Solid cruiser recommendations

[[2574]]

The OP also has to face the choice between an older solid Boat at say 42 foot and newer mass market version. While at higher price point such as a Hallberg or rustler 42 or something much newer with that wide stern, twin stern cabins etc to easy to be attracted to newer types. While out of the OP budget many might like say a 46Najad but if you look at the price of say a newer 39 version it’s hard to justify the cost over many other vessels out there. If you limit choice to a monohull of say around 12m and less than say 7 years old it reduces field . Personally I would be looking for a self tacking headsail and some power winches plus a bowthruster in a drop down as opposed to tunnel and a drop main as opposed to in mast . Add all those in and the choice reduces somewhat further . For comfort I would advocate at least a hard windscreen if not a hard top and if it has a long sprayhood with zip down back panels it does give protection on night crossings but maybe the OP doesn’t plan night sailing in the Baltic. Having sailed a Dufour you might find an ageing teak decked Hallberg rather staid. What might suit is an XC42 but rather more budget likewise the elderly Sweden 42 etc.

I understand why you use the word “justify” in this context but I always think it inappropriate. Surely no purchase of a yacht can be justified in financial and/or purely logical terms. It is such an emotional process and decision, and better for it, and we all judge the value it brings with different parameters/eyes. As someone said earlier it’s more to do with how it makes the user/owner feel. It surely defies a wholly analytical decision process. We all make our own decisions for our own reasons, “You pays yer money and takes yer choice”

 

[Carib]

The OP has given us his preferences - it's even just possible he's actually thought these through and reached his own conclusion! But, obviously, his views are deeply misguided and he should buy a catamaran (or possibly a Bavaria). That's him sorted out. Next?

 

[ashtead]

Apologies if justify is wrong phrase - as you say it’s personal choice and budget -if the OP had say £500k to spend I guess I meant you might be tempted by a larger older vessel or a new dufour 53 etc. Same applies at the 42 level -do you buy say a 10 year old Hallberg 42 or malo which might be regarded as somewhat small in cockpit or a newer vessel by Hanse or suchlike at say 230ish. You have to have specific plans in mind to be looking for a Najad 46 but I don’t dispute their appeal.

 

[RupertW]

I realise that. But if you're not in the Med?

[/QUOTE]
Best to tie up that way in UK marinas too. Much much harder the traditional way.

 

[StevenElspeth]

Hi all, very interesting to read the various opinions and insights. Myself and partner are looking for the right boat for liveaboard. After having researched the market for over a year now the boat that appears to meets our needs is the Hanse 461 - large cockpit/saloon/space and headroom throughout (I'm 6"3') and two heads . I was wondering what the members thoughts are for this boat?

 

[[2574]]

Hi all, very interesting to read the various opinions and insights. Myself and partner are looking for the right boat for liveaboard. After having researched the market for over a year now the boat that appears to meets our needs is the Hanse 461 - large cockpit/saloon/space and headroom throughout (I'm 6"3') and two heads . I was wondering what the members thoughts are for this boat?

The answer rather depends on your cruising plans, Rubbish if you are planning a trip to Greenland and the Arctic circle but probably excellent for the Balearics.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Hi all, very interesting to read the various opinions and insights. Myself and partner are looking for the right boat for liveaboard. After having researched the market for over a year now the boat that appears to meets our needs is the Hanse 461 - large cockpit/saloon/space and headroom throughout (I'm 6"3') and two heads . I was wondering what the members thoughts are for this boat?

Big spacious boat. Will be fine. Hanse are usually present on the ARC and World Arc - and at 46ft there is no reason why it will not be suitable as a liveaboard.

Here's a blog of a couple who did the ARC in a 430e and despite being on a modern boat, they are still alive and seem to be having quite a lot of fun.

Hello World, a Hanse 430e with two novice crew members, setting sail to explore the world.

Sailing Hello World

Heaters, air-con, water maker, solar, generator, cockpit enclosures can all be installed on a boat that size but, if you see yourself as spending every day climbing into your oilies with six jumpers and constantly fretting about your keel, the structural integrity of your rudder, the "safeness" of your cockpit, the lack of secure handholds below etc. etc. then it is not for you .... and you should probably invest in a "floating hobbit hole with a skeg hung rudder" instead. ?

... I'll get my coat ???

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Yep, that's the one. Surely you can't argue that's a pretty (or even passably good-looking) boat? Elegant? The topsides are so high it looks as if it's about to roll over (and do these come with stepladders to dock safely, or do you just accept the odd broken ankle)? Eye of the beholder and all that I know.. I am no doubt a slave to my prejudices

You're not suggesting an older boat, with lower free-board, would make a better marina queen are you?

 

[Stemar]

A friend had a Dufour 385. It sailed very well, it was a bit of a nightmare to bring into a marina. The skinny keel meant that, in a crosswind, you had to have more way on than I want with something hard a boat length in front of me, and the high freeboard meant that getting ashore with a line meant a leap onto a bouncy finger from a good bit higher than I liked - it felt far too easy to bounce off the other side of the finger. It did have one big advantage, it went astern very well; if the wind wasn't too unkind, it tracked straight and steered from a knot or so.

He loved his boat, I appreciated the space and the speed but, overall, I preferred my little Snappy.

