Bayfield 25 as a cruiser

[SVDistantStar]

Im wondering how well a Bayfield 25 would be for some coastal cruising. We are a family of 4(Mom and Dad, 1year old and 2-1/2 year old) so size is the issue. The boat is in great shape with a 20 gallon water tank and a Yanmar 1GM10 motor. It needs a paint job, but is otherwise in great shape. We are looking to do some weekend and maybe month long cruises.

We have lived aboard a 1972 Pearson 36 for the last 2 years and we plan on doing our more long term cruising on it. The pearson is going to be hauled out and stored on land for the next few years for a refit. Untill its done, we are going to do some cruising so the Bayfield is our only option.

[Pblais]

Bayfields were built strong. The only reservation is the ability to haul and store all the provisions at only 3500 lbs displacement. The 29 ft Bayfield more than doubles that.

If you can figure that part out I don't see why they can't be a stout boat. Water tank is a bit small for 4 people but if hopping about and you feel comfortable I would say why not. In serious weather there isn't much to say for them with the shoal draft design you have to be picking your weather a lot closer than other boats.

There really isn't much more to say than that. You obviously understand it well enough. When it comes to weekends and shorter cruises it's more about keeping the family happy on a small boat than anything else. Lord knows that is hard enough.

[SVDistantStar]

Well im not talking long offshore passages, mostly ICW. Probley anchor every night.

[Latitude9.5]

Bayfields are solid boats, I know two people who are cruising and living aboard bayfield 32's, one of them has had the boat in the family since new.

For ICW cruising it would be a great boat.

[GordMay]

At roughly 3 times the cost & twice the displacement, a Bayfield 29 (never mind the 32) is quite a step-up from the 25.
Bayfield 25: Bayfield 25 - Used Sailboat Market in Canada
Bayfield 29: Bayfield 29 - Used Sailboat Market in Canada
Bayfield 32: Bayfield 32 - Used Sailboat Market in Canada

[Latitude9.5]

Yea I've never been aboard a 25, but I would assume there is a big difference in size between the 25 and the 32 As far as build quality all the bayfields were well built as far as I know, I know they used great hardware as well

[SVDistantStar]

Ive already got a large boat for extended cruising, but its in an extended refit right now. I already own the Bayfield 25, so i figured id get some use out of it wile the pearson is on land. Ive looked at the larger bayfields, and i would love a 36, but the budget will never allow it.

[Latitude9.5]

I'd think it would be pretty cramped for 4 people on any extended trip, but that's more of a matter of personal preference. I guess I was looking at it from the aspect of whether or not the boat was capable as opposed to "comfortable".

[SVDistantStar]

Yea im starting to feel that it may be a bit tight. We all stayed aboard over the weekend and it did get kinda tough. Were going to give it a try this summer though.

Im staying aboard myself tonight and probley most of the week since im trying to get some projects done on the Pearson. Pretty good boat for one person, headroom could be better though. Kinda sucks spending all day in the Pearson not haveing to duck and then nailing my head in the Bayfield.