New vs Old

[casual]

I have a BIG QUESTION.I have read in several post here and other venues that some would rather take a 15 yr old Quality sailboat such as a Bristol, Hinckley, Cape Dory ect accross the Ocean that a New Hunter, Benetea,Catalina ect.I understand the structure of the newer boats is lighter using grid systems ect for strength whereas the older boats relied on heavy laminate with less of a grid system.Be that as it may would 30 to 40 yr old heaver built boat be more trust worthy than a 10 to 15 yr old lighter built boat only talking structure not systems.I would like any and all input .Thank you all

[sv Winterlude]

Not sure if it's new vs old or if it's design. Having sailed on both, it's our opinion the motion on our 26 year old Passport 37 is much easier in weather than either the Beneteau or Hunter that we chartered. Recommend you sail on both and decide for yourself. We've known cruisers happy on both. But we feel safer in our "heavy" old boat.

[pillum]

Maybe if I was in a good enough financial position to buy a new cruising yacht I'd feel different, but right now I'm more than happy with my 1978 vintage cruiser. Lots of differences between old and new yachts, some I like and some I don't like. In an article I recently read it stated:

"The gust hits, the boat heels, the weather helm kicks in and she rounds up into the wind. You shrug your shoulders and put that reef in. Such is the lot of many modern boat owners. Early reefing is the price you pay for beamy sterns and the accommodation they provide. Older cruising boats are different."
(Miles Kendall - YACHTING MONTHLY, April 1999)

[Bash]

Originally Posted by casual

I have a BIG QUESTION.Be that as it may would 30 to 40 yr old heaver built boat be more trust worthy than a 10 to 15 yr old lighter built boat only talking structure not systems.

Only talking structure not systems? That's called begging the question.

A cruising sailboat is all about systems.

[zeehag]

definitely all about systems.
and comfort. have to be comfortable while waiting for completion of system repair.
and looks . you dont want a boat you cannot like the looks of.
and structure. it must have structure., definitely needs that.but isnt as important as systems........
my 1976 boat also rounds up in a breeze until you address her needs.

but , truly, gentlemen NEVER sail to weather....

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by zeehag

.

but , truly, gentlemen NEVER sail to weather....

Off topic, but...


I keep reading this in various places and have decided that I must be scum! Doesn't matter where I go we end up having to beat into weather along the way.

[boatman61]

A boat is a boat is a boat....
no two are the same so you pays your monies and takes yer chance...

[Loquat]

They don't make them like they used to. B-teau's are great boats and some are made here in SC. I have delivered a few out from Charleston. At Sea they are fine, my biggest complaint is the flat hull slams and you have to slow the boat down to be comfortable.

When I eventually had 200k burning a hole in my pocket, I had a choice- a newer b-teau 40 or a classic, refit, Bermuda 40. It wasn't a hard decision.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Loquat

They don't make them like they used to. B-teau's are great boats and some are made here in SC. I have delivered a few out from Charleston. At Sea they are fine, my biggest complaint is the flat hull slams and you have to slow the boat down to be comfortable.

When I eventually had 200k burning a hole pocket, I had a choice- a newer b-teau 40 or a classic, refit, Bermuda 40. It wasn't a hard decision.

Glad your enjoying the Bermuda 40....

[casual]

Thanks for all the replys,You have confirmed my thoughts,Like myself OLDER is Better if properly constructed.

[barnakiel]

I think both old and new ways to build a boat are equally good. But they are not the same.

I have seen more strength and seaworthiness in older boats. I have seen more speed and space in newer boats.

Choose your boat to match the job at hand.

Any boat is good in the marina. I would chose a Bavaria or Hunter for liveaboard and limited cruising. A brand new Valiant is what I would chose for extensive ocean voyages.

b.

[zeehag]

would rather have my 1976 formosa on a bad grounding than a new anything in the same position.

[David_Old_Jersey]

A well designed (for intended purpose), well built and well maintained older boat, will be better than a newer boat that was not designed for the intended use, was built down to the absolute minimum price.....and has been poorly maintained.

But there are an awful lot more Older Boats that are simply in rubbish condition (and in design!) than there are good ones - you often have to make your own "good" one., as last owner "spent" all the maintence done over the previous 10 years - hence the sale.

Far easier to find a Newer boat in suitable condition.

[zeehag]

i see folks seeking fixer uppers then whining that decks have a small area of rot----- but the over all situation is that , once that fixing is done, the boat is a solid and well found cruiser...depends on your point of view-- there are as many as people on earth.....

[Randyonr3]

Originally Posted by Loquat

They don't make them like they used to. B-teau's are great boats and some are made here in SC. I have delivered a few out from Charleston. At Sea they are fine, my biggest complaint is the flat hull slams and you have to slow the boat down to be comfortable.

When I eventually had 200k burning a hole in my pocket, I had a choice- a newer b-teau 40 or a classic, refit, Bermuda 40. It wasn't a hard decision.

They only slam if you dont know how to drive them.. I had the same concern about where to spend my extra funds, I chose the Beneteau and have never looked back,
Except to see all those clasic re-fits I pass along the way..............