What boat to buy???

[Pathan]

I live on the West coast of Ireland and hope to buy 2nd hand larger and hopefully safer boat. Most of the time I will be single hand so I guess there is a limit to what I can comfortably manage sizewise, not to mention moneywise.

I would also like to be able to take the boat to perhaps the Continent so its needs to be safe and sturdy to cover the unexpected and hopefully get me there in one piece.

I'm thinking that 30/32 feet is the limit but would welcome any suggestions as to what type of yacht might fit the bill. I am still on a steep learning curve so any suggestions gratefully appreciated.....Russell

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[freeman]

Assuming that price is important
Also you will be out in the Atlantic proper
My suggestion would be for
Contessa 32 Short keel but very well mannered

or Rustler 31. which is long keel and an excellent sea boat.It is bit bigger than a Twister but slightly more comefortable

Good luck

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[Twister_Ken]

Also Hustler 30, very similar to Rustler 31, or a Sadler 32 which was the 'design successor' to the Contessa 32. But also think about Contessa 26, Twister 28, Sadler 29, Elizabethan 30, Centurion 32, Seacracker 33.

All come into the category of older boats, narrower, longer keeled, less room inside than modern designs, and slower in light to moderate conditions, but able to make ground to windward in arduous conditions and look after the driver.

Something more modern? Maybe a First 30?

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[John_Mason]

As well as those boats mentioned by Freeman, I think you might consider the Vancouvers. Originally designed as a 27' to sail single-handed from Vancouver across the Pacific, they grew, like Topsy, and became a 28' then came a 32' and now even bigger. They are long keeled but still responsive and, I think, lovely boats. They are a bit more expensive than the contessa and others, but if you want a boat to look after you........... There are usually some available in YM either from brokers or from owners selling privately. They were first drawn to my attention by a very impressive sailing instructor at the old National Sailing Centre when it operated out of Cowes. WE were sailing a Contessa 32 and his comment was, while looking at a big Sigma "I'd rather be in this than that. But the boat that will really look after you safely is the Vancouver"
Have fun

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[Sans Bateau]

Here we go.. cat among the pidgeons.

Two years ago we were coming back from Cherbourg, we had been gale bound for three days with force 8 - 9 winds, no one left the marina.

Then there was a window in the weather, force 5 - 6 forcast. We along with other boats left. Sailing in the same direction (north east) was a 'modern classic' like the ones mentioned already. Watching them through the binos it was clear to see that the crew were getting a bit of a soaking.

For most of the trip the wind was 21- 24 knts, the sea was 3 mtrs, no one had told the sea the gale was over. As we got the Isle of Wight well into sight the classic was a way behind.

Whilst a modern classic is good, we got into the comfort of the lee of the IOW sooner, we didnt take a drop of water in the cockpit and of course in an ETAP if there had of been a major misshap then we would not sink, very safe! Even with the foam fill you get loads of space. Most have all the lines back to the cockpit so short hand sailing is easy. Have a look at an ETAP 28i or 32i, or if you prefer a traditional layout an ETAP 30 pre 1992 will suit, they will look after you.


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[starboard]

Dont forget the Westerleys...The Fulmar at 32ft is a great cruising boat and with its fractional rig easily controlled for singlhanded sailing and no slouch either. Wins many club races..down below lots of real wood and still looks like a real boat....Thats the direction I will be heading when it is time to trade up.

Paul.

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[pandroid]

Wasnt it ETAP that used to be a furnishing company, and they built their early boats out of MDF?

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[Sans Bateau]

WHAT?????????????????

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[Koeketiene]

They started out making lamps & aluminium fittings.

I assume this is a troll - so let me put you straight -

ETAP make the best cruisers in the world - just a shame that hardly anybody knows/realises it!

And that includes "Blue water" sailing.

Rant mode off - ducking for cover.

<hr width=100% size=1>Fair winds.
If not... reef early!

 

[Sans Bateau]

MDF !!!!!!

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[Birdseye]

Single handing is as much about organisation as it is about the individual boat - setting the deck kit up so that it will work for just one, decent auto steering, reasonable weight gear etc.

Boat design matters mainly in getting a boat that doesnt react too quickly (you need to be able to leave the steering for a brief interval) and is well mannered. This does not necessarily mean old designs like the Contessa - things have moved on in the last 20 yearsas shown by the single handed round the world boats.

See whats available, and try them out. Something modern like the ETAP will be lighter handling, but dont ignore the multis. A cat is a very stable platform to manage single handed, but more difficult than a mono in mooringetc

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[Samphire]

I also live and sail on the west coast of Ireland and have tramped up and down the coast and further for many years.This is not the English channel or the Solent.
You need a sea kindly boat that will track her course,does not need vast accommodation ,is safe...
Contessa 32, Vancouver 32,Sadler 32......many others but you get my drift no doubt.
Samphire

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[Sans Bateau]

Dont consider the ETAP as a 'modern light weight'. The ETAP 32s has a better STX value than the Contessa 32 and a 34s is heavier than a Maxi 1000.

Rarely available an ETAP 35i (same hull as a 34s) is heavier than a Maxi 1000 and a S&S 34 both of which are considered 'heavy'.

The ETAP is a range on their own, considered a 'Modern lightweight' by the traditionalists but never considered as a viable option by those wanting 'LARGE' internal volume. The ETAP range losing its internal volume not so much because of foam fill but, if you look at a plan outline of the hull you will see it has quite a pinched stern, an atribute to a safe hull shape I believe.

Read the reports of the current range in YM, or get and sail one.

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[Samphire]

Boat tests and statistics cover most aspects of what to expect from a boat,but to quantify seakindliness,and an easy motion is not as simple. I know what boat I'd prefer and it certainly isn't Kingfisher super and all as it is.
Samphire.

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[Sans Bateau]

Yes and I respect your choice.

My main point though is not to missunderstand ETAP yachts. They do not belong in the 'modern lightweight' group. As those looking for a boat within that catagory would not consider them.






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