What's the right boat for us?

[Stephan&Beth]

Happy Easter!

My wife and I are looking forward to a career break. Starting point is most likely (but not a must) the UK, route is to be determined, possibly underway. Target, this August/September. We've aquired the right licenses and brushed up on our sailing -- now the next step (and probably the most critical), finding the right boat that will take care of us.

So here is hoping you could point us into the right direction. We've been looking for about 6 months now with the occasional trip to Sweden (preferable would be a boat in the Suffolk area) and while we've been disappointed so far, we did get a fairly good idea of what we're looking for, so here it comes:

1) Blue-water/offshore sailing boat (protected cockpit, seakindly, can take a blow etc.). Overall, we'd like to be able to go off the beaten track.
2) 33-37 foot
3) GBP20 to GBP40k (incl. equipment, such as wind vane, solar panels/wind generator, GPS, plotter, SSB, DSC-VHF, either radar or AIS and tender, holding tank, life raft...). Due to the budget constraint, we're thinking about a boat that is already fully equiped with the right gear. This will be most likely in a boat inteded to go offshore.
5) Less than 2m draft.
6) Headroom of over 1.9m, at least around the galley so I can do my duties in comfort.
6) Younger than 1980.
7) Low(er) maintenance.

Any help, no matter what, is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[tidclacy]

Quite a tall order for that kind of money I would think, where are you planning to go offshore? A Westerly may be suitable. Try Apollo Duck

 

[PaulRainbow]

You're having a laugh ?

 

[Stephan&Beth]

We've looked at a Westerly Falcon, which could work. Also, one we're wondering about is the Oyster Heritage 37.. but I see I'm starting to answer my own question :encouragement: Thanks for the help anyway!

 

[James W]

If you just loosened your grip on the younger than 1980 stipulation, you'd find plenty out there. They might need a little work, but if you're planning on upping sticks to sail off to far-flung places, you're going to have to know the boat!

This has caught my eye and might fit the bill, but could be a bit lacking in the cabin department: http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=476446

Alternatively there are plenty of Tridents, Moody's and Vancouver 32's out there in your price range. Find the best example you can, drive a hard bargain and get cracking on a summer of refits, ready to launch in September.

Above all else, don't be put off. You have a reasonable amount of money and it's a buyer's market. Good luck!

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I posted this one yesterday:

Nice Holman & Pye Red Admiral from John Rodriguez (forum name "jonic")

http://www.jryachts.com/boat-details?boatid=1258484

Meets most of your criteria. Asking £35k, so you'd have some budget left for the missing bits.

Any good ?

 

[James W]

I posted this one yesterday:

Nice Holman & Pye Red Admiral from John Rodriguez (forum name "jonic")

http://www.jryachts.com/boat-details?boatid=1258484

Meets most of your criteria. Asking £35k, so you'd have some budget left for the missing bits.

Any good ?

Very nice too!

There's also this Vancouver 32 in Suffolk. http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=500846

Not as pretty and probably not as fast as the H&P, but a well proven Bluewater cruiser and probably gettable under £20K with a bit of hard bargaining!

 

[Tradewinds]

When it was first on the market (18 months ago?) it was well into the middle/high 30s so sub £20k may be a little optimistic

But who knows nowadays?

It's an eye opener for those of us with late 70s/early 80s respected marques thought to be worth £50-60k five years ago :disgust:

Very nice too!

There's also this Vancouver 32 in Suffolk. http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=500846

Not as pretty and probably not as fast as the H&P, but a well proven Bluewater cruiser and probably gettable under £20K with a bit of hard bargaining!

 

[pvb]

There's also this Vancouver 32 in Suffolk. http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=500846

Not as pretty and probably not as fast as the H&P, but a well proven Bluewater cruiser and probably gettable under £20K with a bit of hard bargaining!

You'd have to pay me to take ownership of a hull that colour!

 

[James W]

When it was first on the market (18 months ago?) it was well into the middle/high 30s so sub £20k may be a little optimistic

But who knows nowadays?

It's an eye opener for those of us with late 70s/early 80s respected marques thought to be worth £50-60k five years ago :disgust:

I know, it's not good if you're selling, and we'll all be selling at some point

 

[Stephan&Beth]

Thanks! Understand that it must be tough when the prices fall, but on the other hand it gives the opportunity to people like me to work on a dream! And those are the right boats..

Ohlsen 35 - haven't come across that one yet. Hull looks like it needs some work but new engine and sails is great for that price! Nice shape..

I like the H&P. It's been part exchanged though so now in ownership of the broker. Also price seems a bit steep for her age, the original engine and considering that there are Oyster 37s out there that are cheaper: http://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1985/Oyster-37-2849075/Ireland#.WPZuS4WkUSg

Came across that Vancouver in the past and that is clearly an option.

 

[pyrojames]

Very nice too!

There's also this Vancouver 32 in Suffolk. http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=500846

Not as pretty and probably not as fast as the H&P, but a well proven Bluewater cruiser and probably gettable under £20K with a bit of hard bargaining!

She used to belong to a very good friend. She's a great boat with some serious shorthanded cruising behind her.

 

[ChattingLil]

You'd have to pay me to take ownership of a hull that colour!

but it had a lovely previous owner!

 

[Tradewinds]

Absolutely - I think your friend would be a bit astounded at her current asking price.

For £26k (or less) you could go anywhere in the world with this boat and sort out any issues on the way (I'm guessing old'ish teak deck problems and a bit of osmosis).

She used to belong to a very good friend. She's a great boat with some serious shorthanded cruising behind her.

 

[James W]

She used to belong to a very good friend. She's a great boat with some serious shorthanded cruising behind her.

I'd buy her in a heartbeat if I had the cash!

 

[PeterWright]

If you fancy a Westerly, go for one of the ones that sail properly. A Fulmar is a bit too small for you, but the faster bigger accommodation Storm 33 comes at the bottom end of your range and the beautiful Typhoon 37 at the top end, but may push your budget. Both are great to sail. The other really comfortable option that will sail really well is a Moody 35.

There are normally plenty of examples of these models on the market, perhaps fewer Typhoons, most owners never want to sell.

Peter.