LooseHeadPop
Member
Wouldn't the 34 be a better match? Older (=affordable) ones very rare
Small affordable boats with big wheels
- Thread starter LooseHeadPop
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flaming
Well-known member
Yes, the 34 (and later 35 which is the same hull I think) were great examples of the IRC C/R that was prevalent at the time.
I had a quick check on yachtworld and found the following that might fit the bill.
2000 Grand Soleil 34.1 Racer/Cruiser for sale - YachtWorld
2007 Beneteau First 34.7 Racer for sale - YachtWorld
Otherwise consider the First 35 if one comes up. And possibly the J109, though that is slightly larger. And if you are happy to go larger, the Elan 37 is a fantastic example of a big wheeled boat that loves to be helmed. I am biased there though....
flaming
Well-known member
Oh, and this, which unusually for a J97 has a wheel. And a bow thruster for some reason!
2010 J Boats 97 Racer/Cruiser for sale - YachtWorld
I think I'd prefer the tiller on that boat, but each to their own....
2010 J Boats 97 Racer/Cruiser for sale - YachtWorld
I think I'd prefer the tiller on that boat, but each to their own....
LooseHeadPop
Member
THanks! I find the smaller Firsts and Js too Spartan below deck, but the Grand Soleil looks like an option. Lot of money for a 2000 boat, but I'll look into the detail.
A bow thruster on a J97 eh! I didn't even have one on my First 47.7, back in the day.
Edit: have now discovered the current Y Monthly has a feature on the GS that's for sale - very handy! Alternatives they list: Dufour 34, X-332, Finngulf 33 (too pricey for me).
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bignick
Active member
The Judel Vrolik designed Dehler 33 was later developed into the Dehler 34 JV
The 35 is a different hull, designed by Simonis Vogood.
You’re correct though, a 34 is a quick boat. There’s a 33 that we’ve struggled to chase for a number of years called Ruthless, which is a very well set up and well sailed boat. A number of 34’s have wheel steering, whereas many 33’s had a tiller. The only downside is that by modern standards they are narrow, so quite confined below.
/* edited for clarity, since Dehler models are sometimes denoted as JV / RS / SQ */
The 35 is a different hull, designed by Simonis Vogood.
You’re correct though, a 34 is a quick boat. There’s a 33 that we’ve struggled to chase for a number of years called Ruthless, which is a very well set up and well sailed boat. A number of 34’s have wheel steering, whereas many 33’s had a tiller. The only downside is that by modern standards they are narrow, so quite confined below.
/* edited for clarity, since Dehler models are sometimes denoted as JV / RS / SQ */
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flaming
Well-known member
The 34RS was the one that became the 35. We raced against a works team on the 34RS, in fact 2 of them I think. Very competitive boats, but they didn't lead to big volume sales... Or really any I think....
YM reviewed it.
flaming
Well-known member
2004 Dehler 36 SQ Racer/Cruiser for sale - YachtWorld
If the budget stretches, that is a very nice boat.....
If the budget stretches, that is a very nice boat.....
Praxinoscope
Well-known member
Probably too small and old for what you are looking for, but the Sadler 29 moored next to me is for sale and has wheel steering. see photo.
bignick
Active member
According to a friend, who I forwarded the ad to, that particular one is already under offer.…
(but I agree 100%, really nice boat!)
flaming
Well-known member
I'm not surprised, it looks immaculate, and the 36s were very competitive in their day if racing is your thing.
LooseHeadPop
Member
As you say. And it doesn't tick the big wheel for steering from the side deck box. But thanks for the suggestion
LooseHeadPop
Member
Indeed. But stretches the project in more ways than one. Thanks, anyway
Sticky Fingers
Well-known member
Love these Dehlers 
mrming
Well-known member
Ruthless is quite something. There is also another JV 33 called Sun Hill 3 that gives a good account of herself. They’re mega competitive boats, but relatively rare, which must be partly because they’re small / not that nice inside.
NPMR
Well-known member
Jeanneau 33i?
Big wheel. Sails beautifully. Good in a blow.
Not too pricey.
Big wheel. Sails beautifully. Good in a blow.
Not too pricey.
Slowtack
Well-known member
Check out the Scanmar 33...