Surely it shouldn't be this difficult!?!

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Memphis_Chung

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Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

Right. Boat number one has got to go - great in almost all respects except I can no longer live the long keel in the marina. She is 1976 vintage but sails exceptionally well, I have replaced almost everything and the accomodation is v comfortable.

So here is my dilemma: I have a budget of up to £45k (maybe a few quid more) and cannot find anything the gives me the combination of 32 to 35 feet, quality, good sailing characteristics and accomodation. So far I have looked at:
**Maxi 1000s & Dehler 34s: Tick all of the boxes although headroom is a major issue and the ones I can afford look pretty knackered.
**Elan 33: Same headroom issue and after my Marieholm which is exceptionally well put together, it just feels a bit cheap (it is at the lower end of my budget).
Others I've dismissed: Westerly Storm, MG335.
Gib'seas don't do it for me and Moody 345s dont float my boat.
I have avoided French boats because of doubts about build, although notice the Beneteau First 321 is in YM's top 100 this month.
Other than that it is rarities like Scanmars that have interested me but are hard to find.

In a nutshell, none of the boats that I have seen have inspired me to consider replacing my existing boat - but I desperately want to move into short keel territory. So come on gang.........what boats haven't I thought of?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Thanks.

Tom
 
Re: Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

You're one hull short of a proper boat list there. Have a look at a Snowgoose 35 or maybe 37 with a budget stretch. Sensible draft, amazing accomodation, great sailing...
 
Re: Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

Sadler 34?
Sails well and good headroom
--------------------
hammer.thumb.gif
"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
 
Re: Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

Some possibilities here. The sigmas are very good boats!
Just found the one off, looks interesting, and one offs can represent very good value for money second hand.

Sigma 36 Here

Sigma 362 Here

Fulmar Here

One off here
 
Re: Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

As an ex Marieholm 32E owner I appreciate your dilemma! Have you looked at Holman & Pye designs, or an S&S 34 (very wet but fast and sail very well).
 
Re: Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

Is that the one in Weymouth? If so, I quite fancy the look of it - although it is right at the top end of my budget. I got the sense from the broker that he is not that "motivated" to sell.
 
Re: Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

Perhaps we should set up a support group. Shame because I love the Mareiholm in every other aspect. Oh well.

Speaking of Holman & Pye, I do like the look of Hustler 35s. It is increasingly looking like the older designs are the ones that will give me what I need. Altho the S&S 34s are getting on a bit now - I will take another look at them. Thanks for the tip!
 
Re: Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

Two thoughts:

1. Another make to consider is Etap (but then I'm biased), or,

2. If your only problem is the keel, and it's only a pest for close quarters, have you thought about fitting a bow thruster? Not cheap, but a lot less than changing boats. (Unless you're really just looking for a plausible excuse to go bigger /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )
 
Re: Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

I hadnt thought about an Etap - I'll have a lookm at what falls in my budget.

It's funny that you mentioned a bow thruster (how much do you think they cost to fit ?) as I was discussing this with a friend today who suggested the same thing. Two immediate thoughts:

1. I couldnt live with the shame
2. I suspect you're right, I am talking myself into something bigger.......aft cabin would be great.

t
 
Re: Surely it shouldn\'t be this difficult!?!

methinks you've missed a goody by dismissing the Gib'sea Master 96.

Exceptionally overbuilt with high quality fittings Masthead rig with perfect mast control by fixed fore and aft lowers, straight spreaders and you can dip-pole gybe with the best of them 'cos it doesn't need have (neither does it need) a babystay.

Solid in a gale off the east coast and the Baltic.(I got caught in a force 11 in her smaller sister, the Gib'sea 84, and she handled it perfectly)

Outperforms the usual run of the mill like the Sadler and Contessa 32s but is much better fitted below - makes Moody 336 owners curse and swear when you point out that you spent £25,000 less then they did for a boat they can see is better than theirs. Sleeps 6 in comfort 8 if you know each other really well.

If you're not convinced PM me But mine is definitely NOT for sale.

With the money you'd save you could put all sorts of fancy gadget and sails aboard and still have change.

I have all the advantages of a deep fin keel but none of the hassle 'cos mine is the lifting keel version.
 
Bow thruster

Costs vary sharply with thrust. Extrapolating from a Vetus price list that's now a few years old, gives c. £1200 for the smallest size (23 kgf) including a grp tunnel; the next size up (50 kgf) is twice the price. Allow another few £100s for controls and additional battery / long heavy cables (see endless arguments on other threads). Alternatively, if you're into an element of DIY, an electric outboard giving c. 25 kgf thrust costs c. £315 * and could be fairly easily rigged as a stern thruster...

Don't see where any shame comes in: the keel configuration makes the boat difficult to manoever at close quarters so you fit a bit of kit to compensate - seems perfectly logical to me. Direct analogy: the anchor is too heavy to lift manually without risking injury so you fit a windless. If you wish to avoid reliance on mechanical aids then you have to consider reducing your boat size to the point where they are not required.

* Compass: "freshwater" model but probably OK if bare metal - especially clamp screws - is covered with Waxoyl and it's given an annual paint touch-up.
 
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