Production Boats in Europe

[mintaka2]

Hello Everyone,

We are new to this forum. We have been cruising a 44' steel boat in Australia for some time now, planning a circumnavigation - however the world is not as safe as it used to be, and we aren't sure about the hard miles between Australia and the Mediterranean any more, particularly the Middle East.

Consequently we are seriously considering selling Mintaka here, and flying across to look for a boat in the UK / Europe. Looking at the brokerages on the Internet, we figure we can afford a recent model of the standard European production boats, such as Moody, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, and such. I'm sure there are many more we aren't aware of.

The problem is that we know very little about these boats and their suitability to real cruising. The plan would be to spend 5 + years in the EC area, and then sail the boat back to Australia.

The purpose of this letter to to ask you, the people who sail, for information good / bad, recommendations, whatever about this plan so that maybe we can narrow down our search to a few manufacturers and a few models before we get over there next Spring.

Any comments, replies, opinions, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave George

 

[Chris_Stannard]

I have a Najad 373, which although expensive is a very good cruising boat. It is well built and fitted out and there is lots of customer support from the makers. If your eventual aim is to take the boat out of the EU you should ask for advice on the VAT rules, the commercial section og the UK high Commision office should help, since this could reduce your cost by about 20% on a new boat, I do not know if you can reclaim the VAT on a boat on which it has been paid.

The problem with a lot of the boats you mention, Bavarias, Jenneaus etc, is that they are fitted out for many people to sail, whereas it sounds as though you just want a boat for two. The other problem is that build standard may not be high, for example in a recent thread someone listed all the problems he had with his Bavaria, I did not have any problems with my boat. Similarly, many of the lightweight boats you mention do not have great sta bility curves and have flat bilges which make getting the water out difficult.

You can order back copies of boat tests from the Yachting monthoy etc but you have to know how to read them.

If you want more detail on my Najad email me and I will give you a full run down.


Chris Stannard

 

[dickh]

Welcome to the forum Dave, I see from your profile you already have a Roberts Offshore 44, so you are looking for something similar. I don't think the Bavaria, Benetau or Jenneau would be suitable as they are fairly lightly built - you would be better off with a Moody, Oyster, Rustler or a Halberg Rassy - all have good reputation as blue water cruisers, and there are many others just as suitable. I'm sure you will get lots of suggestions from this forum. Good Luck.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[Ray_G]

I have a Beneteau Oceanis 44cc which is unashamedly, a cruising boat fitted out for long distance cruising. At moderate displacement (12 tons or so) and an above average stability curve I find her sea kindly and comfortable to live aboard. Centre cockpits are not everyone's cup of tea but they do provide excellent accomadation below. As for Beneteau themselves they are helpful when you can get hold of them. Beneteau UK don,t answer e-mails but the French company does (eventually!).

 

[sailbadthesinner]

You might want to do a search under the various boat names suggested, on this forum. the 'what boat?' debate is a long running thing so there is lots of historical advice to sift through but it is worth the effort for such a big undertaking
welcome.

Come on brain.get this over and i can go back to killing you with beer

 

[southchinasea]

G'day Dave
You asked about 'production' boats and are immediately urged to consider
Oysters, Najads and Halberg Rassys!! I imagine you are used to a 44ft boat and
wouldn't want to reduce your living space? 44ft or thereabouts of the above brands (even a few years old) will stretch the finances.

I'm not sure about Beneteau/Moody but I know there is a Jeanneau agent in OZ (Brisbane I think)...Greg Dagge's the name from memory. He used to be the agent here (Hong Kong). Check out www.jeanneau.com for his contact details.
I'm sure he'd be delighted to show you a few boats!
Good luck

 

[bryantee]

Boats tend to be cheaper in the med.than Uk.Some good bargains in Greece.