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

[barnakiel]

And now Europe goes to bed. 03:00 UTC

Good night, America!

b.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Feeling 1040, 35ft 1987 $55K

Builder's History
Feeling goes all the way back to 1912 when the Kirié shipyard.
In 1986, the 13.5 m Feeling won the Route du Rhum in the standard boat category and the 10.9 m Feeling was voted "Boat of the year" in 1987.
As of 2010, Feeling is owned by Privilège Marine and the Feeling range is composed of 7 models, from 32’ to 55’.

Made in France.

Steady's Impressions:

1. Large saloon. I like the saloon on this boat much more than on some 35 foot boats I have seen. Very nice looking teak interior. It looks like a comfortable area for a family or friends.
2. I like that the boat has a chart table and seat (nav station) on some versions.
3. The cabin looks like it gets some light in via several ports, some which are opening portholes.
4. The galley looks very nice for this size boat, and has double sinks near the centerline of the boat.
5. This boat can come in a three cabin model or an owner's two cabin model.
6. The boat appears to have a large cockpit that looks comfortable.

___________
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
Keel: Fin

Engines
Engine 1:
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel

Measurements / General
• LOA: 10.69 m
• LWL: 8.86 m
• Beam: 3.60 m
• Maximum Draft: 1.76 m
• Displacement: 5 tonnes
• Headroom: 1.95 m
• Fuel capacity 127L
• Water Capacity 318L
• Iron fin keel.
• Wheel steering.

[cpa]

My brother had a Grand Soleil 39 and my dad has a Wauquiez Pretorian 35. Both boats are truly amazing. I would give a nod to the Wauquiez on construction. but the GS sailed a little better and had more space. If I were to downsize, those two would be on the top of my list. Both boats had sail drives and that turns off a lot of people (though you can get a P35 with a shaft).

[JPA Cate]

[*]The galley looks very nice for this size boat, and has double sinks near the centerline of the boat.

___________
This is the first one with a picture of a galley that you would not need a butt belt in, maybe, while cooking under way. Something to notice. You can always add a keep-off bar and a butt belt to any galley, if needed.

Ann

[JPA Cate]

I believe only one of the boats shown had a fend off bar in front of the cooker, and none had any pad eyes for a butt belt. Unless you have a good fitting U shaped galley, you need the butt belt.

Nobody has mentioned any catamarans. Maybe Weavis or Boatie can post a pic of a Catalac 10 m. for us.

[barnakiel]

Feeling is sort of like GibSea. These are give or take equivalent to overseas Hunters (Hunters were also built in Europe).

You are getting two groups of boats now: 'best boats' and 'best cruising'.

Since this is where it goes, then I will include older Bavarias too, e.g. 390 Caribic. Plenty of space, sails well and above well average build quality.

A sporty 39' for less than 48k? No problem.

*NOT on my best boats list, but fits the 'best cruising' modality of this thread.

Cheers,
b.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy Folks!

First, thanks go to all those who have contributed comments, anecdotes, and suggestions (of boats) to this discussion so far.

I am taking notes of the boats you recommend and will do some research into them (looking for photos and specs) as I continue to add more boats to the thread. Just be aware that while looking at brands of boats, I may not select the particular model you have in mind when I post an example from that brand.

I encourage you to add photos or comments on other models you prefer or like. Many brands have so many boat models, it is hard to pick just one that fits the $60K or €48K or Less parameter.

My Method: How am I picking these boats I have posted?
In general, at first I will look for the brands made in Europe and try to find a 30-50 foot boat that is closest to $60K or €48K or within that brand, based on what I find on the used market (for sale today). Other good models (perhaps older or smaller) from that brand may be less expensive (or smaller) or just different. Those other boats may make a fine cruiser, and may better fit some budgets too. Some may be smaller than 30 feet too (See my first post about the Westerly Centaur 26 that cost only $8K and was highly recommended for a smaller, low-cost cruiser.).

I encourage you all to look across the European brands you know, and if you find a good deal or a good example online (with photos), let me know via a link or message or comment in the thread.

I do hope to continue to add multiple photos of each boat discussed, as I think the photos help us get a feel for size, volume, style, and designed features.

What about boats that today cost more than $60K or €48K?
Some readers may rightly think that there are better quality boats made in Europe than what is posted in this thread. I agree. But, the focus of this thread is boats that fit the "$60K or €48K or Less" criterion AND are suitable for cruising in European waters (as described in my original post). Later, I will create another thread/topic to feature boats that are at a higher price point (e.g. Oyster, Bestevaer, OVNI, Garcia, etc). I enjoy looking at the higher priced and higher quality boats too.

I hope you enjoy this topic as much as I am.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

[*]The galley looks very nice for this size boat, and has double sinks near the centerline of the boat.

___________
This is the first one with a picture of a galley that you would not need a butt belt in, maybe, while cooking under way. Something to notice. You can always add a keep-off bar and a butt belt to any galley, if needed.

Ann

Ann,
Thanks for adding your comments to the discussion.

As I like to sail and plan to do extensive long distance voyages, I always look at a cruising boat with an eye for features that help a boat be seaworthy and comfortable.

