Non-UK-mainstream boats: Buying in Europe?

Well I appreciate that expectations may well differ from others. But in those photos (and they are shockingly poor quality) I see soiled leather, sagging linings, a filthy icemaker, the engines have surface rust and no signs of new service parts / filters / hoses, teak looks worn out. If the broker had said, "Generally well maintained but would benefit from a full valet and interior refurb" (or whatever) then fair enough, but the use of words like pristine, treasured, stunning are just wrong.

All IMHO of course.
at the size range, price, and age range you are looking at, you are going to have to look for a long time. The Cranchi looks pretty good, perfect no. However give it a proper VolvoPaul style service, a professional cut and polish, clean and lightly sand the teak and a full interior valet, what would you think then? Any boat more than @ 12 years old will sooner or later develop a saggy ceiling or wall lining. They all do in the end. You could find one that's perfect now, come back after a winter and find quite a few saggy spots.

Personally if I was interested in that boat I would use those factors to get the price down a bit. Then do the engines, clean the interior and teak myself and not bother with the exterior apart from a good wash with wash and wax. Two weekends tops. Invest the savings in diesel and red wine. The seagulls will still cr@p on it however shiny it is. What ever you buy the most important bits to check out are the engines, gearboxes and the hull. Everything else is pretty much cosmetic.
However when I came to sell it, I would have it professionally polished and make sure it was all super shiny inside too, with receipts for engine service/parts.
 
Well I appreciate that expectations may well differ from others. But in those photos (and they are shockingly poor quality) I see soiled leather, sagging linings, a filthy icemaker, the engines have surface rust and no signs of new service parts / filters / hoses, teak looks worn out. If the broker had said, "Generally well maintained but would benefit from a full valet and interior refurb" (or whatever) then fair enough, but the use of words like pristine, treasured, stunning are just wrong.

All IMHO of course.
In that case I think you haven't seen a boat that is generally well maintained and needing a refurb.
If you really want a boat in that condition you will likely need to do the refurb yourself.
Nobody at that price point will have done a full refurb before selling.
 
Hi Scala,

Happy to give you the mobile number of the owner of the Cranchi if you would like to talk/ask any questions ???

All the best CS.
 
I like the look of those as a boat for me, though I have never been on one in the flesh. Take me for a trip if you buy it :)
(Or even sea trial it !!)

We thought about buying one in the past but ended up with a Broom - same concept but arguably the Fairline has more contemporary interior styling. Also know someone who recently sold theirs - lovely boat. The stern looks a bit bulky with the GRP cockpit surround but that isn’t a show stopper IMHO. Not many built if memory serves.
 
We thought about buying one in the past but ended up with a Broom - same concept but arguably the Fairline has more contemporary interior styling. Also know someone who recently sold theirs - lovely boat. The stern looks a bit bulky with the GRP cockpit surround but that isn’t a show stopper IMHO. Not many built if memory serves.
Yes, looks odd at the stern. I think IIRC there were 13 made. Someone will be along soon to correct me... :)
 
The Phantom 43 AC is a boat I’ve known for at least 10 years and through 4 owners to present day , I have maintained this boat for many years , the owner is also on this forum but not very often .
 
How much conscious time do boaters spend in the AC , of aft cabin layout boats ?

If it a lot to swing a buying decision, wouldn’t they be better off going caravanning or adding a extension on there house ?
 
Th AC is ugly
All a matter of taste so no rights or wrongs here :)

We have had two Broom aft cabin boats and the accommodation is superb. I don’t really get Itama’s point about getting a caravan or extending the house - if you want spacious comfortable accommodation with a sports cruiser cockpit then aft cabin is the way to go. On the other hand if you want something as a day boat with occasional cruising capability then get something different. All down to lifestyle and personal preference.

I like all boats for different reasons and currently have a sports cruiser but there is no getting away from the fact that aft cabin boats are a pretty strong package.
.
 
All a matter of taste
Mmm... Is it, really?
I've yet to come across a boater who likes the lines of ANY aft cabin boat, bar none.
Some of them are slightly better than others of course, but imho the nicer AC boat is less elegant than the worse non-AC boat, for any given size.
And mind, I was very close to purchasing a Trader 575, because I spend a lot of time living aboard, and for this kind of usage, no monohull of similar size comes close.
Eventually, I went for a very classic flybridge, with a bow master cabin which doesn't hold a candle to the AC in the Trader.
But when I see a Trader now, it ain't her beautiful AC cabin that springs to mind.
The first thought is more along the lines of...
Thanks God I didn't buy her, 'cause I should have looked elsewhere whenever boarding her! ?
 
How much conscious time do boaters spend in the AC , of aft cabin layout boats ?

If it a lot to swing a buying decision, wouldn’t they be better off going caravanning or adding a extension on there house ?
Aft cabin boats are fantastic.
Its my cabin and I use it all the time
My guests are far enough away up forward that I can’t hear them burping, farting or bonking. And visa versa. All in a 40 ft boat.
Your boat for me would be dreadful. I would never in this world choose it. But accept that you love it and that it must be a good boat for you.
I does get very boring when you always belittle everyone who chooses something other than what is a minority interest boat.
 
Mmm... Is it, really?
I've yet to come across a boater who likes the lines of ANY aft cabin boat, bar none.
Some of them are slightly better than others of course, but imho the nicer AC boat is less elegant than the worse non-AC boat, for any given size.
And mind, I was very close to purchasing a Trader 575, because I spend a lot of time living aboard, and for this kind of usage, no monohull of similar size comes close.
Eventually, I went for a very classic flybridge, with a bow master cabin which doesn't hold a candle to the AC in the Trader.
But when I see a Trader now, it ain't her beautiful AC cabin that springs to mind.
The first thought is more along the lines of...
Thanks God I didn't buy her, 'cause I should have looked elsewhere whenever boarding her! ?

Lack of deck storage is a disadvantage you missed.
I’m still delighted with mine even if she isn’t a looker!!
Different people, different priorities.
 
Aft cabin boats are fantastic.
Its my cabin and I use it all the time
My guests are far enough away up forward that I can’t hear them burping, farting or bonking. And visa versa. All in a 40 ft boat.


Your boat for me would be dreadful. I would never in this world choose it. But accept that you love it and that it must be a good boat for you.
I does get very boring when you always belittle everyone who chooses something other than what is a minority interest boat.
Jezz lighten up ,it’s a boat forum no need to attack each other and get personal.

Mines an aft cabin boat too , the guest cabin is aft and agree with sentiments re separating guests .......but we are not a doing a aft cabin love in there ?

Where’s my “ belittling “ asking this question?

How much conscious time do aft cabin owners ( guests ?) spend in the AC ?

Nobodies answered, the replies have all dodged the Q
Realise majority of time is asleep , buts that not I am asking to be clear .

Just curious that’s all to see if U.K. aft cabin conscious usage is different / similar to the Med .
 
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