What cruiser??

[iainmillett]

I've got some £35,000 available to buy a 30ft sailing boat.

It must be easily sailable by 1 person (me) be steady and safe (for my wife to come along.) Reefing must be straightforward. Comfort, live-abordable if possible as well.

Any suggestions?

Sadler 29 or Moody 31' are 2 - any others??

 

[iangrant]

Go to www.boats-for-sale-com and type in 30 feet 35000 pounds and they will all appear!

 

[zvidoron]

A nice example of the Contessa 32 for this money.

 

[billmacfarlane]

Iain what do mean by safe. I can't think of a modern production boat that is basically unsafe. The 2 boats you mention have totally different types of accommodation. The Moody has an aft cabin while the Sadler 29 has a rear quarterberth and heads midships. You're best bet is to look at examples of both these boats and a few modern French ones as well if you're not a member of the Xenophobic Sailing Club that seems to flourish on these web sites. Once a couple has taken you're fancy then test sail them and see if they measure up to your idea of what you want and you can try to confirm you're own findings by looking at the yottimags and see if there has been a report about the boats you like. One problem asking a web site about a particular boat is that any owner who replies will say that it's a great boat but you need a more objective view than that hence look, test sail, confirm by report if possible.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Define your requirements...

... intended sailing area, lengths of passages, number of souls aboard, Beaufort above which you will not set out, degree of mod cons required, where she will be kept. Then we'll have some data on which to base advice.

 

[iainmillett]

Re: Define your requirements...

intended sailing area:-Sth North Sea and Channel
lengths of passages:-12 hours
number of souls aboard:- 2 grew (including skipper)
Beaufort above which you will not set out:-F6
degree of mod cons required:-Heads/Shower
where she will be kept:-Medway/Marina

 

[Twister_Ken]

Re: Define your requirements...

So with only 2 aboard, you don't need a caravan, but you probably do need something seakindly, that's not too much hard work to sail.

List might include:
Sadler 29 and 32
Contessa 32
Elizabethan 29 (you'd have lots of money left over to put in a shower)
Some of the smaller Westerlies (sorry, don't know their model names)
Hustler 35
Vancouver 27
Trapper 700
One of the late 80/early 90's Jeanneaus or Firsts, from before they started chasing the charter market too hard.
Hallberg Rassy 29 (might just squeeze one in at the price).

 

[iainmillett]

Re: Define your requirements...

Many thanks for the ideas.

Now all I have to do is sell my Victoria 26........

 

[vyv_cox]

Another point

Don't underestimate the value of the insulation in the Sadler. You do lose some stowage but the total absence of condensation is worth a great deal, not just for comfort but for condition and appearance also.

 

[Guest]

Re: Another point

Alternatively set aside some stowage space for a dehumidifier, if you have access to shorepower?

 

[billmacfarlane]

Re: Define your requirements...

Expanding on Ken's list try the Westerly Konsort or the one that I like which for some reason non Westerly fans like , the Fulmar.
For French boats try the First 29 or another favourite of mine , the First 305. For Jeanneau's of the late eighties/early nineties try the Sunlight. If you want any advice on that one , I owned one for 11 years.

 

[billmacfarlane]

Re: Another point

Also as well as an ex Jeanneau owner I'm also an ex Sadler 29 owner and can vouch for the benefit of the internal foam. It provides great insulation - you'll never feel cold below - and there is no condensation apart from round the windows. If you look at the bilge keel option which is probably your best bet for East coast sailing , please try a sail first as the bilge keels have a tendency to slam. Feel free to contact me for details.

 

[billmacfarlane]

Re: Define your requirements...

If your fond of your present boat why not move up to the Victoria 30 ?

 

[Bergman]

Re: Another point

Dont forget to give a thought to depreciation.

Bill's suggestion of a Konsort or Fulmar may score there. I prefer the Konsort but thats only my view

 

[iainmillett]

Re: Another point

This is all very helpful.

My preferences (assuming reports and satisfactory test sail) now run:-

Sadler 29 (I know the 34 well) - a good sea-going boat BUT would need bilge keels

Vic 30 - I have a Vic 26 - it has a long keel which enables the boat to take the putty, but my Vic 26 is 'tender.'

Westerly Konsort

On the new side has anyone experience of the Dufour range eg the 30 Classic for example?

 

[Guest]

If you are looking for strong, safe and cruise ability for two people in comfort ...... Hilyards, Waterwitch, Golden Hind etc. But these are generally timber boats that need regular maintenance.
GRP brings in Colvic Countess's, Westerly's

If you want performance then the French, Belgium, German boats are generally more lively.

It depends on what you want. If you want room, comfort and 'heavy safe' boat then Halmatic is agood bet and save some money for improving the boat. If you want a bit more speed , still with reasonable volume interior - Colvic / Moody / Southerly ....... it is a big, big market out there !

Visit a sailing club local to you / reccommended - offer to crew for them, be honest and say that you are looking for what boat is BEST for you ........ you just may find the ideal answer without too much hassle !

The amount of money you are expecting to pay out -the secondhand market is waiting to take it of you - there are many fine boats out there at prices LESS than you quote to pay !!!!!

 

[Guest]

Re: Define your requirements...

The original posting was 'naive' ...... giving the impression of new to the game ...... now we know you that is NOT rue !

Believe me, no problem and please do not take offence - none intended !

So now - I re-inforce my advise - talk to others around you and sail on the boats to see for yourself !

Around the east coast, especially Malden etc. are many boats for sale - I know of a few Waterwitchs advertised - try them out, the owners are selling - get them to 'trial-sail'

Nigel

 

[iainmillett]

Many thanks once again.

I've sailed for many years but need to draw on the www range of experience to 'home in' on what I need.

In posting questions it sometimes pays to draw out the debate somewhat - and I feel that I have enough to use here to go forward.

I bought my Vic 26 without sailing her first - relying on boat reports of her ability in stronger conditions singel-handed.

I think a test drive of any boat is now essential - and I have the target list to boot.

'The Good Yacht Guide'from the Marine Bureau is also helpful when selling/purchasing.

 

[Gordon]

for £35,000 you should get a beauty.

That is well over what you need to pay for a good 30ft glass boat....


take care....... someone may rip your arm off