Newbie Sailor – First boat advice for Southeast Med (Greece)

[Islander_00]

Looking to pick the experienced – certainly more so than me – hive mind on picking my first boat.

Newbie sailor here with a couple of years limited experience (sailing school, a few races, some week long trips etc) cruising the southern islands of Greece.

I am itching for years to own my own boat and enjoy the 9+ summer months we have in Greece. Heavy workload and other various obligations leave me with limited time but, living on the biggest Island of Greece (Crete), 5 mins from the marina, means that I can go sailing at least on some afternoons, most weekends and some week+ long trips throughout the year.

Bearing in mind the usually heavy wind and choppy seas of the southern Aegean as well as the fact that it is 60nm due north to the nearest Island I am looking into older boats around the 34-38 ft mark.

The search has come down to three options around my budget all at virtually the same asking price each with its own pros and cons.
These are:
- A 30year old moody 37 in excellent condition but, outdated in electronics (everything Is working though chartplotter is missing) and with no tender
- A 20year old Beneteau 36CC (yes I am rather fond of center cockpits) with everything I could ask for and updated electronics (electronics about 10 years old but still acceptable), new tender and motor
- A 15year old Beneteau 373 with basic but acceptable level of equipment but with some use as a charter with everything that can potentially imply…

I should mention that the sailing I am planning to do is mostly coastal but also in light offshore conditions as is the norm in the Aegean sea, especially between Crete and the Dodecanese Islands. I plan to keep the boat for many years so, something to be able to safely (and carefully) navigate the med is the objective…

So the question stands:
Should I invest time and money in an older (arguably more seaworthy boat) or go with the somewhat newer options.

All three boats are considered ready to sail though…

Any thoughts would be highly appreciated !!!!!

Fair Winds to all!




P.S. sorry for the long post…

 

[cmedsailor]

I would say better spend time on sailing and enjoying the beautiful Aegean rather than spend time and money on an old boat.
The two Beneteau's are perfectly fine for the Med (I had a Beneteau Oceanis 361 for 11 years, the boat that the Oceanis 373 has replaced) though, personally, I believe that a center cockpit is not ideal for stern to mooring, jumping off the swim platform and so on...you know the Aegean style of cruising.

 

[AndrewB]

Sorry you don't seem to be getting much response. It sounds like your choice lies between a slow and heavy yacht (Moody 37, like mine) versus a faster, much lighter yacht (Beneteau 36CC, which I've sailed, and maybe the other Beneteau). When the Beneteau is doing 7kts, the Moody will be plodding along at 5kts. On the other hand, the Moody will be giving you a comfortable steady sail in a force 6 when the Beneteau will be distinctly sporty - fun in its own way, but not for your woman if expected to turn out lunch as you thrash along. Given where and when you are sailing, my personal preference would be for the Moody, but a good case could be made for all of these yachts.

Do not be too obsessed by electronics. In my experience, second-hand yachts invariably need these reviewing before long and nowadays I'd prefer to buy a yacht with a few well-tested basics rather than an all-singing, all-dancing system that may not fit my preferences, or may need replacing in a few years.

I suggest you should focus on the age and condition of the engine, rigging and sails, all of which need replacing from time to time and are more vital, and can be considerably more expensive, than the electronics. The Moody in particular may have an ancient Thornycroft engine well overdue for replacement. You will also want to have the structural condition checked (hull, keel, rudder), particularly on an ex-charter boat, though usually this isn't a problem.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

I'd second that .... go for the boat that needs the least done to it - I guess you want to go sailing rather than spend your time fixing things. All the boats mentioned are seaworthy and will be fine in the Med.

My opinion having not seen any of the boats ....

Only go for the 30year old Moody if it is in exceptional condition and pay particular attention to things that don't seal properly any more (windows, deck fittings etc.), the engine and the state of the electrical system (corrosion and bodges).

Centre cockpits make mediteranean stern-to mooring more exciting.

The other thing to think about is shade. Can you sail with a bimini up? I sail in Croatia which is a bit further north, but it can get blisteringly hot and the ability to sail or motor with a bimini up is very handy - otherwise you will spend your time in the cockpit slowly turning into a lobster.

A swim platform with a fresh water shower is also a big plus when it gets hot.

Personally, I'd go for the Beneteau 373 ... don't be scared of an ex-charter boat, just go over it with a fine tooth comb. If there are no signs of structural problems from grounding or other "bumps" then she'll be fine.

If you are so close to the boat, then it will become part of your social life, so creature comforts and the ability to use it as a second home as well as to get your fix of sailing are equally important. Everybody dreams of sailing round Cape Horn, many of us end up sitting in the sunshine in a beautiful anchorage with a cold G&T ... dreaming of sailing round Cape Horn and just enjoying messing about on boats.

Whichever you choose, it will be the right decision, I've never met a sailor who isn't fiercely protective of their boat after they've bought it.

 

[Islander_00]

Thank you all for the comments!!

A surveyor has done a quick survey (while on the hard) on the moody and reports that hull, engine (Volvo 30ΗP of 2000 not original Thornicroft) and existing systems on board look to be in excellent working condition. All standing and running rigging is in very good (not excellent) condition and similarly sails are not new, but serviced and adequate for a few more years. Generally, only minor TLC should be required as well as a new chartplotter and dinky. Just a coat of antifoul is required for it to be splashed in the following days.

I have arranged a trip to view all boats at the end of the week, adding an older Bavaria 370 of the same era as the Moody which, as I understand, is of similar specs (displacement, length, data) and quality alas not a CC.

I can’t wait to get a “feel” of each boat when on board and go with my gut (pending surveys) if I am to place an offer on any of them.

Once again I cannot thank you all enough for the input, keep any comments coming!!

 

[ashtead]

You don't say anything about the mainsail arrangement on the models ? Are these all in mast reefing or are some with stack pack ? Personally would avoid in mast but if you are not so spiritly in mast can be an advantage. Have you drawn up a list of other creature comforts on board e.g. Hot water,heating etc . Might be a way to go to compare engine hours on the Moody to the ex charter boat? Oft