More Boat Options for Offshore

[Bev & Bill]

We were intent on CSY and have decided we should expand our search and be more open minded. Consequently we are now considering a Hylas 44', a Hans Christian 38' as well as considering, perhaps a Mason 42'. Just wondered if you might offer insight into any or all of these boats for offshore. They do not all appear on Mahina's list and our research, especially on the Hylas (under 46') provided minimal results.

Your openness and wisdom, as always, is appreciated by the learning novices.

[Euro Cruiser]

...as each of the boats you mention can be sailed, properly equipped, across an ocean but are very different creatures from one another - and certainly from the CSY. Just a few examples:

The Mason is a 'big' (as in 'heavy') boat with a full keel, and usually brings a lot of wood care along with it. Will you be sailing by yourselves? How maneuverable do you want the boat to be in close confines (a common need in Europe)? How important is it that it be heavy (some would describe the motion as comfortable, others as 'ponderous') vs. a more responsive and faster sailing boat? The last Mason (a 41, I believe) I was on had perhaps the most unergonomic cockpit, offering the least protection and comfort, of any boat I've experienced. Since when cruising, that's your back porch and driver's (watchstander's) seat, I'd want to make sure I was satisifed with the cockpit (perhaps in cold, wet weather).

The HC designs certainly look shippy...and again are a bit overweight, especially for their volume. Lots of wood care required (or ignored with eventual consequences), and I've found they seem to have a different view on ergonomics than does my body, with things not quite 'fitting' or inviting smooth flow of functions down below. Again, how suitable is the underbody and displacement, maneuverability and handiness of the boat for you?

Hylas boats are at least one notch up the price scale, it seems to me - so they would be apples to the above oranges. I don't have any personal experiences with them and so can't comment.

Jack