Can you fit a family of four on a budget?

[johnn33]

Reference Joelhemmington's comments
I tend to think the traveller arrangement mid cockpit as here gives a good handhold moving forward in bad weather.

If they did not do the cap and intermediate shrouds earlier this year when they did the rest, then probably they passed the rigger's inspection. The equipment throughout is excellent.
Used to race the OOD34 (which also sails very well).

John

[landcrab]

Didn’t know about the Westerly, seems like a fine boat. A family of four would absolute be possible.

[landcrab]

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

Has the girlfriend sailed? Be sure she is tolerant of the discomforts and downsides of life aboard before spending the money. Otherwise it is YOUR boat and will be a source of significant friction.

She has, but not a lot. Need her “on board” so to speak, or else there’s a lot of friction coming our way...

[landcrab]

Originally Posted by Pete7

The 33 series, Mk1, Mk2, 333 and 33s have a really good reputation and were very popular cruising yachts before the big French and German yards swallowed up the market. Interior is Formica. Later Moodys were Teak faced plywood. However, for a cruising yacht with a family the Formica is a very sensible easy to clean option.

Quite quick as well, canoe shaped underwater with fin keel, though some with twin keels, if you keep them upright, light with good sails and a clean bottom they will go well. I know long keels are popular on this forum, by I am not a fan preferring fin and skeg hung rudder.

When launched someone described them perhaps unfairly as a floating caravan compared to the likes of a contessa 32. Buyers thought differently and wanted the huge increase in space, so they sold well.

Some good photos on Yachtsnet archives with more details:

https://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives...3/moody-33.htm

Plus active owners association.
https://moodyowners.org/

Older Westerlies also worth considering, but Fulmar whilst an super yacht to sail lacks the rear cabin which is a shame and the next up a Discuss likely more money.

Another M33 here:

https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/...-33-mk1/315868

Thank you for the solid description! I’m a fan of the long keel as well, but as I want so be able to handle as much as possible myself, a fin keel is nicer in the marinas.

Some very interesting pictures!

[landcrab]

Originally Posted by joelhemington

Check this one out https://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/r10720/r10720.htm At the top of your budget and a bit long in the tooth, but hey, it's something you could swing budget wise and easily has enough space for your mob. Note: I don't care for the traveler arrangement bisecting the cockpit and the intermediate stays are due for replacement - but all boats come with some compromises (unless you've got a massive budget and build your own) And this one appears that you could stand up in her at least.

What do you mean by “long in the tooth”? I don’t care for
the bisecting either, but like you said, a solid option with compromises.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by landcrab

What do you mean by “long in the tooth”? I don’t care for
the bisecting either, but like you said, a solid option with compromises.

I think he is implying the design and colour schemes are dated. That said have you seen Erik, NBJS on You Tube who sails a Contessa 35 in extreme conditions. No I am not advocating following his example

https://www.youtube.com/user/kjolevannspumpe

[landcrab]

Originally Posted by Pete7

I think he is implying the design and colour schemes are dated. That said have you seen Erik, NBJS on You Tube who sails a Contessa 35 in extreme conditions. No I am not advocating following his example

https://www.youtube.com/user/kjolevannspumpe

I see. That makes sense. Yeah, his videos are pretty amazing. Maybe not for a family, but aspirational for oneself

[landcrab]

Originally Posted by joelhemington

You need something with 6'3" headroom - this is not negotiable as you'll not be happy crouched over all the time. You'll get enough boat yoga without suffering through that.

Even going through all the threads on this forum, it’s hard to find boats with +6’4 headroom. I obviously don’t have the money for an Island Packet, but there should be other options, no?

[El Pinguino]

Have you considered the older Westerlys such as the Conway or Discus?

https://westerly.apolloduck.com/boats/westerly/discus
https://westerly.apolloduck.com/boats/westerly/conway

[landcrab]

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

Have you considered the older Westerlys such as the Conway or Discus?

https://westerly.apolloduck.com/boats/westerly/discus
https://westerly.apolloduck.com/boats/westerly/conway

The Discus looks like a nice boat. Didn’t know about these either. Not too excited about the centered cockpit on the Conway though.