Want To Buy: Aluminum or steel centerboard cruiser

[Montanan]

FYI:

https://www.practical-sailor.com/blo...cruising-boats

A Short List of Centerboard Cruising Boats
By Darrell Nicholson -
Published:November 20, 2012
Updated:November 7, 2019

[Fatboypaul]

Originally Posted by TiPegleg

Hey all, I’m actively on the hunt for an aluminum or even steel centerboard cruiser in the 35 to 43ft range. I’ve been traveling around looking at boats and I’m still on the hunt for the right one. Designs like the Ovni, Garcia, and Meta are perfect for my cruising plans which may invoke sailing in inhospitable places. Not at all opposed to a bit of a refit and I’m no stranger to a welding torch. I check the usual websites regularly and have a few automated searches up but I’m still hunting. I know there has to be the right boat hiding out somewhere... cheers!

Keep looking, refresh your posting, your new boat is out there, have cash and be ready to travel.
It took me 4 years to finally seal the deal on my boat, and initially I had buyers remorse. Now I love my boat, an older Ovni, slowly finishing a solo one year refit.

[TiPegleg]

Actually just bought a Joubert and Nivelt designed steel centerboarder. There may be other folks in the market though!

[grantmc]

Originally Posted by Joh.Ghurt

If you aren't too tall (below 6') and the centreboard isn't absolutely necessary, check out the Reinke with twin keels. They usually go from 12m to 15m They have a little more draft than yachts with a centreboard, but they still can fall dry without a problem. They're usually aluminium and were popular in Germany. Very solid boats.

I was really interested in a nice one a few years ago, but the headroom wasn't enough for me.

+1 for a Reinke (I have a Super 10, so not biased).
They're also very cheap compared to the likes of an Ovni as they're all built like Soviet era tractors.

But great to see OP has bought a boat. We so rarely have an update of posts like this. So TiPegleg we need some pics and some words on how you're getting on. You can't leave us all hanging, Update please.

[TiPegleg]

Originally Posted by grantmc

So TiPegleg we need some pics and some words on how you're getting on. You can't leave us all hanging, Update please.

You’re absolutely right! Here’s my new to me Dinieper Tropic 1200. Joubert and Nivelt designed with a flat bottom and centerboard. Built in Brazil out of hot galvanized steel. The original owner was an engineer of sorts and there is a lot of customization. I’ve never seen a steel boat with so little rust, anywhere. The only rusty areas are where the hatches rub! Getting a refit underway and hope to launch from south Florida before hurricane season.