Hi,
I am looking at various boats in the 40 - 45 ft category and stumbled across a few First 435s
for sale, which seem reasonably priced, all from the mid 80s......
I sailed on a First 40 in
Race Week in
Antigua in 1988, and presume they are pretty similar...... (although memory may be fading now!)
Before going to the expense of a full
survey, I would be keen to hear of any well know problems or issues that may apparent. Searching these
forums, I see a few comments on powerful rig,standing
rigging, iron keels etc.
What would the longevity of a
Beneteau from the 80's be like, assuming average use? What problems are people familiar with? Will a production
boat from the mid 80s last indefinitely, or will is just become a nightmare for an owner in the next 5 - 10 years? I dont see too many mid 80s production boats
for sale which leads me to think that they either dont last, or they last so well that owners dont want to get rid of them!
Is it the sort of
boat that will be a pit that I will just throw my
money into or would a sound 435 be a reasonable boat that will hold its value if well maintained?
I do have considerable experience, mostly
racing on smaller keelboats and extensive cruising (W
Europe, Atlantic curcuits etc) on mederate
displacement boats.
Advice from owners, or people with experience of the 435 would be most welcome.
Many thanks,
Trevor