Great Boats at Great Prices?

[Mainebristol]

Could be wrong, but I don't think he has a financial interest. Those both look like good deals to me!

[CR38]

Letsget - you're exactly right, the secret is finding the right boat from the 70s or 80s. Most are not worth the effort.

[Matt Johnson]

He lives in Portugal....don't think he is commuting to NC to sell boats everyday.

[robert sailor]

Islander 36 is a wonderful sailor for inland seas or coastal work but poorly built for offshore IMHO

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by CR38

Apologies if I jumped to a conclusion but it looked like the thread had been captured by someone from Deaton Yacht Sales. Suspect the moderators would want this moved to the classified section if it continued in that direction.

Hey... I like Oriental and am always trolling Towndock for that bargain boat I may afford.. bought my H37c there..
Sorry if you think they suck.. but to a European they are awesome value at the current exchange rates...
I post stuff like this not for the Americans who want it pristine bells and whistles.. but for us lot over here who are happy with basic.. thought you all would appreciate some 'export trade'..

[CR38]

Hi Boatman - no worries. I didn't say the Islander and the Contest suck just that they may not be "great boats" by my definition as thinly described in the original post. That said, that Bristol may be…. Your input is obviously very welcome. Just didn't want this to become a broker's forum. Sorry that I misunderstood.

[Cheechako]

Where the hell is deaton yachts? be nice to know.... Portugal?

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by CR38

Hi Boatman - no worries. I didn't say the Islander and the Contest suck just that they may not be "great boats" by my definition as thinly described in the original post. That said, that Bristol may be…. Your input is obviously very welcome. Just didn't want this to become a broker's forum. Sorry that I misunderstood.

That's why I deleted the Contest when I realised she needed an engine... but they're Dutch boats so of interest..
I personally don't like them..
But not offended.. Horse's for Course's...

[terminalcitygrl]

Great thread, lots to learn. Thanks!

[nhschneider]

I am horribly offended and shocked (not really) that anyone would think of Contest Yachts as anything less than the premier blue-water sailing craft or, at the very least, openly covet and talk of the boats in hushed tones.

Our 30-year old Contest has over 40,000 miles under her keel since we've owned it and even though she isn't the fastest filly in the fleet, she can still cover a respectable distance in a day and do so with a high level of comfort and confidence for her owners. She is on the hard right now and there isn't a single blister on her aging hull. Her bilges stay bone dry and even though her interior is showing some 'character', we still get compliments on her appearance. The attention to detail during her construction is nothing short of remarkable. If we were wealthy and looking for a new boat, I know that Contest would be at the top of my list.

Fair winds and calm seas.

[CR38]

Contest yachts as a brand are certainly worthy of consideration and I am sure there are some great ones out there. That said, this particular example is not even close.

[eddiestubbs]

waiting with bated breath, negotiating strategies? good thread
my add to the list of "shall be"
cutter rig with soft staysail stay
sprit for code zero
forestay 30" inside sprit
tiller
7 ft pipe berths with lee cloths
head and wet locker adjacent companionway
forward facing nav station
BIG water tanks under cabin sole
bow and stern reinforcements for para anchors
manual anchor windlass
VERY think insulation in the reefer boxes
comfortable chairs for reading and plotting
and on n on
On On

[CR38]

Here's another one I just stumbled on; a 1978 Pacific Seacraft Mariah 31 with an asking price of $32,000. Read more about her here:

Best Offshore Cruising Sailboats < $40K: 1978 Pacific Seacraft Mariah 31' Asking $32,000

[snort]

CR38, I just want to commend you for opening your own website to help others find a nice, stout sailboat to take them safely on their dream journeys.
Hopefully I'll be able to contribute to this thread and help make someone a happy camper (or sailor) as well.
Cheers!

[zboss]

go... on...