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25-09-2007, 11:39
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 8
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Help with a choice
I've been looking for a sturdy little cruiser (30-34ft) for some extended cruising down the east coast. I will singlehand at times and there will mostly be a crew of me and one other (both reasonable sailors with experience) So, having considered the options I was close to buying a Pacific Seacraft 31, 2004 model. However the recent demise of the company has made me think this might be an expensive option (no support, no factory in future) So I looked around and found a 2002 Island Packet 32 for the same price. Both in similar condition, both have similar equipment. I like the look of the PS myself, but this has got to be a head not a heart decision. What would you do, and why?
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25-09-2007, 13:17
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: W Florida
Boat: Still have the 33yo Jon boat. But now a CATAMARAN. Nice little 18' Bay Cat.
Posts: 7,086
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 40North
I've been looking for a sturdy little cruiser (30-34ft) for some extended cruising down the east coast. I will singlehand at times and there will mostly be a crew of me and one other (both reasonable sailors with experience) So, having considered the options I was close to buying a Pacific Seacraft 31, 2004 model. However the recent demise of the company has made me think this might be an expensive option (no support, no factory in future) So I looked around and found a 2002 Island Packet 32 for the same price. Both in similar condition, both have similar equipment. I like the look of the PS myself, but this has got to be a head not a heart decision. What would you do, and why?
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Always liked Island Packets. Dont't mind their looks either!
But I am looking at a Gemini 105Mc. I am older now and want more "flatness".
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25-09-2007, 15:03
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Nicholasville, Kentucky
Boat: 15 foot Canoe
Posts: 14,191
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Aloha 40 North,
Both are great boats. If you are looking for builder support then go that direction but I'd call the builder to ask what type of support they would give for a boat that age. Unlike cars, for boats it doesn't matter too much if the builder is out of business. There are very few parts that you need to have replaced by the builder. Hull and deck would be the most important and both those companies made them pretty solid. If the rigging and spars look equally good and the marine survey says things are in order I'd say it is a toss up.
Good Luck!
Kind Regards,
JohnL
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25-09-2007, 16:40
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 497
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For what it's worth I think SkiprJohn is on the money. Pacific Seacraft are great boats and if I could afford one, I wouldn't let the company being out of business stop me. Might be a good bargaining chip though, wot?
Is it this one? Beautiful boat.
YachtWorld.com Boats and Yachts for Sale
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25-09-2007, 19:04
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#5
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Hayes, VA
Boat: Gozzard 36
Posts: 8,700
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If you find a Gozzard 31 I think you may find many of the same qualities. All these are what I would call huge 31 ft boats. There are more tiny 31 ft boats out there than not. Getting the largest small boat possible always has an appeal to me.
__________________
Paul Blais
s/v Bright Eyes Gozzard 36
37 15.7 N 76 28.9 W
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26-09-2007, 00:08
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#6
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Ohio
Boat: Now boatless :-(
Posts: 11,580
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My only advice is to make sure (if at all possible) there is an "active" owners group on the internet if the boat is out of production. It's great to have other owners to bounce ideas against.
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26-09-2007, 06:59
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 1,385
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Heart as much as head
I second the comment about owners groups. But I also say you have to love the boat that you get, including or even especially the looks. You're going to be spending a lot of time keeping her pretty, you'd better lover her.
__________________
Amgine
On the internet, nobody knows you're a dog anchored in a coral atoll.
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26-09-2007, 07:05
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdope71
For what it's worth I think SkiprJohn is on the money. Pacific Seacraft are great boats and if I could afford one, I wouldn't let the company being out of business stop me. Might be a good bargaining chip though, wot?
Is it this one? Beautiful boat.
YachtWorld.com Boats and Yachts for Sale
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That's the one. I'm planning on going up to look at it this weekend....
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26-09-2007, 07:30
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,594
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I own a 1984 Cape Dory, who is no longer in business, and it's made no difference whatsoever.
The OEM parts suppliers are still in business and that's a big plus.
__________________
Randy
Cape Dory 25D Seraph
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27-09-2007, 03:37
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#10
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W
Boat: (Cruiser Living On Dirt)
Posts: 49,082
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Owner's Groups
Some on-line resources from ”Good Old Boat” magazine:
Below are listed the boat associations, sites, and contacts GOB has listed in it's Associations database.
It is complete as of February, 2007. For more details, take a look at their Associations database.
Owners' Associations: Good Old Boat: Owners' Associations List
Sailboat Class Associations and Sailing Groups (database)
http://goodoldboat.com:8080/GOBWeb/G...arch_heading=1
And: The GOB Supplier directory search: http://goodoldboat.com:8080/GOBWeb/GOBResource
__________________
Gord May
"If you didn't have the time or money to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"
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27-09-2007, 06:35
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: nyc/chesapeake
Boat: gozzard 44
Posts: 320
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40North,
It appears the style of boat you desire includes Pacific Seacraft, Island Packet, Shannon, Cabo Rico, and Gozzard. Of these 5, three are facing financial hardships and some have closed operations. It's a shame that traditional builders are disappearing during this downturn.
IP and Gozzard are still making boats. IP is constantly innovating and has a large and loyal following. Gozzard is a small family owned operation that appeals to a smaller but just as loyal group.
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