bromleybysea
Well-Known Member
Is that why my Rustler always seems to go better on port tack?
Nicholson 31 (Rustler 31? Moody 31?)
- Thread starter Babylon
- Start date
barfly4657
N/A
[QUOTE[you might add a Hustler 30 to the list.
jwilson
Well-Known Member
Nic 31 a very good boat indeed, miles better than the Nic 32 it replaced. Rustler 31 the fastest of your choices, and an excellent boat too, but once you put a Moody 31 into the equation why not look at other fin-keelers, particularly the Sadler 32/34. Some of the early IOR 3/4 ton cruiser-racers were also very seaworthy and their beam produces lots of space. The very best are probably the Swan 36 and the near-identical but cheaper built She 36, but the UFO34 is just as fast and spacious and costs half the money. With all these older boats the trick is to find a good one, not one either hammered to death racing or long neglected. I'm a believer in fast boats: boats that are regarded as hard to handle when raced flat-out suddenly become pussycats with less sail up, and still go quicker than heavy cruisers.
Contessa 32 very pretty but almost certainly too small for you. Hustler 30 and other old half-tonners mostly even smaller.
If you want to stick to long-keel the Halmatic 30 is virtually a mini Nic 31, and the Barbican 30 is the same hull moulding as the Halmatic.
Contessa 32 very pretty but almost certainly too small for you. Hustler 30 and other old half-tonners mostly even smaller.
If you want to stick to long-keel the Halmatic 30 is virtually a mini Nic 31, and the Barbican 30 is the same hull moulding as the Halmatic.
jason -and the arguenauts
Well-Known Member
Didnt you say you wanted to do a bit of racing? If so thats anm odd list.
As an ex Moody owner I wasnt over impressed by the build quality. Sure its better than Benny et al but it isnt as good as the Vancouver. Its middle of the road which isnt to say you will have any problems because they are well sorted boats.
No way is it a 6 berth for 6 adults but then the others listed have even less accommodation.
The Moody 31 isnt fast as its PY handicap shows.
In your position I'd be tempted to go for a newer First
As an ex Moody owner I wasnt over impressed by the build quality. Sure its better than Benny et al but it isnt as good as the Vancouver. Its middle of the road which isnt to say you will have any problems because they are well sorted boats.
No way is it a 6 berth for 6 adults but then the others listed have even less accommodation.
The Moody 31 isnt fast as its PY handicap shows.
In your position I'd be tempted to go for a newer First
jonic
Well-Known Member
A tough choice, especially considering what you are replacing. They are all good. The Nic will probably need the most in terms of re-fit, the Rustler is a fine boat and the Moody is probably the best all rounder. But I'm biased as I'm taking a Moody 38 through the Caribbean and up the USA eastern seaboard and continue to be impressed by her week by week.
It would be very hard to put these boats in order of merit, which one feels right when you are on board? I think you can really choose with your heart, without upsetting your head with any of these three. Good luck.
It would be very hard to put these boats in order of merit, which one feels right when you are on board? I think you can really choose with your heart, without upsetting your head with any of these three. Good luck.
blueprintbill
New Member
Nicholson 31
I can't give an unbiased opinion, because I've owned my Nic 31, 30 years, from new in 1982. She is a great boat, trans atlantic, Maine to Ireland, in 2001 ( average speed just over 5 knots for the entire, comfortable, passage ) and was great living aboard for 6 seasons (cruising 3 months at a time ) in northern european waters. Fabulous boat,.. Not for sale,.. You'll have to wait till I die.
Cheers.
PS Most any used boat will want to be updated, just start with a good foundation.
I can't give an unbiased opinion, because I've owned my Nic 31, 30 years, from new in 1982. She is a great boat, trans atlantic, Maine to Ireland, in 2001 ( average speed just over 5 knots for the entire, comfortable, passage ) and was great living aboard for 6 seasons (cruising 3 months at a time ) in northern european waters. Fabulous boat,.. Not for sale,.. You'll have to wait till I die.
Cheers.
PS Most any used boat will want to be updated, just start with a good foundation.