Which Sigma-esque cruiser racer for <£40k?

[BristolDiver]

Hello everyone, this first post has been brewing for a while, but my time of forum lurking has finally come to an end.

Strongly considering taking the big move from serial charterer into ownership. Major motivation is to do more, and reach the parts we can't reach (economically) by chartering alone.

Have always been drawn to the David Thomas yachts after taking my Day Skipper course some years ago in Plymouth on a Sigma 33 named Havoc. Have recently infected SWMBO with the sailing bug, and she is now also keen around ownership. She has no passion for racing, but loves a fast yacht to cruise. I might be persuaded to race at some level in future.

Have been looking at the Sigma 36 & 362. That little bit more space than the 33, and the 362 especially seems to be an excellent compromise as a spritely cruiser.

On to the questions: (apologies, but the list grew as I started typing)

36 & 362 - very similar yachts, one fractional, one masthead. VERY different price tags, why?

Target budget is less than 35k to allow for some updating and unforseen costs. 362s seem to be asking 50k. What would be realistic offer/sale prices?, is 35k achievable?

As this is our first experience of yacht purchase, is there a best time to buy? End of season/early season, mid credit-crunch?

Which other sigma-esque yachts to consider?

Key criteria:
- Something considerably younger than I am (34). Mid/late 80s at the most.
- target budget 35k or less, 40 max.
- comfortable cruising for four adults, could live with six for a weekend.
- Relatively nippy performer to windward.
- Solidly built fin keeler.
- Wheel steering would greatly please SWMBO, I'm OK with either
- Credible effort as a weekend mid-fleet racer.
- Well behaved rig for short-handing
- Hate the term blue-water cruiser, but something credible for round UK, trans-atlantic which is where our aspirations lie.

Finally, am I asking the right sort of questions? (or am I clearly not ready for this!).

Thanks,
BristolDiver

 

[photodog]

The 36 was built for racing... while the 362 was built for cruising.....

362 is a excellent capable boat.. 36 is a good boat but needs a lot more care buying I would suspect as most will have been raced hard...

Also worth looking at the Sadler 34 and for a bit less money the 32...

Scanmar 33 would be worth looking at as well.

Late 90's early noughties Bavaria 34 would also be worth a look... get a 99-2000 model still german lloyds certified.

Nicholson 345 if you can find a good one...

Bit more cash a Sweden 34 from 80...

Possibly just a Rival 36... but dont expect to win any races.



Oh, a Westerly Storm in good nick should come in on budget...

 

[PaulR]

interested to see reply above as when hunting we looked at 362's , scanmar 345 , storm , sigma 33 and finally - chose our dehler 34 (which we still have )

key issues we found were :-

362- liked the design (a lot) but despite looking at quite a few - never found one that was in tidy enough condition to appeal - if we had found a good one suspect would have it now !

scanmar - found the right one - we thought - trial sail very impressed and liked the hidden extra cabin - but deal fell apart so missed out

storm - just didn't do it for us although read good reports on them

sigma 33 - too small

dehler 34 - liked the design - we especially liked the nova (white ) interior - sails beautifully and in our view the build quality is a league ahead of many of the others but must admit we are biased!

re your comments on price - 362 prices seem to be unchanged since we were looking but no ideas as to what they are selling for - good luck

 

[Gin]

I might be persuaded to race at some level in future.

BristolDiver

So much to consider, but this one phrase permits me a blinkered response- if you club race on a fast boat (handicap-wise) like the Sigma 33 you will struggle to achieve the boat's potential in results unless you have a well versed, capable and regular crew; alternatively Sigma 33's are a 'one-design' and, with respect, you don't stand a dog's chance of getting into the silverware unless you have a top crew, if you choose to mix it with the 'one-designers' on that circuit.

So, I suggest concentrate on club racing, and find a speedy boat to race in handicap and build on your experiences which will eventually pay off,but it will take time and you will need a regular committed crew to make the best of it

 

[multihullsailor6]

Get the best Carter 33 you can find!