Solid cruiser recommendations

[robmcg]

Ah, my kind of sailing.

{end liar mode}

Mine is a go anywhere boat, i haven't recommended her to the OP as i think she might be a bit too tough for his requirements This is her sister ship (pic courtesy of Bob Shepton):

Now you're talking! Had one a few years back and it was a really great boat!

 

[PaulRainbow]

Now you're talking! Had one a few years back and it was a really great boat!

I love mine, but i don't ever want to see that much snow and ice on it ?

 

[ip485]

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...

Since you ask

I would have thought your budget would allow more recent - what size had you considered?

The interior design of most of the IP's hasnt changed significantly in there very long production run. I guess if you dont like it, (or your partner), then so be it. The style is to be fair arguably more dated that the most of the modern mass prouduced yachts, but equally it is also not all that much different. It is surprising if you are living or spending a lot of time on board by the time you add some soft furnishings to your taste etc how at home any boat might feel. I do believe with IP's the build quality is as good as the best so the wood work is first class, lots of solid wood, where veneer is used of very good quality and good thickness. It all contributes to boats that dont show their age either inside or out. The interior volume is as good as any so you have a very airy feel and plenty of storage and living space. We all forget you will spend more time at anchor (even blue water) doing the just living part than sailing so volume and room are in my opinion terribly important.

You will aslo find for short handed sailing the ride is remarkably gentle and civilised compared with most traditional and lighter yachts. People comment wow doesnt this feel stable and solid. Yes, as I said earlier it does translate into a few degrees more off the wind and a slight loss of performance on a beat, but downwind they go just fine, and frankly how much time do you really want to spend beating into wind.

There are two extremelly good and active user groups and a huge wealth of experience and knowledge of every issue that has ever arisen and a loyal and sound following that few other makes can claim.

If you find something that you like and might fit the bill ask away and there will definitely be answers and a wealth of knowledge as to any problems with a particualr model or things to look out for.

 

[[2574]]

The IP boats strike me as being Marmite boats. I’ve just sold a Nauticat which is also a Marmite boat. I’m in the market for another quality boat but I haven’t looked at an IP, the gel coat colour puts me off and also the massive open space in the saloon with the drop down table. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. As one rows away to the pub there needs to a real appreciation of the aesthetic, well for me anyway, it’s part of the joy of sailing.

 

[ip485]

Robih - I think you are right. Actually you get use to the cream, and do end up wondering why all boats are a bland white. It is one of those things that is often said, but if you gaze at an IP, especially at anchor, you just might form a different view.

The saloon's are indeed a lovely wide open space. They actually work well at sea with plenty of hand holds, and I suspect until you sail one you dont appreciate that the motion at sea is much more gentle than on many yachts.

The table is truly dreadful especially on the large one. It is easy to replace with a more standard table and so this is a relatively simple modification.

Inevitably I would say have another look. Not many yachts have such a loyal following, manage to get themselves into just about every bay around the world and provide a live aboard package that has much to commend.

I agree, they may not be for everyone, but worth keeping an open mind.

 

[[2574]]

An open mind is a wonderful thing.....

For sure an IP is not for everyone, it’s just as well otherwise we’d all have exactly the same boat and that would be as dull as hell. I like seeing the variety of boats, including motor boats, in any anchorage and hearing why each owner believes their boat is the best in the world - which is just great over a dram or three.......and the owners’ opinion is the only one that matters!

 

[StevenElspeth]

Since you ask

I would have thought your budget would allow more recent - what size had you considered?

The interior design of most of the IP's hasnt changed significantly in there very long production run. I guess if you dont like it, (or your partner), then so be it. The style is to be fair arguably more dated that the most of the modern mass prouduced yachts, but equally it is also not all that much different. It is surprising if you are living or spending a lot of time on board by the time you add some soft furnishings to your taste etc how at home any boat might feel. I do believe with IP's the build quality is as good as the best so the wood work is first class, lots of solid wood, where veneer is used of very good quality and good thickness. It all contributes to boats that dont show their age either inside or out. The interior volume is as good as any so you have a very airy feel and plenty of storage and living space. We all forget you will spend more time at anchor (even blue water) doing the just living part than sailing so volume and room are in my opinion terribly important.

You will aslo find for short handed sailing the ride is remarkably gentle and civilised compared with most traditional and lighter yachts. People comment wow doesnt this feel stable and solid. Yes, as I said earlier it does translate into a few degrees more off the wind and a slight loss of performance on a beat, but downwind they go just fine, and frankly how much time do you really want to spend beating into wind.

There are two extremelly good and active user groups and a huge wealth of experience and knowledge of every issue that has ever arisen and a loyal and sound following that few other makes can claim.

If you find something that you like and might fit the bill ask away and there will definitely be answers and a wealth of knowledge as to any problems with a particualr model or things to look out for.

Thank you for taking the time to provide this valuable response.
Myself and Elspeth have more or less decided that the IP is not for us. While we take on your comments, and others, we anticipate that we really need to love the boat. We don't.

Looking ahead. We have a budget around 150K (+/- 20k) and keeping in mind allowing for upgrades and further maintenance enough left in the bank. So, far we have looked at Hanse 461 - already put down an offer on one, however, survey came back with severe hull cracks (likely thermal) so pulled out.
We are opening up our search to include Beneateau (45/473 commodore/50) which appear to good options for liveaboards. Any thoughts are welcome.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Thank you for taking the time to provide this valuable response.
Myself and Elspeth have more or less decided that the IP is not for us. While we take on your comments, and others, we anticipate that we really need to love the boat. We don't.

Looking ahead. We have a budget around 150K (+/- 20k) and keeping in mind allowing for upgrades and further maintenance enough left in the bank. So, far we have looked at Hanse 461 - already put down an offer on one, however, survey came back with severe hull cracks (likely thermal) so pulled out.
We are opening up our search to include Beneateau (45/473 commodore/50) which appear to good options for liveaboards. Any thoughts are welcome.

Visit as many boats as you possibly can, even those not on your shortlist. You may be surprised and end up with a boat you didn't initially consider.
I ended up buying one that was not on my shortlist because when we stepped aboard everything felt better than anything else we had found in the price range.