What boat for £10k

[14K478]

You have to add into the equation his diffident wife and two small children

That is an argument for better performance, not worse!

There is no more certain way to put people who are not sure if they like boats off sailing than to set off in a bit of a breeze, bounce around in the same hole for hours, and give up.

 

[Mark-1]

I guess I will find out! But I'm looking for a different kind of experience, that's part of the point. And I have enjoyed the little time I have had aboard smaller older boats

I would dispute the idea that if you've sailed an awesome boat you won't be content with a smaller/slower boat. I reckon I've sailed north of 200 classes, some (very) fast, some spacious some spanking new. I've also sailed in some incredible cruising grounds.

I was still happy pottering about in a bilge keel Corribee in the grotty Solent.

People have to take a step or two down all the time. We all get used to it.

Whether or not ownership makes sense if you like chartering is a different question. But chartering with the family in school holiday time is a pricey undertaking, so maybe it's not an option for the OP.

 

[steve yates]

There is nothing quite like owning your own wee ship to go off exploring and have adventures in, be they big or small.
Bugger chartering, thats just a holiday, not much different to two weeks all inclusive in tenerife in August
It’s nice to do and bit of a break, but instantly forgettable once back at work.

Your own boat now, thinking about where you might take it next…. Priceless. ( but fecking expensive )

 

[Wansworth]

There is nothing quite like owning your own wee ship to go off exploring and have adventures in, be they big or small.
Bugger chartering, thats just a holiday, not much different to two weeks all inclusive in tenerife in August
It’s nice to do and bit of a break, but instantly forgettable once back at work.

Your own boat now, thinking about where you might take it next…. Priceless. ( but fecking expensive )

Well ratty summed it up!

 

[Chiara’s slave]

The sailing performance of the Centaur is quite good for a 1960’s bilge keeler.
She will bravely attempt to go to windward in a Force 3 and will stop trying in a Force 5.

The Holman, on the other hand, really sails.

That depends on what you’re comparing it to. We don’t really notice if Centaurs are anchored or under way. The Holman would be reeled in, in short order. The sigma though, we might actually have to try. 100% sure it would happen though. Really sailing is a matter of perspective.

 

[ridgy]

I have just had another look at the Sigma 36 and it doesn't look like it has roller reefing headsails which may be a problem for you.

Looks a lot like a furler up front to me.

Anyway, you've all obviously long since forgotten what it's like to be on holiday with two children for a week in the rain. With all the stuff that children require. Just forget anything less than 30 feet.

That sigma is exactly what this fella needs. Plenty of storage space and separate cabins for people to get away from each other plus crossing the channel might even be pleasurable.

And when his wife is confronted by the reality of UK boating he can sell it no problem because it's a fundamentally useful size, unlike a centaur/sadler/other 70s shit box.

 

[potentillaCO32]

That depends on what you’re comparing it to. We don’t really notice if Centaurs are anchored or under way. The Holman would be reeled in, in short order. The sigma though, we might actually have to try. 100% sure it would happen though. Really sailing is a matter of perspective.

Yes but in a really severe gale with his family they would be less likely to be all sitting on an upside down boat waiting for the good guys.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Looks a lot like a furler up front to me.

Anyway, you've all obviously long since forgotten what it's like to be on holiday with two children for a week in the rain. With all the stuff that children require. Just forget anything less than 30 feet.

That sigma is exactly what this fella needs. Plenty of storage space and separate cabins for people to get away from each other plus crossing the channel might even be pleasurable.

And when his wife is confronted by the reality of UK boating he can sell it no problem because it's a fundamentally useful size, unlike a centaur/sadler/other 70s shit box.

I think there is certainly a foil but can't make out whether there is a furling drum or not but if there is it should be a no brainer if it's half decent in other respects.
I used to crew in inshore and JOG racing on a 41 and it was a good boat, and at one time I looked at buying a 33 but they were all knackered inside, I remember one which had very expensive deck gear and sails and really looked the business till you went inside, first thing was the cabin sole at the foot of the companionway steps was cracked and split as people had been jumping down, no bunk cushions the sails ( lots of them and wet) were stored on the berths and forepeak, below one window there was a huge blister filled with water presumably from a leaking window. I doubt the 36 could be as bad but only looking at her will tell if it's worth a survey. She looks OK.

Edit I just had a look at the photos again and I had missed one it has got a furler which should be good news.

 

[samfieldhouse]

There’s a bunch of lovely Cobra 850s for sale at the moment.
Yes I’m biased.
This one is in Beaulieu.
£6k, well equipped, a far better boat than a Centaur (yeah come at me Westerley boyz ) - faster, points, more space and the keel won’t fall off.
This one has an unusual layout, it’s not a factory interior, but it’s been well done.
Having sailed a fin keel Cobra on the south coast for the last 10 years, I have appreciated the upwind capability far more than I’ve wished I could take the mud in Newtown Creek.

ps willing to admit I do have a soft spot for Centaurs.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Yes but in a really severe gale with his family they would be less likely to be all sitting on an upside down boat waiting for the good guys.

We’ve managed wind at 55kn in a trailerable tri. Came home right side up. A wooden boat sank in the Needles fairway while we ran with it.