Small affordable boats with big wheels

[LooseHeadPop]

I'm looking for a yacht under 35ft with a big wheel that will allow me to steer from a position out towards the rail - and with a mainsheet traveller within reach of the helm. Probably from the 2000s. Favourite at present is Dufour 34P, with Maxi 1050 also on the radar. Both as rare as hens' teeth in the UK.

Any other suggestions? Twin wheels acceptable provided the boat sails well and can be had for under £70k.

 

[John_Silver]

This one has sold, but maybe an X-332 would suit?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Might be a tiny bit too long, Dehler 36 CWS?

 

[LooseHeadPop]

This one has sold, but maybe an X-332 would suit?

Thanks - yes, I had it on my long-list. I think the wheel is a tad too small, but it there was one conveniently on sale I would take a look. Not finding one at present.

 

[LooseHeadPop]

Might be a tiny bit too long, Dehler 36 CWS?

Thanks. Yes, I'm trying to stay under 35

 

[dunedin]

Elan 333 or 362 ?
X34, but only ones on sale currently seems to be in the EU

 

[KeelsonGraham]

Catalina 34 Mk II

 

[dunedin]

How about this Elan 362 - brilliant sailing boat, goes fast but handles well, and lovely practical wooden interior (before Elan changed their interior build) - 1999 Elan 362 Racer/Cruiser for sale - YachtWorld
Within budget allowing for a few upgrades

 

[TSB240]

I'm looking for a yacht under 35ft with a big wheel that will allow me to steer from a position out towards the rail - and with a mainsheet traveller within reach of the helm. Probably from the 2000s. Favourite at present is Dufour 34P, with Maxi 1050 also on the radar. Both as rare as hens' teeth in the UK.

Any other suggestions? Twin wheels acceptable provided the boat sails well and can be had for under £70k.

Why bother with a big wheel a good autopilot with a remote means you can steer from anywhere you like!

 

[LooseHeadPop]

Elan 333 or 362 ?
X34, but only ones on sale currently seems to be in the EU

Thanks - yes, I had 333 on my long-list. Not seeing any in the UK right now. Oh, and I now see that the traveller is at the front of the cockpit, which is not my ideal setup

 

[LooseHeadPop]

How about this Elan 362 - brilliant sailing boat, goes fast but handles well, and lovely practical wooden interior (before Elan changed their interior build) - 1999 Elan 362 Racer/Cruiser for sale - YachtWorld
Within budget allowing for a few upgrades

Thanks. Looks good. If it were closer to home I'd take a look, but ideally I want the traveller near the helm

 

[LooseHeadPop]

Why bother with a big wheel a good autopilot with a remote means you can steer from anywhere you like!

I'm guessing you haven't had the pleasure of helming a fast boat with a big wheel, using your fingertips

 

[dunedin]

Thanks. Looks good. If it were closer to home I'd take a look, but ideally I want the traveller near the helm

Is it for racing or cruising? Solo or with crew?

 

[LooseHeadPop]

Catalina 34 Mk II

Thanks. Can't see any selling in the UK

 

[LooseHeadPop]

Is it for racing or cruising? Solo or with crew?

Both. Both.

 

[Frogmogman]

I’d say a Dufour 34 performance would fit the bill perfectly, and can certainly be found within your budget over here in Europe. Don’t know about in the uk

 

[B27]

Post 2000, you may need to go for a twin wheel boat?
I've sailed a few boats with big wheels, it's great when you can sit outboard of the wheel, either to windward or leeward, or you can stand behind it downwind.
But I'm thinking about nearer 40ft.
And mostly boats designed in the 80s.
There were some nice boats where you could sit alongside the wheel and reach the mainsheet and the jib winches.
Big wheels worked on 3/4 tonners with relatively slim sterns, the helm forward a bit.
Proper big wheels, running in a trench in the cockpit sole.
I nearly bought an X332, the problem was all the serious boys were going for the tiller version.

 

[LooseHeadPop]

I’d say a Dufour 34 performance would fit the bill perfectly, and can certainly be found within your budget over here in Europe. Don’t know about in the uk

Thanks. I have just viewed the one on the UK market, which is overpriced considering its rig and sails. We'll see ...

 

[LooseHeadPop]

Post 2000, you may need to go for a twin wheel boat?
I've sailed a few boats with big wheels, it's great when you can sit outboard of the wheel, either to windward or leeward, or you can stand behind it downwind.
But I'm thinking about nearer 40ft.
And mostly boats designed in the 80s.
There were some nice boats where you could sit alongside the wheel and reach the mainsheet and the jib winches.
Big wheels worked on 3/4 tonners with relatively slim sterns, the helm forward a bit.
Proper big wheels, running in a trench in the cockpit sole.
I nearly bought an X332, the problem was all the serious boys were going for the tiller version.

Thanks. Haven't seen any that suit. And my experience of twin wheel boats is that they never match the feel of a single big wheel. The Dufour 34 will suit me well, I think - but I launched this thread to see if I was missing anything

 

[bignick]

Dehler 32 SQ would fit the bill. You may just find one at that price, but they may be fractionally more.