What boat to buy?

[ashtead]

There is a danger with such requests that you might find numerous replies praising the boat owned or previously owned by the responder. Initially I would try to list the features which appeal but let me pose a few questions ;-
Price and mooring location?
How many cabins -if 2 children maybe 2 stern cabins and bow cabin -depending on size you could have a 2 cabin boat but might not have long term future;
Bilge ,lifting ,fin or long keel;
In mast or stack pack mainsail;
Self tacking headsail;
Where do you want mainsail track -outside cockpit maybe?
I assume you want shorepower,hot water fridge etc ? You can fit these but further expense;
Saildrive as per Bavaria or shaft drive?
Is a replaced engine important on older boats;

as said you can easily buy a 3 cabin Bav 34 (10.8 m) for your budget (or you could before present lock down etc) Speak to a few brokers eg Clipper for Bavaria and have a look round some models . When you decide on any size, budget and age your choice is limited even if prepared to travel but just try putting in boats between say 10-11m no older than 2000 and no more than 40k and see what transpires. If you want older moody ,westerly etc choice widens of course . In addition to Bavaria,you will be in jeanneau,Hanse beneteau territory but you might like a bilge keel Hunter Legend in newer models.

old models apart from westerly -a 33 or discus type say you have moody 346 types . Ultimately as a first boat it’s probably more important to find one where items in good shape (newish main/headsail,rerigged etc ) than a specific make though once you cabin keel choices met. You will probably be selling on in say 5 years or so as family grows or distances increase . We kept our new Bav 34 for 14 years before moving up in size . If you can find a boat with a cockpit tent to give extra room etc. Happy hunting.

 

[Jamespask]

We had an Etap 28i for 30 years. There is a large double in the rear for adults and a V berth where you could put two kids. We sailed twice to Netherlands from the East Coast, and crossed the channel Portsmouth Cherbourg many times. There will be plenty of readers who have done it in smaller boats. So a sub 30 foot boat that you are prepared to live with can certainly do the miles. The bigger issue is how small or big and how well fitted out your chosen boat is. There are lots of choices.

Other contributors have also suggested that you need to consider essential accessories. Offshore, certainly a liferaft with a family. They are expensive to service and older ones cannot be serviced easily. I would also invest in new lifejackets, and budget for all new flares/electronic flares, etc.

Knowing how to service the equipment on board is important. You need to be able to replace an impellor that self destructs while you are at sea. Old poorly maintained engines are very expensive to replace.

Trust that helps a little.

Hi - Ive never sailed my Etap 28i in heavy weather, I wonder if you had and how did the boat behave ?

 

[PMJD]

Hi - Ive never sailed my Etap 28i in heavy weather, I wonder if you had and how did the boat behave ?

We have sailed ours in up to 45 knot gusts downwind. The boat will do better than you will. However it is a relatively light boat so will bounce around and you need to make sure that you have the right amount of sail out. Reef early and use all the reefs you have.

I would say that the boat does not do as well sailing to windward with big waves. So about a force 6 upwind is as much as is comfortable and possible.

 

[Jim@sea]

Hello!
I would ask to be more specific. What is your budget and idea aboat boat size etc etc. You could get low budget 27 ft folkboat derivative like Albin Vega or Contessa 27 then some solid 32 - 34 ft like Fulmar or some Moody or newish Bavaria Cruiser type.
If I would have those requirements now, on lower budget I would get Albin Ballad, on higher something like Dehler 32. I prefer smaller boats as costs grow rapidly with size.

I once bought a new Moody 30, Great boat. I wish I had her now.

 

[Jamespask]

We have sailed ours in up to 45 knot gusts downwind. The boat will do better than you will. However it is a relatively light boat so will bounce around and you need to make sure that you have the right amount of sail out. Reef early and use all the reefs you have.

I would say that the boat does not do as well sailingve to windward with big waves. So about a force 6 upwind is as much as is comfortable and possible.

Thanks for the reply, interesting to hear . I've sailed and raced small keelboats in pretty rough weather on other boats but not yet in the Etap . I bought her because I like a fractional rig and a fin keel as well as the general Etap design concept. As you say She is light and points well , being based in NE Scotland I hope to head round to the west this summer which has the potential to be lively. I've replaced the rig and sails with a triple reefed tri radial main and storm jib on inner forestay so hopefully we'll be able to keep under control. Do you stiill have the Etap ?.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

New on this forum, first of many posts I am sure. I want to buy my first boat, been sailing dingies and hobi cats as a young man, now time for a bigger boat.
Will keep it on Suffolk coast and want a boat to cross to Europe and even venture further south. ..
What size boat can handle this? Where is good to look for pre-owned boats?

Welcome to the World of Practical Boat ownership.
So with your dinghy and Hobicat experience you know how to sail and sail fast, but you would be well advised to take a course or two, leading up to Coastal Skipper ( or whatever it is called now), so as to learn the various aspects of sailing a bigger heavier vessel, allied with the greater range of technical systems involved and and an appreciation of the greater magnitude of the forces involved, e.g. being struck by the boom of a 30- footer has more life changing consequences than being struck by that of Topper. A course at this level will entail some night sailing allowing you to experience an entry to this, under supervision. You will be able to plan more ambitious voyages eventually.
You will also, prior to any practical training on a cruising boat need to take a theory course, so as to gain a knowledge of navigation, tidal calculations etc., which are not generally a feature of dinghy training, but will be vital, to keep your family safe and comfortable. From personal experience, you should encourage your wife to also take the training, as it will enhance the experience for both of you. Joining a club and having your children trained to sail dinghies in the junior section would also be advisable, so that they can develop into useful crew members.
The RYA website will have all the info on training and much more.