Next boat thoughts

[wooslehunter]

After having sailed the current boat for 10 years, I'm starting to think about what next. So here's what I'm thinking:

1. 31-34' length.
2. £50k tops but less is better of course.
3. Not too old for minimal maintenance (ok a poorly maintained 5yr old boat will need far more talc than a well maintained 30yr old boat).
4. Reasonable performance for club racing although forgiving as I also do lots of single handed, would consider bilge or single keels (I quite like ditch crawling & there are some nice places to go if you can dry out).
5. Sea kindly for the channel.
6. Accommodation for 4 adults.

Current thoughts are Moody 31 or possibly going to 346.

What are the forum recommendations on boats to look out for?

 

[PeteCooper]

Moody 336?

 

[roblpm]

I was recently considering the shallow draft / club racing combo. Trouble is that a lot of the bilge keelers are so slow that the bar will have shut when you get back in even if you win on handicap.

So too small: sadler 290 but fulfils all other criteria.

Parker 31??

Fulmar bilge? But all old and tired?

Moody s31 bilge??

 

[superheat6k]

Come over to the dark side - you know you want to ! If you sail from a Marina Mobos can be cheaper to run, more space, and you can steer without getting wet, and best of all - no tacking.

 

[ELAiNe333]

After having sailed the current boat for 10 years, I'm starting to think about what next. So here's what I'm thinking:

1. 31-34' length.
2. £50k tops but less is better of course.
3. Not too old for minimal maintenance (ok a poorly maintained 5yr old boat will need far more talc than a well maintained 30yr old boat).
4. Reasonable performance for club racing although forgiving as I also do lots of single handed, would consider bilge or single keels (I quite like ditch crawling & there are some nice places to go if you can dry out).
5. Sea kindly for the channel.
6. Accommodation for 4 adults.

Current thoughts are Moody 31 or possibly going to 346.

What are the forum recommendations on boats to look out for?

Some while ago we were similarly looking to move on and thought that a comfortable Moody was the way to go. Actually aboard them we failed to get excited and to cut a story short ended up with the Elan 333. Much more rewarding as even a light breeze gives good sailing. We day sail more than cruise and now do a bit of "White Sail" club racing. Enjoy the fun while you still appreciate it. Yes we reef earlier than many but so what. Just had a Three and a half week cruise, perhaps less space than a Moody but plenty for two of us and enough for 4 adults and an infant that we have done in the past. Only downer on your list is the 1.95 M draught although a few were built with a shallow keel. We sail the East coast but seldom find the draught an issue, how much of the time do we actually sail a 1.5M draught in less than 2.5 of water? Admittedly parts of North Holland are more of an issue with this depth. On maintenance, the lead keel many have are lovely, no more rust spots.

 

[mrming]

I've always fancied a Parker 31 which meets all your criteria and is very friendly for single handing due to the whacking great lead wing on the end of the keel. Plus you'll be on the brandies by the time anything with Moody in the title gets home.

 

[sailaboutvic]

Moody 336?

+1 had one for 13 years and loved it sail well and went the going gets tough the boat springs to life .
Best moody I had and I had a few in my time .

www.bluewatersailorcroatia.webs.com

 

[Concerto]

Certainly recommend the Fulmar for easy sailing and comfortable. The very last Fulmar was sold last year for close to £40,000 and was some 15 years later than the majority. Early ones from the early 80's sell from just over £20,000 to the later ones at the end of the 80's in the low £30,000. They have a sea kindly manner with a pratical interior rather than a floating caravan interior. Recently rated alongside the Contessa 32, and Twister as classic modern designed yachts.

 

[richardbrennan]

I have a Westerly Ocean 33, which was the Fulmar replacement, and would certainly meet your criteria. Unfortunately there are not many of them around on the second hand market as they only built 33 before going bust!

 

[wooslehunter]

Interesting ideas. Nice try to get over to the dark side but afraid it has to be a rangy.

Thought of Fulmars as we'll. Moody 336 could be an option. is probably at the top of the price range since after spending years & lots getting the current boat sorted, I'd like to moved to a ready sorted one. OK, I know I'll want to do something.

Élan 333 sounds a good idea & I sailed one a few weeks ago. Pointed like nothing else & this one scoops loads of club trophies so has to be a quick boat. Concern on the 333 is that it could be a bit lively for single handing. Plus they're right at the top of the price range. But after the sail in one I did look them up. Could be an option.

It's surely tempting to go bigger than 31 but the club does great winter storage if I stay with 31-32.

 

[Houleaux]

A well maintained Westerly Storm OD would meet all your requirements and leave you plenty of change (yes I'm biased because that's what we have!).

There are also a few cruiser versions with bilge keels, 3' lobbed off the mast and a 2003 instead of a 2002 engine if that's your preference.

The advantage over the Fulmar is two separate sleeping cabins (albeit not exactly palatial!). The disadvantage is that, like all 33' boats, you're just into the 10m + bracket when it comes to marina fees!

 

[Twister_Ken]

Sadler 34?

 

[ifoxwell]

Lots of nice boats listed but there all old?

I was in a similar position to you last year and bought a Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i for less than your budget and its awesome.

Ok so its not all old school and solid wood down below, but its well built (all be it to a price) and sails really, really well. Its easy to single hand ( I often take it out on my own) and we race it two up, kite and all! and yet it still makes the perfect caravan for the family holidays with good accommodation, heating, hot and cold water etc etc etc

I'm not suggesting its for everyone, just don't dismiss all the more modern boats. Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, Hanse etc all make some great boats that will be under 10 years old, have newer engines with less hours, newer fittings that in many cases will be ball raced and easier to use, all the trimming modern boats have and yet they will still fit into your budget.

Ian

 

[Tranona]

Lots of nice boats listed but there all old?

I was in a similar position to you last year and bought a Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i for less than your budget and its awesome.

Ok so its not all old school and solid wood down below, but its well built (all be it to a price) and sails really, really well. Its easy to single hand ( I often take it out on my own) and we race it two up, kite and all! and yet it still makes the perfect caravan for the family holidays with good accommodation, heating, hot and cold water etc etc etc

I'm not suggesting its for everyone, just don't dismiss all the more modern boats. Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, Hanse etc all make some great boats that will be under 10 years old, have newer engines with less hours, newer fittings that in many cases will be ball raced and easier to use, all the trimming modern boats have and yet they will still fit into your budget.

Ian

Agree with that. A mid 2000's Bav 32, Bene, Jeanneau etc can be had in the £40-50k price range. Recently looked at a 2006 Bav 32 that was as good as new at just under £40k asking. Streets ahead of older boats in condition and equipment.