Hello all. Jeff H I expect a response since I find your comments interesting and well...very matter of fact!
I am still searching for a
boat that is 32' to 37' in the $40000
price range. Must be well maintained and up-graded. Must be easy to sail
single handed. Something stable and stiff. I am not as concerned about speed or performance as Jeff H is..lol!
I plan on sailing mostly in the
Great Lakes,
Bahamas and
Caribbean. I have sailed these waters in the past. So I am not a newbie!
However my needs have changed as I have aged ( gracefully I hope!) Therefore although most of my sailing has been geared towards performance racer/cruisers...(Jeff would like that) I am at the stage where I want some creature comforts and I find myself not in as much of a rush as when I was younger. Since I am retired we (my wife and I )plan on
living aboard the
boat during winters for 3 to 6 months.
I am getting lazy as well! Meaning as little
teak top side as possible! So things like a
windlass and ..gulp and
electric winch (or is that wench?) is starting to look very attractive.
Anyway I would like some opinions on boats of this type, size and in my
price range.
Here's some of the possibilities:
Jeanneau Espace 990- very rare in North America. I've found one mint condition but I have very limited info on this boat. looks promising...and no it's not a
motor sailor!
Lots and lots of Hunters - 37,35.5, 35 ,34 , 33.5, 33 Most seem to have moisture problems and no my top pick. but nice pricing! Also the 32' Vision Of the lot I prefer the Cherubini models (37 & 34)
C&C 35 Landfall - I like em what can I say?
Watkins -33 She appears like a stiff boat but I think this Seawolf might just be a slug in wolve's
clothing. Not sure about build quality...very little info about their boats on line...maybe someone can pipe in???
Endeavour 35 - This and the 33 model were designed and built different from the other Endeavours. Not sure if that means they are better or not. Would love to hear other opinions on these models.
Nonsuch 30 - I love this boat. now the problem is the only ones close to my price range are in ruff shape or have sail drive or both. I still think for my purpose they are the best fit. Really big down below. And surprise surprise they can scoot as well!
Freedom 32 - Hoyt model. There were 2 different F-32's built and they were built around the same time which makes things confusing to say the least. I know Jeff isn't a fan of free standing cat rigs but this boat is high my list also. Price point is an issue. Another is they have had a lot of moisture problems. Which surprise me since TPI was considered one of the top
core hull/deck builders.
Others are tartan 34, Saber 34and I am sure I have left out a few.
Comments and opinions would be very appreciated. I value the views of the folks here. I don't always agree with them but....
Cheers and fair winds, Allan