Westerly Sealord of Bavaria 38 Ocean?

[davethedog]

Hello all and we are looking to upsize our current boat (Westerly Griffon) to something larger that we can use for a few years local in the UK and then use to sail round the world etc.

Now we are starting to look at options of what to buy, and I am due to look at a few in the next week or so:

1. A Westerly Sealord that we can get for a good price although it needs a little bit of work.
2. A Bavaria Ocean 38 centre cockpit, a newer boat but also likely to cost about £15,000 more that the Sealord.

So, what are peoples opinions as either one will need a bit of work before we look to sail round the world?

Thanks

Lee

[JPA Cate]

Hi, Lee,

We have a member here, El Pinguino, who has cruised extensively in a Westerly Sealord. If he doesn't show up here soon, you might send him a PM.

In general, I think you will do better with quality over youth.

Ann

[boatman61]

No Contest..
Westerly Sealord hands down..

[davethedog]

But why Westerly Sealord hands down?

What about a moody 37 even, as I get the impression the older boats are a bit more ´robust´?

PS , we currently have a westerly griffon.

Lee

[boatman61]

You asked.. Westerly or Bavaria.. now all of a sudden its an unmentioned Moody..
And whats your present boat got to do with the price of Chips..
apart from already knowing Westerly's standard and quality.

[davethedog]

Fair point!

So, I get the feeling that a Westerly Sealord would be much better suited to our needs in the long run, and also a fair bit cheaper (approx 15K GBP).

Only mentioned the Moody as was browsing and saw a centre cockpit moody 37 and it looked a decent enough boat:big grin:

Thanks


Lee

[robert sailor]

Moody and Westerly quite similar...check some of the other forums and they will steer you to the Bavaria. Different strokes

[boatman61]

That is something only you and the Missus can decide.. I was just going on build quality and overall toughness..
I have not a clue about the interior comfort of a Bavaria 38.. both are capable just to my mind the Sealord is more so if you decide to stray off the beaten path.
Good Hunting..

[El Pinguino]

I'm biased.....

However Sealords are now at such an age that most need a few $$$$$ fed to them. The remainder, such as mine, have already eaten their fill...

First jobs would be the babystay attachment and replacing the chain plate staples with heavier ones.... mine are now 16mm diam.

Apart from that no known vices...

Some interesting reading here.. Chainplates | Camomile
That is about the vices... read on for the virtues..

I would take and have taken my Sealord places I wouldn't dream of taking the Bavaria.

[davethedog]

thanks for the replies and just got to try to get the missus to see past the newer and shinier (and more expensive) Bavaria!

[sharpey]

Totally biased opinion here, but the moody 376 is a stout boat that will look after you, provided, as mentioned with all older boats, that you throw some money at it.

[JPA Cate]

davethedog:

thanks for the replies and just got to try to get the missus to see past the newer and shinier (and more expensive) Bavaria!

Wow, that's a game changer response!

Well, would you rather trust your life to the more sturdily constructed boat? Improving the chainplates is a lot less than beefing up an entire boat.

There is a thread on CF called "Surveying 101" that is about how to look at a new-to-you boat. Maybe both of you read it and talk about what you think is best and why?

This now sounds like a husband/wife communications challenge, but perhaps you both agree that basic quality is more important than a "pretty face." Your wife will want real information, not just hyperbole in order to shift her perception.

Ann

[davethedog]

Thanks for the replies and am unable to locate the surveying 101 thread.

[Mogga]

Westerly Sealord every time ,a Bavaria is built down to the bare minimum
may look good but hard use and it will not fair well.

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by davethedog

Thanks for the replies and am unable to locate the surveying 101 thread.

My search turned up this thread: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...1-a-78671.html

As to the boat choice .. it's very personal, and we don't all have the same priorities. In this case, the choice seems to be between "looking shiny" and "build to last".

I've been on a few newer Bavaria's, and it wouldn't be my choice for cruising. Some have done so successfully (tho the ones I know did some extensive work to get them 'ocean worthy') and I know at least one of them (newer model) had issues with the interior separating from hull after a rough crossing.

Last time I saw a brand new Bav was at a boat show a few years ago. That was a real eye-opener, and I suddenly understood the 'interior issue' that owner reported. It's just not what these boats are made for.
I also couldn't help but notice that winches etc. were as minimal as possible - which explains all the adjustments the Bav owners I know of did before cruising with them.

Having said all that: a Bavaria will likely get you wherever you want to go in one piece. Just have to be aware Bavaria's are made for a certain market, and according to the salesman I spoke with, that is definitely not the "will go cruising" type of sailor. And the boats reflect that - and rightfully so, imho.