Used Venezia 42 - good buy?

[Fishman]

Hi there. I previously started a thread w.r.t. the ideal cat for $200 000, which is my budget. I need a cat for a 3+ year tradewind circumnavigation with wife and kiddies. I live in South Africa, but I've decided to fly to FL and/or BVI, buy a cat there and therefore start my cruising in the Caribbean. Although my wife and I ran a 120ft traditional motor sailor ketch as a charterboat, I actually have very little "pure sailing" experience.

Which brings me to the FP Venezia 42: Although I have never been on one, this is what I have gathered: It is a true 42 footer, quite spacious, has a galley up (which we need for keeping an eye on toddlers) and has good bridge deck clearance. It seems to be heavier and has a smaller sail area than other cats in its class which (contrary to what you may think), I quite like: It means the boat will be harder to overpower with too much sail - therefore a safer option for an inexperienced sailor like myself? Live-aboard comfort is my priority...

Please give me any feedback on the Venezia...or alternative options in that price and size range. Thanks
Fishman

[slomotion]

Never sailed one and don't know anything about them. But, I don't see too many for sale with $200K asking prices:

YachtWorld.com Boats and Yachts for Sale

[senormechanico]

I didn't sail it, but went aboard one while shopping for our current boat.
It has what you listed, but one thing neither of us liked was the limited headroom at the galley. It was easy to bump our heads on the unpadded overhead.

I'm only 5'8" and my wife is 5'5".

Steve B.

[yeloya]

Hi Fishman,

I have chartered a Venezia a year ago for a week. As you stated, compared to new generation FP cats , she is significantly slower..(you may call it safer, if you wish..) She is spacious and a very well buit cat, no other problem whatsover.
Since she is quite heavy, for circum. the first thing I would consider as an upgrade, would be to have 2X at least 40 HP engines installed..

Cheers

Yeloya