Best European Cruising Boats $60,000 (€48K) or Less

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Fisher 34MS 1979 $58K


Steady's Impressions

There is an aft cabin with a double bunk on only one side of the boat. It has a small hanging locker too.

I'm not quite sure how one could design a boat with TWO quarterberths UNLESS the gallery was located along one of the sides of the saloon (i.e., Euro-galley) which in my mind does two things quite poorly: 1) makes the saloon feel much smaller; 2) not as good in a seaway (see "Desirable and Undesirable Characteristics..."). It also obviates the advantages of facing settees for sea berths with lee cloths.

The only disadvantage of the "traditional" interior is the forward and in many cases cramped head. Aft heads, I've found, have great advantages, although they do challenge the layout of the rest of the interior.

Interesting subject, thanks for all the pictures.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Gib'Sea 422 42' 1990 $54K

Manufacturer Facts:

Gib'sea/Gibert Marine
1971-2009

Originally Gilbert Marine, the Gib'Sea brand was revived by Dufour in the mid-1990's. No new Gib'Sea's have been built since 2009.
Gib'Sea models of the 1980's were very widely used in the charter trade

.

Made in France.
__________
Steady's Impressions:

1. Large saloon and four cabins for the charter market. This boat was built in 1990.
2. I like the saloon. Very nice looking teak interior. It looks like a comfortable area for a family or friends.
3. The cabin sides have four large portlights (windows) which are larger than seen on most boats.
4. I like that the boat has a chart table and seat (nav station).
5. The galley looks very small for this size boat, and appears to have a single sink with very limited counter top for food prep. This particular boat's owner has added a small refrigerator that appears to be sitting on a seat, rather than built-in. So, refrigerated food storage might be a problem or minimal with the built-in.
6. The boat appears to have a large cockpit with an opening transom for walking through to the swim platform or for med mooring entry

___________
Steady's Disclaimer: This is a boat I found that is made in Europe and available on the used market for $60K or less. As with any boat info or photos I post here on this forum, I have no personal connection to this boat or the seller (if it is for sale). I am posting photos to illustrate and educate, not to sell the boats. I do not own this boat and I have never owned this boat. My comments are based on what I see as I look at boats on the market and are intended to give a starting point to a discussion. Your taste and opinion may differ.
___________
Specs
Hull Shape: Monohull

Dimensions
LOA: 41 ft 4 in
Beam: 12 ft 11 in
Maximum Draft: 6 ft 0 in
Displacement: 18700 lbs

Engines
Engine 1:
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel

Tanks
Fresh Water Tanks: (120 Gallons)
Fuel Tanks: (53 Gallons)

Accommodations
Number of cabins: 4

[barnakiel]

There are heaps. Your thread is a mission impossible of sorts. There are dozens of builders here and there were dozens more in recent past.

What is best is defined not by a $ threshold but by what you want from the boat.

Go to yachtworld, filter by price, filter by size, then chuck out non European boats and that's that. There may be a non-place filter at yachtworld too perhaps btw.

Some non European boats are also built in Europe now and some designs were built on both continents, under different names (J-boats, Victorias, Vancouvers, etc)

Cheers,
b.

[Steadman Uhlich]

More photos of Gib'Sea 422 Boats

[Steadman Uhlich]

Grand Soleil 39 1990 $60K

Builder: Cantiere del Pardo
Made in Italy.
______________
Steady's Impressions:

1. Nice saloon and 3 cabins. This boat was built in 1990. I found several below $60K and most were built in 1986 - 1990.
2. I like the saloon. Very nice looking teak interior. It looks like a comfortable area for a family or friends.
3. It has a chart table and seat.
4. The cabin sides have four large portlights (windows) which are larger than seen on most boats.
5. I like that the boat has a chart table and seat (nav station).
6. The galley looks nice for this size boat, and appears to have a deep double sink.
7. The boat appears to have a large cockpit.
8. Numerous small (narrow) portlights but it does not appear to be the brightest saloon. It appears none of the cabin ports open, but I am not certain on this. It does appear that there is no opening port near the galley, something I would want.

___________
Steady's Disclaimer: This is a boat I found that is made in Europe and available on the used market for $60K or less. As with any boat info or photos I post here on this forum, I have no personal connection to this boat or the seller (if it is for sale). I am posting photos to illustrate and educate, not to sell the boats. I do not own this boat and I have never owned this boat. My comments are based on what I see as I look at boats on the market and are intended to give a starting point to a discussion. Your taste and opinion may differ.
___________

Specs
Builder: Cantiere del Pardo
Designer: Alain Jezequel
Flag of Registry: Italy
Keel: Bulb
Hull Shape: Displacement

Dimensions
LOA: 11.97 m
Beam: 3.77 m
Maximum Draft: 2.0 m
Displacement: 9550 kgs

Engines
Total Power: 43 HP

Engine 1:
Engine Brand: Volvo Penta
Year Built: 1990
Engine Model: 2003 T
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Propeller: 3 blade propeller
Drive Type: Direct Drive
Engine Power: 43 HP

Tanks
Fresh Water Tanks: (400 Liters)
Fuel Tanks: (140 Liters)

Accommodations
Number of single berths: 2
Number of twin berths: 2
Number of cabins: 3
Number of bathrooms: 2

[deblen]

Google Mascot 28 I'm happy with mine. Pilothouse motorsailer.No longer produced,but usually 1 or 2 used for sale Europe.
Galley in p/house leaves lotsa saloon space.

[barnakiel]

GibSea are not / were not best. Not ever. They were known to be bendy. And not only.

Grand Soleil a much better choice. Not easy to get below 48k unless a small one or a well beaten up one. Beware many were raced vigorously.

b.

[barnakiel]

You may find a Victoire 1044 or similar in this price range. It will take some fishing though. Strong, safe, fast, modern, well designed, well built.

There are also other excellent Dutch boats out there.

b.

[barnakiel]

Contessa 32. Definitely can be had below 48k. And there is a choice.

Easy to fix up and fit out even if you buy one with a minor defect.

Not very modern but very safe and a great upwind boat.

Moderate storage and tankage, excellent bilge, extremely safe deck.

b.

[barnakiel]

Victoria 30.

Modest, safe, good choice for a minimalist long range cruiser.

b.

[barnakiel]

Rival 38.

Strong, safe, great storage and good tankage. Safe cockpit, safe deck. Not the best companionway for many and so modified by some.

b.

[laika]

The Vancouver line as mentioned, tho you will probably only find a V27 for under $60US. Maybe an older V32. Look for the UK Pheon Yacht builds.

If you have big plans, a small budget, and still want a boat you can fall in love with, you could do much worse.

[barnakiel]

Later produced by Northshore. Very good choice IMHO. Try to get the 32.

b.

[barnakiel]

Then also a Dufour 35.

More modern, good cockpit, decent deck.

b.

[barnakiel]

Sadler 34.

Beware these may develop deck leaks difficult to track.

Very silent in the seaway. Good choice for people who have problems getting rest/sleep underway.

Excellent thermal insulation. Good for cold and very hot climes.

Fast.

b.