Which 28-32ft 2nd-hand Yacht

[Jockster_T]

OK sorry for the newbie question...

Want to narrow my search down. Looking for a 28-32ft 2nd-hand yacht. Following criteria apply:

- absolute max spend of £20,000
- Must have space for 2 adults / 2 small kids for max of 3 days (probably mostly sailed with 3 adults however)
- Must be able to be sailed single handled
- Must have reasonable 'sea-worthyness' - thinking about eventually doing western isles / west-ireland in late-spring/summer/early-autumn (based Lancashire)
- performance does not have to be 'too exciting'

The following have been mentioned but may be wide of the mark given the above criteria:
Contessa 28
UFO 31
Hustler 30

Thanks for any-all comment/opinion/info

Cheers, Simon

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[yoda]

The Elizabethen 30, Albin Ballad and Trapper 500 probably fall into your requirements as well. All those you have mentioned have a relatively large Genoa which make single handing slightly more difficult. However, windvane steering (or a good autopilot)and a roller Genoa would make a big difference. All are good boats and it may fall to personnal preferance.

Yoda

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[paulrossall]

I am surprised that you have not had a responce yet to your question. Maybee the reason is that you will be able to afford loads of different boat that will do what you want within your budget. First recomendation would be to spend no more than £15K/£16k so that you have money left to buy things/repair/upgrade to your satisfaction.
If you are taking young kids then more room is a requirement so they have room to play/occupy themselves whilst underway. I beleive a good engine is very important so you can make passage when the wind drops. If you are kamakarzee lads or retired (so not subject to stringent time constraints) then engine maybee not so important.
I would suggest that you spend the next 4 or 5 months just going round looking at loads of boats where the adverts seem to describe a boat suitable for your requirements. You will soon come up with a short list and if you report back to the forum with your short list then maybee you will get more responce. Good luck. Paul

<hr width=100% size=1>" there is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats".

 

[LORDNELSON]

Southerly 95? Has a swing keel and lifting rudder, could be useful if you will be sailing out of Lancashire but for single handing would need a wind vane/autohelm.

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[Sea Devil]

I owned an Elizabethen 31 for about 10 years - wonderful boat - 4 berths - great sea boat - taught me to sail - and can go anywhere.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing>http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing</A>

 

[Talbot]

Have a good look at a Heavenly Twins. They will spoil you for monohulls, with stacks of space for family. further details are available <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/topcat_text02.html>here</A>
Prices vary depending on age, but there are some around at your price level

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[woody001]

carter 30 or 33, cracking boat well worth a look

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[Rigger]

The westerly 31 range,plenty of options ,bilge/fin,sloop/ketch,aft cabin .Good solid sea worthy boats,and aft cabin versions give good "den" for kids.I sold a Renown last year for £17,000 in good knick.We had sailed western isles.Ireland and most of Irish sea,in her.

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[DanTribe]

I was in your position 4 years ago and had almost the same shortlist.The final choice came down to a UFO 31 or a GK29, really couldnt decide, but the UFO won because of a more comfortable cockpit. Have not regretted the choice yet.
The comments re big headsails are very relevant, but roller headsails make that manageable.
I don't know your sailing area but is draft an issue? The UFO depth now bars us from some of our favourite Dutch harbours.
Dan

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[Evadne]

Re. Elizabethan 29, 30, 31. PM me if you want the email address of the owners' association. The 29 may be a bit cramped with 2 kids, being slightly smaller than the Contessa, but is well within budget. 30 & 31 have more space, usually newer and more expensive. All are very seaworthy, and despite what you may have heard a long-keeler is easier to sail single-handed than a twitchy fin and spade-rudder boat. 30 has long fin & skeg if I recall correctly. There is also a 33 (very big and quite rare) and a 35 (beautiful but old & rare).

If you're interested in wood, look at the East Anglians. Lots of boat for your money, usually very solidly built.

The comment above about looking at lots of boats is good advice, good hunting.



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[stevebirch2002]

Have a look at the Albin vega 27. Fits all the bill but one foot shorter. Sea wortyhiness is legendary. Check out www.albinvega.co.uk

Top boats = £15K down to about £9K for boats that need work.


<hr width=100% size=1>Albin Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

 

[kireonriley]

m.g.30 will go anywhere anytime any sea state hae a good look and good luck Kieron

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[davidfox]

Try the Westerley GK29 but the cruiser version (shorter mast and shallower keel than the racer) it is a little tender, but a very good sea boat with a massive amount of space below, I sailed across the north sea several times in winds up to a 7 with no concerns at all price from 17- 19K avoid ones with original engines.

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[Evadne]

Re: GK29

A friend has just bought one. To add to the above, make sure the keel strengthening has been done properly. Not a life-threatening problem, but a pocket-damaging one unless you're a fibreglass-meister! Otherwise they seem to be good, fast, modern-ish boats.

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[doca]

A Dufour 31 has lots of space, built '70s early '80s. Worth a look.

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[jsl]

Nicholson 32? Or would that cost too much?

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[Cheeky Girl]

Have you looked @ a Leisure 27. Sleeps 6 and has 6 ft headroom.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.leisureowners.org.uk/>http://www.leisureowners.org.uk/</A>

I know that it is a bit smaller but she sails well and has good accommodation for the family.

Graham

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[Graham_Wright]

Try looking on the Countess website.

There was a 28 footer for sale and they are built like the proverbial.

<hr width=100% size=1>GBW

 

[billmacfarlane]

Westerly Berwick and Mirage 28.

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[cliff]

Don't overlook the Jaguar 27

Did in one what you want to do, western isles etc and built in an era when they built boats not plastic bathtubs.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/westgatefamily/index.htm> check them out here</A>

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