What boat

It may be something you already know but worth mentioning that the Bavaria 36 of around the 2000's (perhaps up to 2003?) is actually 11.4m as for some reason they decided to call it a 36 foot and make it 37.5...
I have a 2003 version and spent considerably less than your budget after discussion with the owner, naturally ongoing costs and updates needed to be done but I consider that as part and parcel of ownership.

Previous boat was a 30ft (more traditional in its layout) Van de Stadt and the difference is chalk and cheese.
 
If your keeping it on the Hamble then buy a power boat - all you describe is cheaper, you get there in comfort and faster, and SWMBO wil thank you, or have a greater range for those with limited time and no tacking - the double berthing fees masted yachts pay on the Hamble buys one heck of a lot of diesel !
 
The Sigma looks very well kitted out and I like the look of her inside and out. The Bavaria's I am looking at are 15 to 18 years younger. As its my first boat I don't want to buy myself problems with an older boat that im not confident to sort out.
Continued indecision!!
 
Assuming the hull is basically sound the thing with plastic boats after a certain age is that it all comes down to questions of whether the expensive "consumables" (and just about everything apart from the hull, keel and internal bulkheads/cabinetry are effectively consumables, albeit with long lifespans) have been heavily or lightly used, been well maintained, do they need replacing, etc., etc. This is often difficult to establish and although surveys go some way they do not give a complete picture. Boats like that Sigma are few and far between and from what I can see many of the "consumables" on it are likely to be newer, in better condition and quite possibly of better quality to start with (the autohelm that it has, e.g.) than the original equipment on a 15-20 year old AWB that may well be getting quite tired by now. A dilemma indeed but I'd suggest not jumping into anything without going to see the Sigma and anything else that takes your fancy as well as at least half a dozen or so AWBs of different brands. Good luck and happy shopping!
 
As a former Bav34 owner for some 13 years from new while appreciate you are looking at a 37 there not much difference in Bavs of an certain age in terms of kit etc. With that caveat I would say if possible see if larger engined versions exist ( the standard engine on the 34 always seemed slightly light ) but don’t know if engine variations exist in the 37s . Also look at how the main sheet is controlled -if it’s like the 34 then adjusting can be stressful whereas you might find the HR main sheet set up more convenient . The HR will be slower in average airs but the headsails on the Bav tend to be over large so if it new one might be worth discussing size with your sail maker to reduce heading up factor. All boats will obviously head up but an HR might have less need to be reefed ie you can perhaps get away with a full main on an HR when a wise man would be reefing a Bav. Clearly the Bav has ouddles more space but the HR might have carpet and suchlike so feel more homely. The are not as country cottage as say a Najad but the are distinctly close in saloon etc. Ultimately if you have growing children their needs might suggest a bigger Bav as has more space for paddle boards bikes etc and such like but ultimately it’s down to crew. We cruise to France with 4 in our 41 and did so previously the 34 but it’s all much more comfortable on a slightly larger boat for 4 and kit.
 
V1701 said:
Assuming the hull is basically sound the thing with plastic boats after a certain age is that it all comes down to questions of whether the expensive "consumables" (and just about everything apart from the hull, keel and internal bulkheads/cabinetry are effectively consumables, albeit with long lifespans) have been heavily or lightly used, been well maintained, do they need replacing, etc., etc. This is often difficult to establish and although surveys go some way they do not give a complete picture. Boats like that Sigma are few and far between and from what I can see many of the "consumables" on it are likely to be newer, in better condition and quite possibly of better quality to start with (the autohelm that it has, e.g.) than the original equipment on a 15-20 year old AWB that may well be getting quite tired by now. A dilemma indeed but I'd suggest not jumping into anything without going to see the Sigma and anything else that takes your fancy as well as at least half a dozen or so AWBs of different brands. Good luck and happy shopping!
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You might also look at a Victoria 34 - I have a Frances 34 Pilothouse, which is a V34 with a pilothouse. V34s come up for sale occasionally and within your budget I expect
 
John Willis said:
You might also look at a Victoria 34 - I have a Frances 34 Pilothouse, which is a V34 with a pilothouse. V34s come up for sale occasionally and within your budget I expect
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Thanks to all who responded to my initial question. I ended up buying the Sigma 36 mentioned in this thread and have recently sailed her from Southampton to her home berth in Northumberland. I was helped hugely by her previous owner and have thoroughly enjoyed my first few weeks of ownership. Thanks to the Forum for bringing my intention to her in the first place.
 
Waughey said:
Thanks to all who responded to my initial question. I ended up buying the Sigma 36 mentioned in this thread and have recently sailed her from Southampton to her home berth in Northumberland. I was helped hugely by her previous owner and have thoroughly enjoyed my first few weeks of ownership. Thanks to the Forum for bringing my intention to her in the first place.
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Congrats!
 
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