Since I like to cook, I always look at the Galley as a key part of the boat.

One of the things I don't like about some smaller boats is that the galley is right in the companionway, and with some boats this causes one to step on the very surfaces one might need to use while cooking or preparing the meal.

So, when I saw that boat with the nice galley, I thought it was a very nice feature of a 35 foot boat. I also like that shape they chose as that segment of the countertop that forms a "U" shape looks like a nice place to brace oneself while at the sinks. I also like the TWO deep sinks there.

I agree with you about the need for boats to have safety bars and belts (or pad eyes) in the galley. I will have those installed if they don't already exist on my future boat.

Here is a photo of a galley from a Westerly Typhoon 37 (1991). It has stainless hand rails/holds and belt in photo.

[barnakiel]

Amel Sharki.

Possibly also some smaller Amels pre Sharki.

Good construction. Extremely safe cockpit and deck. Hard dodger. No wood outside, decent wood inside. Excellent storage and tankage. Excellent deck layout.


https://www.google.es/search?q=amel+...w=1024&bih=502

b.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Westerly Fulmar 31
1987 = $52K

Made in the UK.

Steady's Impressions:

1. Large saloon. I like the saloon on this boat much more than on some 35 foot boats I have seen. Nice looking teak interior.
2. I like that the boat has a chart table (nav station).
3. The cabin looks like it gets some light in via several ports.
4. The galley looks good for this size boat (31ft).
5. This boat has a fin keel. There is another Fulmar model that comes with bilge keels (twin keels shown in photo below).
6. Tankage seems small for long distance cruising.

___________
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
Keel: Fin

Dimensions
LOA: 31 ft 11 in
Beam: 10 ft 0 in
LWL: 26 ft 0 in
Minimum Draft: 5 ft 3 in
Maximum Draft: 5 ft 0 in
Displacement: 4495 lbs

Engines
Engine 1:
Engine Brand: beta
Engine Model: 2009
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Propeller: 3 blade propeller
Drive Type: Direct Drive

Cruising Speed: 5 knots

Tanks
Fresh Water Tanks: (35)
Fuel Tanks: 1 (23)

Accommodations
Number of twin berths: 2
Number of double berths: 2
Number of cabins: 2
Number of heads: 1
Number of bathrooms: 1

[Steadman Uhlich]

Westerly Conway 36CC 1979 $47K

Made in the UK.

Steady's Impressions:
Center Cockpit cruiser.

1. Nice traditional saloon with folding table in centerline. I like the saloon on this boat much more than on some 37 foot boats I have seen. Very nice looking teak interior with storage up behind the settees. It looks like a comfortable area for a family or friends.
2. I like that the boat has a chart table (nav station).
3. There is a pilot berth aft of the chart table.
4. The cabin has several long port lights
5. The galley looks OK, but dated.
6. The aft cabin looks good, with good space.

___________
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: Westerly
Designer: Laurent Giles
Flag of Registry: United Kingdom
Keel: Fin
Hull Shape: Monohull

Dimensions
LOA: 36 ft 0 in
Beam: 11 ft 1 in
LWL: 33 ft 3 in
Maximum Draft: 6 ft 9 in
Displacement: 7315 kgs
Ballast: 3250 kgs

Engines
Total Power: 42 HP

Engine 1:
Engine Brand: Mercedes Benz
Year Built: 1979
Engine Model: OM636
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Propeller: 3 blade propeller
Drive Type: Direct Drive
Engine Power: 42 HP

[tob]

A most interesting thread. I am From Sweden, in Europe. I know some about Swedish boat very little about boats from other European countries. I think this is valid for most Europeans. We are different countries after all. So thanks for the thread, I want to learn much more about e.g. English boats. A nice summer adventure would be to buy a boat in England and sail her home.

Sent from my SGP511 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[carstenb]

you might want to check out the Bianca line. Good crusing boats with a good reputation. Sizes from 28 to 42 feet. The 32 foot and 11 meters versions usually sell for under USD50.

Here's an example

Bianca 320, 1999, Pris DKK 375.000, Brugt Sejlb?d/Sejlb?de S?lges, Hvalpsund Danmark

[JJ77]

Dehler needs to be mentioned here;
A 36cws asking 42k;
1989 Dehler 36 CWS Zeil Boot te koop - nl.yachtworld.com



Also look at waarschip,winner and older Trintella's.
Groeten,
JJ

[tob]

What model of Waarship and Winner, please? Dehler was nice, I went checking out a Jeanneau 42.1 the other day. Single laminated hull. Too weak for offshore cruising? And those spade-rudders, why do they insist? Dehler, Bavaria, Jeanneau etc, they are said to be like nutshells. Hard to handle in rough seas, very demanding. We want a safe boat after all. A bit of a moment 22, as the older boats, long-keeled, protected rudder and all that - generally suck interior-wise. I get much more space inside a newer boat, separate cabins, double bed in aft separate cabin and stuff. Tough choice to make! What about Boström 37, please? Problem with that boat there are none for sale.

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