Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80's) ?

[Parsonsheath]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Joy of boats, so many designers, so many yards, and even more unknown names.

I ended up buying a boat I had never heard of, and which seemed silly value, Van Stadt design, built by Rydgeway Marine, Prospect 900, most of them seem to be in Holland, but a good 5 berths, full headroom and 1.5 metre depth.

Have fun looking

 

[Evadne]

Putting on my anorak for a moment...

There were many different Elizabethans, all from the same yard. For the record, chronologically as far as I can remember:
Liz 29 & 35: Long keel, based on the Stella. Designed by Kim Holman, I won't hear a word said against them.
Liz 23: Drop keel, a foreshortened 29, small but perfectly formed.
Liz 31: also Long keel, big looking boat and probably the one you saw.
Liz 30: fin and skeg. This is the David Thomas design most people mean, and much as I hate to admit it is probably the fastest and the best all-rounder.
Liz 33: Bigger than the above, not as pretty IMHO.

Not many 33s around and only a dozen or so 35s made in the UK. (Some moulded by Wauquiez)

 

[asj1]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Don't neccessarily think that boats sell for their asking prices. I see no reason why you shouldn't really be able to buy a Konsort for this sort of figure. Also as someone else said prices in Holland tend to be a little lower - the following for Westerlies is not so strong there.

 

[jerryat]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Hi Homa,

The Hustler 30 is a super boat. Like others, I too, am a fan of Holman and Pye as their designs not only look really delightful, but they sail so well too. I had my Hustler 30 for 5 years and only sold her to move up to a slightly bigger boat for long term cruising. For me though, the balance of the helm and the steady, good passage-making speeds, was a real winner. Such sheer delight to sail. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I guess the only potential downside compared to 'modern' designs, is the room below, which is, of course, restricted by the relatively narrow (by todays standards) beam. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I don't envy you having to make a decision with so many designs to choose from, but the very best of luck with whatever you go for. Do let us know when the deed's done!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Cheers Jerry

 

[homa]

Re: Elizabethan range

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the history,
That's been very useful.
I shall definitely have a proper look at the Elizabethan range now.
The 30 & 33 sound good, though I'm so far having difficulty finding anything on the market.
What was the draft of the 33 ?
The 35 looks georgous, but I have to draw the line (at size) somewhere !!
Just got to sell my boat now.
I'm really looking forward to looking at some nice boats.
Tx
Homa

 

[homa]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Hi asj1,
Thanks for your comment.
I see you are fitting out a Fulmar on my doorstep !
I have thought of buying on the continent, but would obviously prefer to buy something in the UK if poss. Your comment on the Westerlies not being so sought after on the continent is interesting and I'll bear that in mind.
I will certainly look abroad once I've worked out my short list.
Tx
Homa

 

[macd]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

I'd suggest a Rival 32, but then I'm biased. £22K is on the low side for one, but you occasionally see them for under £20K. Would certainly look after you in a blow.

An outside bet, in a similar mould, is the Wauquiez Centurion. Not well known in UK, but they sometimes pop up. Considered by some as seaworthy as a Contessa 32, about as fast, but appreciably roomier. Pretty, too.

 

[Talbot]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

You might be lucky enough to find a Fastnet 34 at that price. A well built yacht with good sailing ability.

Personnally I dont think your criteria has sufficient hulls, but each to their own! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[aidancoughlan]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

How about an S&S 30? Got the pedigree, and a lovely looking boat not too different to the Hustler 30. dont see them that often - see "Yankee 30" on the web (usa), which is essentially the same boat as far as I know.
I saw a lovely one in holland when I bought my Westerly there - right price range(dont recall exact prices), right size/vintage and a good quality wood interior (as far as I recall no white formica like many production boats of this age - I looked at an Elizabethan 30 within a few days and there was no comparison - though it will depend on individual boats of course). Seamaster 925 and Hustler were on my list also - btw, theres a good looking hustler on ybw at the moment too.

if you consider holland, try www.yacthtselect.nl, and www.botenbank.nl. UK production boats are sometimes cheaper over there than in the Uk market.

best of luck!

Aidan.

 

[billmacfarlane]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Why is everyone only mentioned British boats ? How about one of the French classics, the Dufour Arpege. The layout is a tad unusual but it's practical, the draught isn't too restrictive, and its sailing performance holds no surprises.

