...as each of the
boats you mention can be sailed, properly equipped, across an ocean but are very different creatures from one another - and certainly from the
CSY. Just a few examples:
The Mason is a 'big' (as in 'heavy')
boat with a
full keel, and usually brings a lot of
wood care along with it. Will you be sailing by yourselves? How maneuverable do you want the
boat to be in close confines (a common need in Europe)? How important is it that it be heavy (some would describe the motion as comfortable, others as 'ponderous') vs. a more responsive and faster sailing boat? The last Mason (a 41, I believe) I was on had perhaps the most unergonomic
cockpit, offering the least protection and comfort, of any boat I've experienced. Since when cruising, that's your back porch and driver's (watchstander's) seat, I'd want to make sure I was satisifed with the
cockpit (perhaps in cold, wet weather).
The HC designs certainly look shippy...and again are a bit overweight, especially for their volume. Lots of
wood care required (or ignored with eventual consequences), and I've found they seem to have a different view on ergonomics than does my body, with things not quite 'fitting' or inviting smooth flow of functions down below. Again, how suitable is the underbody and
displacement, maneuverability and handiness of the boat for you?
Hylas boats are at least one notch up the
price scale, it seems to me - so they would be apples to the above oranges. I don't have any personal experiences with them and so can't comment.
Jack
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