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Old 16-10-2011, 15:25   #1
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Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

Hello all,
We are searching for boat to take cruising next June that we plan to liveaboard, cruise and work as needed through Mexico, Latin America, the Carribean and perhaps beyond. It will be two of us primarily with up to 2 more friends/family on occasion for perhaps a week at a time. We've been looking for a boat that is fairly well equipped for under 25k, or less and we will refit for a total cost in that 25k ballpark.
We are looking at this 1977 Valiant 32 in Mexico now and have read a variety of reviews and opinions on these boats. Here's our current known pros/cons. Any additions to these would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...url=&imc=pg-fs

Pros:
  • Well built and sturdy
  • Respected Bob Perry design
  • Fin Keel/Skeg Rudder
  • Canoe Stern
Cons:
  • 1975-1981 boats were known to have bad blistering problems
  • Relatively higher displacement makes her a bit slow
Thanks so much!
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Old 16-10-2011, 17:11   #2
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard/Cruiser Thoughts

No offense to anyone - I would suggest that if you are seriously looking at a vessel that you found online, you not post a link to that vessel. Those who will give you the help you are asking for know EXACTLY what a Valiant 32 is and you could post or repost the photos if they are necessary. If this is what I was looking for - thank you for doing my search. FWIIW.
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Old 16-10-2011, 17:19   #3
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

You might ask Bob PErry himself about this boat. I once heard him say (during a presentation at Passage Yachts in the SF Bay area) that the V-32 was one design that he was not happy with. This was many years ago, and his opinion may have changed over time.

Cheers,

Jim
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Old 16-10-2011, 17:24   #4
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard/Cruiser Thoughts

Displacement / speed not a worry for what your plans are. SA seems completely adequate if judged by the numbers. A good sailor will keep their boat going while poor sailors have already started their engines.

Valiant 32 is a small boat though - big for two, but possibly cramped with any more crew.

The particular boat is priced at the low end of the market so there must be a reason. I am not sure you can get her sea-ready with 25k. Much depends here on what the issue / issues are and on what skills you have to correct them.

If you are in US, I guess you simply book a flight and go see the boat. If she is no good, you fly back. If she is fine and you can fix her up, that's it.

I would definitely have one for my private use and future sailings, V32 are good boats, the only issue being how to find a sound one at a low price.

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Old 16-10-2011, 17:33   #5
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Cate View Post
You might ask Bob PErry himself about this boat. I once heard him say (during a presentation at Passage Yachts in the SF Bay area) that the V-32 was one design that he was not happy with. This was many years ago, and his opinion may have changed over time.

Cheers,

Jim
Yup. This would be very nice to hear what he thinks is / was wrong with his V32.

b.
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Old 16-10-2011, 17:35   #6
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

Ditto Barnakiel
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Old 16-10-2011, 17:39   #7
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

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Originally Posted by barnakiel View Post
Yup. This would be very nice to hear what he thinks is / was wrong with his V32.

b.
Yes I think we would all love to hear from him.
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Old 16-10-2011, 19:28   #8
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

Great, we had no idea he was a Sailnet participant. We're fairly new to the forum world and not exactly sure how to go about contacting him. Thanks in advance to you all.
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Old 16-10-2011, 19:37   #9
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

Looks like a good boat for the money, expect added costs but nice boat. I personally do not think posting of boat for sale is bad, as anyone looking for that boat or one similar could easily find it online. Take a vacation and go check it out.
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Old 16-10-2011, 19:46   #10
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

We'll actually be down there for vacation in three weeks and, if things check out between now and then, we are hoping to take her out for a sea trial. We were just hoping to get some more thoughts on people's experiences and knowledge about the design.
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Old 16-10-2011, 19:58   #11
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

I believe a lady on this site wrote a book about life aboard a valiant 32 cruising the pacific.
Also:
Good Old Boat - What is a Valiant 32? article
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Old 17-10-2011, 01:09   #12
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Perry critiqued the V32 I believe as having too much weather helm. The last V32, #65, and I believe several others were built as sloops with the mast further forward to correct this problem.
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Old 17-10-2011, 02:25   #13
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

I always like these but hadn't heard of the weather helm problem. They seem similar to the Baba 30 which I owned and lived aboard ... Perry designs, canoe sterns, etc. The Baba was a great boat and fine for a couple so I think the V32 would be as well. The ad says it has a new Yanmar, so that's a big plus. I would think if it had had the blister problem that its been fixed by now.

Get a survey of course; otherwise, looks like a great price.
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Old 17-10-2011, 07:29   #14
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

> I would think if it had had the blister problem that its been fixed by now.

The blister problem comes from the fire retardant additive, affects the fiberglasss above and below the waterline, and is not practically fixable. You must live with it. If you can, it's benefit is that you can buy a stout cruising boat cheap.
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Old 17-10-2011, 08:28   #15
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Re: Valiant 32 Liveaboard / Cruiser - Thoughts ?

The blister problem should not be overlooked as minor. The entire hulls developed serious blisters, in many cases worse than below the waterline. These blisters were severe enough to get into the laminates and were not limited to the gelcoat. Many owners tried to do repairs or had them done on the cheap making the problem worse. So approach this boat with caution and get the advise of a professional with experience on these boats. Chuck
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