which boat for £60k would you buy?

[knewboater]

I know it is always a personal choice, but I may buy another boat this year and would be interested to know what you think or have experience of, 32-34ft south coast cruising and the occasional trip across to France, need good accommodation(separate cabins), fin keel,seaworthy and less than 5 years old, sloop.
May pay a bit more for the right boat, thank you for any help.

 

[jh001ace]

I've just bought a Beneteau 331 2003 3 cabins good level of equipment for 55k. I thought it was quite a good buy.

 

[john_morris_uk]

You need to specify more criteria. How important is sailing versus draft versus accomodation?

For instance you could get a Westerly Storm for £50k which has the accomodation, but it might not suit as it will be more than five years old, but with the money left you could put in all new headlinings and have all new upholstery. Would look like new...!

Lots of the French boats Dufour etc would fit the bare bones of your requirements.

What's caught your eye? More importantly, what have you sailed already?

Ans what has your partner enjoyed sailing and living on?

The last question might over-ride all others in my experience.

 

[davidfox]

Moody - I am into my 2nd just sold my 346 for 53K (now got 422 same principle but bigger) they seem to stay in very good condition, I travelled the country looking at just about all types and found the Moodys were in better nick - bit of a generalisation, they are also bullet proof in weather and give a comfy ride, sailed across channel and north sea in all kinds of conditions.

 

[knewboater]

Yes the 331 is on the list I have an etap at present which is good to sail, stiff but a bit light, needs reefing early, other half wants the new boat to have a boom that is above head room, be interested to hear if 331`s sail well.

 

[knewboater]

My wife likes a force 2 flat sea and a g and t, she doesn`t sail across the channel, her needs are modern accommodation mainly.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Anything built by ETAP

 

[jimi]

I've had a Bennie 331 for the last 4 yrs, StugeronSteve also has one. We're both delighted with our boats and its sailing performance. Would not hesitate to buy another .. but I'm sticking with what I've got cos I like it!

 

[LadyInBed]

Why limit to <5 years old? I would have thought all the boats on offer for that price were in the lighter weight range.

 

[tcm]

another idea

oh come on, don't be mean. Since it's near Valentine's day, why not use the money to buy something nice for swmbo eh?

 

[Birdseye]

[ QUOTE ]
Why limit to <5 years old? I would have thought all the boats on offer for that price were in the lighter weight range.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think it was Uffa Fox who said that "weight is only of merit in a steam roller"?

 

[samuel]

I have a Hanse 311. Keep it on east coast. went to France for 15 weeks last year Then 6 weeks in Dutch canals & simply love it. Bought it because I can sail single handed with ease ( Did 700 miles plus single handed last year). It does not scare the wife ( Most important consideration) Not too big to handle.( Self tacking jib is great) Enough room for 2 long term & I am 6' 6" tall. good storage Good loo ( I cannot get in some of them even on bigger boats)
Good performance etc etc. Lots of bits inc in basic price but I have now spent £ 65 k with the extras inc liferaft EPIRB new dinghy extra sails & all the bits you need to go sailing. Whatever you buy you always need extras so budget should allow for this.
The people are good to deal with & spent a lot of time at handover going over the boat. ( A friend bought a £ 200K Jeneau motorboat & got less than30 mins introduction)
Although it is over your budget It is worth a look as a new boat needs less initial maintenance.
I suppose we all think our own boat is the best choice but honestly I have only had to alter a couple of bits. This year we will be back in Dutch canals with 6 of us for a fortnight so that will tell how the layout works!! Then it's racing so that will show us how fast it is. Already got a few heavy weather F9 stories for the club bar both crewed & single handed but nothing to give me a fright ( Yet anyway)
Good luck with whatever you choose

 

[BlueMan]

I'll second that...just bought a new Hanse 312 myself. Southampton show offer last year was 55K including spray hood, hot water, Webasto heating. Basics like anchor, warps, fenders also included as are Simrad log and depth.

Definitely worth a trial sail. That was what clinched it for me.

 

[knewboater]

Thanks Samuel and Blueman just the sort of info I want,Hanse is now on the list.

 

[jackho]

I agree with Etap owner - if you already sail an Etap - I would upgrade to a good used 35' especially if your wife likes a bit of style and comfort. We sailed Etaps for almost 20years and intended to move up from an Etap 30' to 35' because of the wife appeal and the unsinkability factor but in the end couldn't find one and bought a Bav. instead.
There's still merit in the argument about a heavier sea kindly boat like the Moody but in the end it's all down to comprise.
good luck with your choice.

 

[knewboater]

Thanks everyone for your info. it looks like the new boat will be either an Etap/Moody/Hanse or Beneteau, will start looking in May when we will have moved house (for the last time)
Richard

 

[Sailfree]

An Etap is a different boat from the others and a Moody different from a modern AWB. People forget, but a Moody was originally considered a "light" boat against traditional boats. With AWB's (which I would include the Hanse) the Moody would now be considered a middleweight. For £60k you will get more boat for your money with an AWB but others would correctly point out that it probably wouldn't be as durable as a Moody or Etap. Your choices are so diverse I suggest you start looking at ALL local boats in the price range. When you decide the features you like try a trial sail. Then see if you can get your opinions confirmed by the experienced members of the Forum.
AWB's would not dominate the new market if they didn't offer what most buyers wanted but there are a lot of better (quality) boats but they are dearer or for a fixed amount of money a lot older!
If you do like one or two you could ask on the forum if someone can take you out on theirs.
As others have said all boats are a compromise and any individual choice of boat reflect that persons important criteria but not necessarily yours!!
Beware of people who can only recommend their own choice without considering your most important criteria.
Good Luck