Vancouver v Victoria ?

[BlueSkyNick]

No I dont mean the locations.

From my brief investigations they both look like solid sea going boats, with quality interiors.

Never been on either in my life.

Would be interested to hear different comparisons.

Primary criteria are
- sailing performance
- sea keeping abilities
- accommodation space, comfort and quality.

we have concluded that something more than 36' and less than 40' is where we need to be looking.

 

[Robin]

At least they will make a Moody look fast.

 

[ChrisE]

I agree with Robin.

Also, bearing in mind that I thought that one of the criteria was to downsize in terms of cash Vancouvers don't come cheap especially in the 36'+ class (around £200k new from memory) and they hold their value well.

I don't know much about Victorias other than the biggest was about 36' last time I looked. I believe that the Forces use them for their sailing clubs.

 

[Tranona]

The Victorias are all designed by Chuck Paine (as are many of the similar Bowmans) and are perhaps more performance orientated than Vancouvers - which were designed to go anywhere with a crew of 2 or 3 (even if many don't get past the Needles!).

From what I have seen the Victoria is probably a more versatile boat, perhaps not as well finished as a Vancouver but significantly cheaper new. Libby Purvis hass just bought a Victoria 38 so you could read her (favourable obviously) comments in YM.

 

[armchairsailor]

Having sailed on a Vancouver 27 once, I can vouch for its solidity. Damn thing felt like it was ferro if you rapped your knuckles on the coachroof! As I understand it, they're not renowned for speed, but theyll get you there. The one I went on was pretty heavy on the helm, but that might be because I'm not used to long keelers.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Libby Purvis hass just bought a Victoria 38 so you could read her (favourable obviously) comments in YM.

I read that very article this morning which is what got me thinking about them !

 

[AIDY]

Mmmm yes something that will fit on a 12 metre pontoon....

Our boats getting shorter too.... as the price / length for visitors berths seems to be getting higher... were now 11.4999999 metres we used to be 11.95m

 

[Goldie]

There are a lot of options there, with Victoria offering the 34, 38 along with the pilot house Frances 34 & 38; whilst Vancouver offer the 34 (basically a 32 without transom hung rudder and with a slightly larger cockpit I believe), the 36 and both the 34 and 38 in pilot house form.

In terms of build quality, my perception is that there's little to choose and I'd be content with either - but I do like the Vancouvers..... I've only sailed the Victoria 34 (quite a lot in fact) so can't compare objectively but I think the Victorias are possibly a bit quicker than the Vancouvers (length for length) and at the 34 foot level, probably that little bit more manouvreable being fin and skeg rather than long keel. Sailplan selection is important as the helm can load up quickly but this is easily avoided - they don't need a press of canvas and balance is easily restored. I think the Vic carries its beam a little further aft than the Vancouver so cockpit space and locker volumes may be greater. If you wanted the cutter rig, it's standard on the Vancouver but was an option on the Victora and this option added a bowsprit and associated berthing costs. Internally, the Vic has tanks under the saloon berths which means storage is lost - with its long keel, the Vancouver may have the tanks down there with benefits to C of G and storage.

I looked at a Victora 38 at SIBS a few years ago and whilst a lovely boat, I wasn't convinced that it offered enough to even think about changing from my Biscay 36 given the extra cost (not that we could have afforded a new one anyway). Libby Purvis obviously though differently though so maybe I should have looked further.

Could another option be the Rustler 36? I delivered one to Portugal (across Biscay in December!) in '96 and rated it highly although the comments re sailplan for the Vic 34 applie here too and it's a typical 'long keeler' in marina sitations.

Is choice of wheel or tiller a factor? the Vancouver 32 was tiller, I think all the Vancouver 34s are wheel, the Victoria and Rustler offer the choice. Above that size, all wheels.

Some nice boats to choose from, good luck!

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Sailed a Vancouver 38 a bit. Not impressed to be honest. Sure its a solid and well made boat but the sailing performance is mediocre because the hull design is old fashioned and the boat is overweight. Its heavy to handle too.

I'm biased but can I suggest you consider the Starlights. Excellent sailing performance, and excellent seaworthyness with a solid hull and a lead keel on a stub. Of all the boats I have tried this comes nearest to a modern re-incarnation of a Contessa in terms of combining performance with seaworthyness.

 

[Seven Spades]

I would second that a Starlight 35 or 39 is a better choice. Bowman built versions are the best.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

A starlight 39 is top of the shopping list but they are rare.

One excellent boat came up in N Ireland two weeks ago and was sold before we even had a chance to go and view it.

 

[Seven Spades]

I saw that one, it was quite an early one. There is a later on advertised in YM private adverts but they want a lot of money for it. It is however one of the very last built. There is no link to a web site.

 

[Ubergeekian]

Would be interested to hear different comparisons.

I acquired my Victoria 26 last autumn, and am just getting to know her. Much smaller than the ones you are looking at, of course, but the build quality is absolutely excellent and I'm delighted with how she behaves at sea.

I think it may be significant that a second hand Victoria 34 costs around £80k or so - two or three times what many other 34 footers of the same age go for. Similarly, a Victoria 26 costs - ouch - an awful lot more than most other 26 footers of the same age.

It might be worth your while getting in touch with the Victoria Shadow Association - they all seem very keen on the boats, and there may be someone near you who would take you out for a spin.

 

[Tranona]

I read that very article this morning which is what got me thinking about them !

If I were thinking of getting a "serious" boat of that size to replace my Bavaria, then a Victoria 38 would be near the top. I like the "New England" style, both the external shape and the the balance of white/wood down below. Of course I would miss the spacious aft cabins, big cockpit and walk on stern - and double the money- but hey you can't have everything!. If you can find one, have a look at a Contest 36, probably number 2 on my imaginary list - bit more old fashioned, and possibly cheaper.

 

[Piddy]

I know - a straight swap for a Moody 376!

Only joking, much as I would love a M44 we have come to the conclusion 37' is just about the right size for us now our kids don't sail with us any more.
Much bigger and I think we would struggle to cope. Jobs like getting the Genoa off the foil, folding it up and taking it home really make her struggle...


Cheers

Andy

 

[BlueSkyNick]

we can cope with sailing and parking the 44 Andy, in fact I do both by myself quite regularly (even with SWMBO on board!). I must admit I conscript help for bigger jobs like you suggest.

Its just that with a major change in work and lifestyle, less time and money, we dont need a boat with all the home comforts of a 44, so dont want to keep paying for the privelege. A few nights here and there will be about it.

a decent 376 or 38 is still an option, but I also fancy a bit of a change.

the bottom line is we dont really know what we want, unless we keep the 44 !!

 

[ChrisE]

I know that you looked at, and rejected, a rival 38. Have you thought about a rival 36?

There's more room on them than a 38 and they benefit from being the last of the line so have the design features that are missing from the earlier members of the series.