 

[ashtead]

My only thought on the 461 Hanse is you might find it has to be reefed earlier than some as has a largish sail area to weight but plenty of space and a self tacker . Some interiors might be bashed up by now if overcrowded in charter use ? If looking for boat around this size maybe an oyster or a moody 45ds for a live aboard lifestyle in a marina plusplenty of space for generator and washing machine etc when away.

 

[Carib]

You're not suggesting an older boat, with lower free-board, would make a better marina queen are you?

Absolutely not, I'll readily admit that boat would be almost ideal for the purpose of staying in a marina.

 

[Carib]

Hi all, very interesting to read the various opinions and insights. Myself and partner are looking for the right boat for liveaboard. After having researched the market for over a year now the boat that appears to meets our needs is the Hanse 461 - large cockpit/saloon/space and headroom throughout (I'm 6"3') and two heads . I was wondering what the members thoughts are for this boat?

As others have said, it depends what sort of sailing you want to do (to state the bleeding obvious!). Plenty of deck space and should be fast.

Personally, and just from photos, the saloon has a hint of 'Travelodge reception area' about it, for my taste - somehow not very welcoming. Possibly unfair, but those chairs to port look a bit awkward to get into when fixed down. I guess it gives you two dining chairs, but they seem a waste of space most of the time compared to another bench seat for general lounging. Particularly for liveaboard use, I'd be looking for a decent separate chart table / 'office' space, where you can sit a little apart to go on a laptop, do admin, check pilot books etc. It doesn't seem to have that space. There's the little table to port I guess, but you wouldn't really want to leave anything out there or the cabin will look messy (plus things will fall off when sailing). I like the twin bunk cabin. Galley looks excellent. Anyway, you know what you want/need better than anyone here..!

 

[robmcg]

I'm guessing Hanse have sorted out their iffy rudder issues from a while back. Still not convinced about v deep spade rudders for ocean work, arguably not the best design.

 

[Neil_Y]

Maybe in that budget now, one of these. I spent some time on her back in the 90's
From the ground up a great yacht.

Cetacea - Rodger Martin Design

 

[ip485]

Used Island Packet 445 Yacht For Sale | Boat Ref 33503 | Ancasta

This one is sold but gives you a good idea whether an IP might meet your criteria.

If you intend to go further afield, and even if you dont, they really are admired where ever you go especially by those that understand the formula.

 

[Neil_Y]

It worried me slightly on my Bav 390, but the rig/hull was so well balanced you rarely had high rudder loads, and the lay up strengthening was really well done. A big shaft with lots of bearing support.

 

[StevenElspeth]

The answer rather depends on your cruising plans, Rubbish if you are planning a trip to Greenland and the Arctic circle but probably excellent for the Balearics.

Thanks for your reply/insight. We're not planning anything that adventurous so keeping within in the boundaries of 'safe'. A couple of years in the med - aligning with the VAT issues, of course , and then jumping on board with the Arc before retiring, hopefully, somewhere like Bali - by then a refit required.

 

[StevenElspeth]

I'm guessing Hanse have sorted out their iffy rudder issues from a while back. Still not convinced about v deep spade rudders for ocean work, arguably not the best design.

Yes, i read about that 'rudder' issue in the Irish sea. The accident investigation report suggested modifications had been done to the rudder. Even so, not such a great outcome - sinking, i mean!

 

[StevenElspeth]

As others have said, it depends what sort of sailing you want to do (to state the bleeding obvious!). Plenty of deck space and should be fast.

Personally, and just from photos, the saloon has a hint of 'Travelodge reception area' about it, for my taste - somehow not very welcoming. Possibly unfair, but those chairs to port look a bit awkward to get into when fixed down. I guess it gives you two dining chairs, but they seem a waste of space most of the time compared to another bench seat for general lounging. Particularly for liveaboard use, I'd be looking for a decent separate chart table / 'office' space, where you can sit a little apart to go on a laptop, do admin, check pilot books etc. It doesn't seem to have that space. There's the little table to port I guess, but you wouldn't really want to leave anything out there or the cabin will look messy (plus things will fall off when sailing). I like the twin bunk cabin. Galley looks excellent. Anyway, you know what you want/need better than anyone here..!

View attachment 100130

Ha, ha. I see what you mean about the Travel Lodge. I guess its down to preference. My partner really likes the Hanse furniture compared to the more traditional older furniture that boats have. Then there's the newer boats (ok, ford focus peoples type), which do seem more like jolly city apartments with a hint of Ikea.
On your point about desk space, the layout we're considering has a separate desk in the front cabin along with queen bed and storage for wash machine. This is important for us because i will continue to work, therefore, separate office space is important. Thanks again for your comments. Unfortunately, like all of us, we are frustrated by the current situation (Covid). We've identified a couple of Hanse 461s which we are interested in, however, are unable to view/survey. House sold, currently living in rented accommodation, and itching to get going

 

[StevenElspeth]

Used Island Packet 445 Yacht For Sale | Boat Ref 33503 | Ancasta

This one is sold but gives you a good idea whether an IP might meet your criteria.

If you intend to go further afield, and even if you dont, they really are admired where ever you go especially by those that understand the formula.

Thank you for this. Yes, I have been looking at the island packet and do like. However, I guess i've been put off by the age of the boat (can only afford pre-2000), and my partner is not so keen on the dated furniture. Still, it is something to consider. I don't know enough about this type and how much additional work may, or may not, be required to bring a boat of this age up to a good standard. Any advice would be most welcome...