Fergus
Well-Known Member
Do you think this would be suitable as a liveaboard?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Swan 38
- Thread starter Fergus
- Start date
Lizzie_B
Well-Known Member
My cousin has the S&S version of the Swan 38. He lives aboard it with his wife about 8 months of the year, and has done for many years, usually doing a transatlantic round trip each year.
He has never felt the need to change to a bigger/better/newer boat.
He has never felt the need to change to a bigger/better/newer boat.
Swagman
Well-Known Member
For a couple there are others with bigger volume. But shes got to be one of the best all round performers for her size. IMHO a superb sailboat with adequate space for most cruisers.
JOHN
JOHN
pragmatist
Well-Known Member
Our "next-door-neighbour" has one - not that she's there much ... he (the owner is definitely of pensionable age) pops along, says he's off across the Atlantic and departs for a few months. She seems to be a great sailing boat although she probably suffers (as does our Rival) from loss of stowage with fine ends. Probably incur the wrath of the AWB lot on Scuttlebutt but I'll bet she'd look after you whatever the weather.
Fergus
Well-Known Member
Exactly - our SHE 32 is probably going to be a bit on the small size - really want 3 cabins. We plan to liveabord duriing the spring/summer but definitely want to keep that inimitable S&S quality both in design and sea-keeping!
pragmatist
Well-Known Member
I think sticking with what you like often works - we went from a Sadler to a Rival and are still "in love". I must admit I'd like somewhere to put more gear but every time it blows a little bit and she puts her shoulder into the waves I forget ideas of lots of locker space and enjoy the sailing !
We thought (going from 29 to 41 ft) that there was masses more space - of course you always fill it - but then we had an AWB we'd undoubtedly fill the lockers on that !
We thought (going from 29 to 41 ft) that there was masses more space - of course you always fill it - but then we had an AWB we'd undoubtedly fill the lockers on that !
Lizzie_B
Well-Known Member
We have a Catalina38, also based on S&S hull of same period. Very similar in dimensions and performance, but not interior layout.(see www.catalina38.org )
We find she is very comfortable for the two of us; with other couples joining us for periods of up to two weeks not a problem. Can sleep up to 7 for a cosy weekend, as those owners who race frequently do.
As said elsewhere, when it really matters fine seakeeping in all weathers and the ability to make consistent passage times are far more valuable that a little bit of extra internal volume.
We find she is very comfortable for the two of us; with other couples joining us for periods of up to two weeks not a problem. Can sleep up to 7 for a cosy weekend, as those owners who race frequently do.
As said elsewhere, when it really matters fine seakeeping in all weathers and the ability to make consistent passage times are far more valuable that a little bit of extra internal volume.
Fergus
Well-Known Member
I love the Catalinas as well but a bit few and far between this side of the pond..
Lizzie_B
Well-Known Member
Wouldn't mind betting that buying one over there and bringing it back, including RCD and VAT would work out cheaper than a good Swan 38- but it is a long term project, and a grand adventure. And, of course, you wouldn't have the resale capabilities of the Swan.
chrisgee
Well-Known Member
The Swan is a great yacht no doubt but I would also add the Catalina 38 or 42 to the list. I had nor really rated them that much ,mainly due to lack of knowledge of them.
I have been recently looking around at a more suitable liveaboard to my S/Odyssey 37.1 and found a really nice Cat alina 42 in Malta. I obviously wanted a good test sail ans was more than impressed!! 12 tons plus with 4tons p[lus all lead keel gives a great feeling of stability and they have a decent size Main ( 58 foot keelstepped mast) . Great build quality as well -- lots of solid tead inside.
Cannot see why there are not more popular this side of the pond --- maybe they are just too expensive new or perhaps they need a decent agent!
There are a few over here or sale look on the Ancasta site for a good one in France. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I have been recently looking around at a more suitable liveaboard to my S/Odyssey 37.1 and found a really nice Cat alina 42 in Malta. I obviously wanted a good test sail ans was more than impressed!! 12 tons plus with 4tons p[lus all lead keel gives a great feeling of stability and they have a decent size Main ( 58 foot keelstepped mast) . Great build quality as well -- lots of solid tead inside.
Cannot see why there are not more popular this side of the pond --- maybe they are just too expensive new or perhaps they need a decent agent!
There are a few over here or sale look on the Ancasta site for a good one in France. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Lizzie_B
Well-Known Member
Thats why the 42 has been in continuos production since 1989. The 38 also enjoyed a long production run. Excellent owners back up from Catalina as well.
