sail a lot single handedly, as SWMBO is not overly keen" then 30'+ is a lot of boat to handle on your own...

Can you get a boat that fits the comfort criteria within a size range of your current boat??

Why not charter a 30'+ boat of the kind your thinking of and find out if the current Mrs Magaz likes the experience enough to pursue the bigger boat??

Just some thoughts....

 

[johnphilip]

At least take a look

Some years ago we were looking for a Sigma 33 to share with friends. The ones we found were all pretty knocked about internally from racing. We were pointed by a broker to look at the Fulmar, bought one and were happy with her for 12 years. Not as good looking as the Sigma but you and your better half will find it a much more comfortable boat. You may have to budget for a new headlining unless someone has already done the work on the "Westerly Droop"
She sailed remarkably well, at least equal to the others you suggest.

 

[Magaz97]

Is the implication that the current Mrs Magaz will sail more purely if you had a bigger boat, or a more comfortable boat, or both?? The answer will help form the decision surely.... if you end up with a bigger boat and end up still "sail a lot single handedly, as SWMBO is not overly keen" then 30'+ is a lot of boat to handle on your own...

Can you get a boat that fits the comfort criteria within a size range of your current boat??

Why not charter a 30'+ boat of the kind your thinking of and find out if the current Mrs Magaz likes the experience enough to pursue the bigger boat??

Just some thoughts....

Thanks for the thoughts... She has plenty of experience sailing on larger stuff. Sun Odyssey 37, and an Oceanis 373. She is definately drawn towards the more 'comfortable' boat. The 32 - 34 ft range was so that if need be, I could handle her myself. I do have other crew available if need be. Then again she wants to sail in permanent sunshine, so there may not be a proper solution for her

 

[Magaz97]

Put your parameters into www.yachtworld.com and see what comes up. 30-32ft, 1975-1990. £20-30k gives over 70 possibles, many that you would not have thought of if you stick to the old favourites.

Thanks for the pointer. Some interesting food for thought!

 

[Magaz97]

Some years ago we were looking for a Sigma 33 to share with friends. The ones we found were all pretty knocked about internally from racing. We were pointed by a broker to look at the Fulmar, bought one and were happy with her for 12 years. Not as good looking as the Sigma but you and your better half will find it a much more comfortable boat. You may have to budget for a new headlining unless someone has already done the work on the "Westerly Droop"
She sailed remarkably well, at least equal to the others you suggest.

Added to the list. Thanks

 

[Monique]

There is also a Nonsuch 35 in there.... looks rough though.

A good one will definitely satisfy your SWMBO regarding spacious living and it is easy to single hand.

But at 35K... may be out of your budget.

 

[Magaz97]

Beneteau first 325 - v good boat, just about in budget if you are lucky, first 32s5, first 32 (note first NOT oceanis)

Could you explain this comment?

Is it because it is not a 'good boat', or because it is too good and therefore out of this budget?

There are a couple in my price range....why should they be avoided?

Thanks