Looking at Lancer 40 - anyone have info on these?

[texwards]

We are currently looking for a 38 to 50 foot blue water cruiser, and have come across a lancer 40, mid cockpit. Does anyone out there have any experience with these - their handling, strengths, weaknesses, known problems, etc?

Thanks,
Ed

[Waterwayguy]

Run don't walk away. This is probably one if the worst quality boats I have ever come across in 30 years in the marine industry.

[rebel heart]

My friend had a Lancer 30 that we spent a bit of time on. I certainly wouldn't qualify it as a "blue water cruiser" by any means. If I wanted an inexpensive boat for harbor cruising and maybe going to Catalina with every year or two, the Lancer might be a choice.

In the price range you're probably looking, check for an Ericson. They're built very well, and if you hunt and peck in the mid 1970's, you can find some nice deals on the 32's +.

I really should second Chuck's comments though; it was not something you'd want to be on too long. They were built, if memory serves, quite cheaply down in Mexico, in order to fill the low budget price point when sailing was really popular. I might be totally nuts in that memory, but it sounds familiar.

[texwards]

I had a hunch there was a reason that the price was so good! This boat is almost 20,000 less then the less equiped Gulfstar we first fell in love with. Unless we hear otherwise, we will keep looking. My wife has her heart set on a center cockpit cruiser - we have not yet come across an Ericson. Any thoughts on a Morgan 41?

Thank you for your responses!
Ed

[rtbates]

Originally Posted by texwards

I had a hunch there was a reason that the price was so good! This boat is almost 20,000 less then the less equiped Gulfstar we first fell in love with. Unless we hear otherwise, we will keep looking. My wife has her heart set on a center cockpit cruiser - we have not yet come across an Ericson. Any thoughts on a Morgan 41?

Thank you for your responses!
Ed

I've got a few hours on a Morgan 41. They are roomy. As for sailing abiliity, they are roomy. Go to weather?.. again they are roomy. My point being that being roomy is their #1 feature. In order to beat to weather, the diesel must be run to be able to point up much at all. Especially if there's a counter swell. They are very shallow draft which is great for shallow Bahamas anchorage.
Did I mention that they are roomy!!

[JakeatSail]

What exactly is the matter with this vessel (not for blue water cruising, rather for day sailing). I see several sailing SF Bay in comfort. Obviously, these boats are limited in sail-ability due to their motor-sailor design.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by JakeatSail

What exactly is the matter with this vessel (not for blue water cruising, rather for day sailing). I see several sailing SF Bay in comfort. Obviously, these boats are limited in sail-ability due to their motor-sailor design.

Hull design, displacement, and sail plan.