Perfect first time sailing boat

J

JClarkes

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Joined
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625
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Co Down
www.jclarkemarine.com
After selling the Warrior 165 I have been looking at little Hunters and Westerlys.

Just thought I would ask here, what would be the best boat to start sailing in. Something that could cross the Irish sea once or twice a year. Mainly to use around the shore and Loughs.
 
I offer the following in the spirit of goodwill one finds all over the 'emerald-brown' isle....

The first requirement is that it keeps the ocean on the outside. Next, it is desirable to be able to move it and steer it. Last, but certainly not least, you need to like it.

All the rest is of secondary importance.

Enjoi! ;)
 
JClarkes said:
After selling the Warrior 165 I have been looking at little Hunters and Westerlys.

Just thought I would ask here, what would be the best boat to start sailing in. Something that could cross the Irish sea once or twice a year. Mainly to use around the shore and Loughs.
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How much do you want to spend? As it's a bit of an open question, why not find a few examples near you in your price range and come back with a post saying "What do you think of these" with links to the advert?

If you just want a few makes to search on try: Hurley 22, Hunter 701, Hunter Duette, Halcyon 23. That will do for H's. Someone else can provide other letters.
 
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Just had a quick look at Apollo Duck for the list you suggested. The Halcyon looks great, slightly rarer.

Wouldnt want to be spending more than £4k, really missing being out on the water.

Heading out in a few weeks on my cousins Benetteau 57 around Croatia so that should really put me in the mood for sailing.
 
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JClarkes said:
After selling the Warrior 165 I have been looking at little Hunters and Westerlys.

Just thought I would ask here, what would be the best boat to start sailing in. Something that could cross the Irish sea once or twice a year. Mainly to use around the shore and Loughs.
Click to expand...
There are literally hundreds of boats that will meet that brief, although the choice your side of the sea may not be as good as on the south or east coast of England.

Your budget obviously limits you to either small or needing work, but just go and have a look at a few so you know what you can get for your money. As Angus suggests asking about something you have found that you fancy will get you more useful responses.
 
You could probably pick up a Ruffian 23 within your budget. There are 4 advertised on Apollo Duck Ireland at the moment. These are good sea boats well capable of crossing the Irish sea.
 
AngusMcDoon said:
Have a look for Hurley 22's as well, they will come into that price range with a variety of keel options. Be very wary of a small old boat with an old inboard engine. Replacing it will cost more than the boat.
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I agree

the biggest safety factor in any boat is an engine that will start

and an old inboard diesel.......well my experience has been far from wonderful

compared to a newish outboard in a well

D
 
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I concur with the thoughts about the Hurley 22, and especially about the outboard vs inboard argument. A rotten inboard will cost you more than you paid for the boat! The Hurley is a fine sea boat and you could pick up a example within your budget.
 
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