Best Blue Water 40 Ft. Boats from the 90's

[Emouchet]

You could look at some Dufour, 39 Frers.

The German Frers edition. Latest years, such as 1991 to 1995 those boats were signed bu Dufour & Spark. After 1995, they stopped making it. The hull and deck was design in the 1985 by German Frers.

Latest edition had kevlar re-inforced insert at all major stress areas. Also , the keel is supported by a kind of craddle hat goes up to the chain plate, where the mast lateral rigging is also attached.

[Alberg30Shill]

Originally Posted by rbk

Hunter stopped production of your 410; I can still order a brand new T37 today if I had the cash, just saying

Amen!

[Alberg30Shill]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Yes Hunter moved on to new and improved boats, I can admit that. Meanwhile a T37 is just stuck in the 1980s

I could have gotten at least 2 of those T37's for what I paid for my Hunter 410, but I wanted a nice boat and not 2 old tired design boats.

Yeh, remind yourself of that compromise when you are caught in a storm. I have a clear preference for the T37's seaworthiness over the additional interior space and speed a Hunter gives you.

[Mediator]

I would recommend a Passport 40, but I'm a little biased

I think 1980s boats are good value for money. They were seaworthy then and they are seaworthy now if properly maintained. Regarding design improvements over the years... I suppose there have been some improvements to speed and maneuverability with different keel/rudder designs, but I don't think comfort or safety has improved much.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Alberg30Shill

Yeh, remind yourself of that compromise when you are caught in a storm. I have a clear preference for the T37's seaworthiness over the additional interior space and speed a Hunter gives you.

That's great. I of course have never sailed anywhere

[saillr]

You are missing one of the best. Island Packet 40. US built, solid, well engineered and reasonable price for a quality boat.
Be careful of the Taiwan built boats such as the Taswell. Although it is one of the better boats. I worked over there for years in yacht construction and decided from all the things I saw to buy only US or European built boats. The quality of everything is just better. Glass work, fittings, rigging. I am talking older boats specifically, 70's to 90's, since the quality has improved in recent years.
I have seen things that would curl your ears. Chainplates failing internally, swage fittings failing, fuel tanks coming loose in a seaway under heavy conditions, decks lifting, steel screws in teak decks, engine/shaft alignments way out. I have even seen paper filler in the glass/roving but that is going back to the very first glass Harden built Seawolf's in the 60's.

[schoolboy]

I don't know if this 1988 44 ft Brewer Pilothouse design is considered a bluewater design or not?

https://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/6607

[malyea]

‘87 Irwin 43 MkII - we love it offshore.

[psk125]

No one has mentioned any J/boats, though Practical Sailor did write (back in the 80's) that the J/35 would be one of the only production boats they'd want to take transatlantic. The J/35 is a touch small for the OP. The J/44 would be quite capable and much more comfortable. Easily handled J/120's are often raced doublehanded to places like Bermuda. They have wide decks and a comfortable cockpit. Fast is fun.

[zboss]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I'm sorry, but this appears to be an internet forum groupie thread. Can you people seriously believe these old tired designs are the best choice? Even the builders of these old tired designs moved on to different designs that improved performance and comfort.

And seriously if you need to ask a forum what the best boat for you is, well ................. you aren't ready to decide on a boat!

Well... I’ve been going on quite a few modern 38 foot boats and compared to my cabo rico 38 I would take the cabo rico every time. Yes, over built and slightly slower ( we still make 7 knots) but also much much steadier motion. Also my boat is silent in rougher weather. Not a creak or a groan - you can actually sleep in peace in your berth when off watch.

For ocean going in a comparable sized boat, the older boats IMO are certainly an option but you need to compare apples to apples. You can beat them up and they shrug. Don’t try comparing a modern 50 footer to an older 38... that’s not a fair comparison.

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by psk125

No one has mentioned any J/boats, though Practical Sailor did write (back in the 80's) that the J/35 would be one of the only production boats they'd want to take transatlantic. The J/35 is a touch small for the OP. The J/44 would be quite capable and much more comfortable. Easily handled J/120's are often raced doublehanded to places like Bermuda. They have wide decks and a comfortable cockpit. Fast is fun.

I agree. Fast boats are suitable for blue water. Some people like Ferraris and others like Priuses. Some even like Cadillacs.

[Kenomac]

This forum seems stuck on old boats, old designs, cheap prices for old people. Predominantly... old single male type people.

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

This forum seems stuck on old boats, old designs, cheap prices for old people. Predominantly... old single male type people.

You do have a point there. As with any forum, you have to consider the source.

[model 10]

[QUOTE=Kenomac;. old single male type people.

I'm happily married and my wife would be embarrassed to have a fancy new boat. The pinko's are everywhere.

[Standbly]

My boat, please buy my boat! BUY MY BOAT. Or buy a boat like mine because that makes me feel better...


If the boat they're advertising for is in their signature... You know it's one of those "I know it all" or "please buy my boat" types