 

[homa]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Hi macd,
The Rival 32 is a bit slow for me, though the draft and solid build is just right.
Maybe I'll look at one when I'm older !
Tx
Homa

 

[homa]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Hi Bill,
The Arpege has been considered. It has the right if not unusual accommodation.
The draft is OK and she has good performance. They are getting on in years now. I looked at one for sale on the Deben a few days ago but she was in a poor state. I don't mind a bit of work but do want something that at least looks as though it's been cared for.
I have also looked at Joet 920 at Ipswich but felt the cockpit was rather exposed and not ideal for a young family, the layout was very unusual with just a curtain dividing the forecabin from the main saloon.
Tx
Homa

 

[homa]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Hi Aiden,
I saw the S&S for sale in Holland, felt it was a little cramped below, though I would need to see one for real and not just a few pictures on the net to be sure. Agreed that it has the right pedigree.
Tx
Homa

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Oh that was politely ignored.

So I shall repeat it for those who missed it first time.

I have a growing family
I want a safe boat
I want to cross the North Sea
I am blinded by half boats
I want to live in cramped conditions
I want to climb around people every time I move
I want to struggle to cook a meal in a teeny galley


Have a look at proper boats and you might have a shock how much you can get for your sterling....

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[homa]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Hi Woofy,
Thanks for your input. But I am not looking for a multihull just yet.
Tx anyway
Homa

 

[LeonF]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Have you considered a Twister ?? draws 5 ft, sailing performance, and well built. Trapper 500?? Kingfisher 30?? bilge keel but solidly built, and capable of transatlantic. Or how about a Halmatic 30 ?? excellent sea boat but may be diff to find in your price range.
Best advice a surveyor gave me was don't fix on a particular boat and go looking for it. Have your criteria, but see whats around.

 

[kilkerr1]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Kingfisher 30. Kingfisher 30. Kingfisher 30!! Bilge keel, so no draft worries, and built like batleships, so should you have a cross channel argument with a container ship, the cargo vessel will come off worse. Not reknowned for speed, but if you want something which will look after you wherever you are (a 20-foot version of this boat has been to the North Pole, I kid you not), has shallow draft, looks kinda chunky and hard but strangely pretty, and you've got a budget of 20K then do have a look at the K30. Incredibly light inside too, due to massive windows all over the place - Chay Blythe attempted his first round the world sail in a K30.

Have a look at the website at Kingfisher Yacht Owner's Association website for loads of technical info, reviews and pictures. Oh, and there's also a photo of our K30 (Jammy Dodger) on there, all trussed up on a flatbed and ready for the crossing from Guernsey, where we bought her, to Chichester, where she's currently undergoing a bit of a 'tidy'. Hubbie and I have owned a Kingfisher 20+ (21') Santa Teresa for a couple of years and would be happy anywhere in her. We've now gone up to a K30. Oh the joy! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Account of an atlantic journey in a K30 here too.

A mate of ours is the K30 technical chap for the KYOA and knows all there is to know about K30s, so if you need any more info I can give you his email address.

There's one for sale here.

Happy boat hunting!

 

[Malish]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Homa

Rival 32's are not that slow! In many cases the age of the sails is the issue and possibly the desire of the occupants to enjoy the scenery. I have one with some nice new sails which happily keeps up with most craft of a similar size. Do not be put off by Tom Cunliffe's recent comments in YM, the author of the article seriously distorted Tom's views; the following is from Tom, taken from the Rival Owners website:

Tom Cunliffe has asked that we post the following reply for the ROA forums following the YM article.

"Dear Fiona

I still haven't seen the article, but I've got to say that I'm really disappointed it has quoted a part of what I had said without giving me the chance to see what had been written.

The only reason we didn't like the Rival at the National Sailing Centre was because although she was professionally fitted out to the highest standard of any of our boats, and was equipped with top gear and a fine suit of Ratsey sails, our shoal-draught 34 was much slower to windward than a Contessa 32 (the other option for us), particularly in a blow. This sometimes made it hard to run a good course in rough weather with so much demand on our time. What you don't mention me as saying - so I assume the writer doesn't either - is that in most other respects the boat was by far the best we had. I wrote all this in my comments, but, sadly, the main thing that seems to have come through is that for our specific use, the boat fell short in this one way.

Thanks for letting me know about it so kindly.

Tom

www.tomcunliffe.com"

 

[Metabarca]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

Centurion 32 (Holman & Pye design), as mentioned above. Safe, pretty, strongly built. You could pick one up in France for your budget, though there is an (apparently) pretty one for sale in the UK at a bit more (see YBW for sale section). See below for Centurion site.
http://users.swing.be/FDB/centurion/index2.html

 

[Malish]

Re: Which 30+ ft boat (from the 1970-80\'s) ?

I looked at a Centurion 32 some time back, liked it a lot apart from the offset prop which I figured would add a little spice to reversing in a marina.