Boat Recommendation Wanted from Experienced Cruisers

[optronik]

Hi!

I am looking for a boat recommendation. I have the following parameters:

+ Coastal and Bluewater capable on Mediterranean and Atlantic
+ Space for 2-3 persons, shall also be able to be sailed single handed
+ reasonable fast, not only downwind
+ length below 40ft
+ Price range 20-50k
+ Reasonable build quality
+ Inboard engine
+ Aluminium or fiberglass hull
+ Water/fuel tank to cover 2 weeks off shore
+ Does not need to be new - older boats are also ok
+ Pleasant to the eye, although this is a very soft requirement. I like the Fuji Ketch 35 for example. However this boat seems to be quite slow to sail.

I know there are a lot of boats out there. My problem is that factors like sailing speed and build quality are usually not mentioned (usually for a good reason...).

Thanks!

[seaturkey]

What do you mean by downwind? Are you talking fast, as in Even ON downwind? Or did you mean more of a reach ?


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[optronik]

I meant fast also in close reach / close hauled.

I know that "fast" is relative in that positions.
Maybe summarize it as good wind/boat speed efficiency.

[MarkSF]

Bristol 35.5, the keel version, not the centreboard.

[gah964]

Originally Posted by optronik

Hi!

I am looking for a boat recommendation. I have the following parameters:

+ Coastal and Bluewater capable on Mediterranean and Atlantic
+ Space for 2-3 persons, shall also be able to be sailed single handed
+ reasonable fast, not only downwind
+ length below 40ft
+ Price range 20-50k
+ Reasonable build quality
+ Inboard engine
+ Aluminium or fiberglass hull
+ Water/fuel tank to cover 2 weeks off shore
+ Does not need to be new - older boats are also ok
+ Pleasant to the eye, although this is a very soft requirement. I like the Fuji Ketch 35 for example. However this boat seems to be quite slow to sail.

I know there are a lot of boats out there. My problem is that factors like sailing speed and build quality are usually not mentioned (usually for a good reason...).

Thanks!

Metal hull??errr ok I will forget you asked that.
Sounds like you want a thin hulled boat?
remember when dealing with sailboats everything is a sacrifice.
so if you want speed thin hull.
If you want stability thick hull.
If you want both find more cash.

[optronik]

Originally Posted by gah964

Metal hull??errr ok I will forget you asked that.
Sounds like you want a thin hulled boat?
remember when dealing with sailboats everything is a sacrifice.
so if you want speed thin hull.
If you want stability thick hull.
If you want both find more cash.

Thanks for mentioning this. It is clear that not all requirements can be met. Especially not with the budget. From the hull material I would exclude steel and wood.

[optronik]

Originally Posted by MarkSF

Bristol 35.5, the keel version, not the centreboard.

Wow! Thanks! This boat is looking great and the more information I find the more I think that's what I am looking for.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by optronik

Wow! Thanks! This boat is looking great and the more information I find the more I think that's what I am looking for.

Really, that's great! I have the smaller 31.1, which is great, but the 35.5s can be had for not much more money. The 38.8 is drool worthy, also made as the Wauqiez Hood 38, but they are all centreboard.

[optronik]

Originally Posted by MarkSF

Really, that's great! I have the smaller 31.1, which is great, but the 35.5s can be had for not much more money. The 38.8 is drool worthy, also made as the Wauqiez Hood 38, but they are all centreboard.

What is the deal with the centreboard? I have read that it can be hard to fix once the cable breaks, but assuming it is in good shape - what other drawback does it have?

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by gah964

Metal hull??errr ok I will forget you asked that.
Sounds like you want a thin hulled boat?
remember when dealing with sailboats everything is a sacrifice.
so if you want speed thin hull.
If you want stability thick hull.
If you want both find more cash.

How does a thick hull promote stability? There's more of it above the waterline, than below! It'll reduce stability.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by optronik

What is the deal with the centreboard? I have read that it can be hard to fix once the cable breaks, but assuming it is in good shape - what other drawback does it have?

The centreboard models are supposedly more tender, as the same amount of ballast is carried higher up. How much, in the real world, that matters, I'm not sure.

Certainly Ted Hood keel/centreboard designs have won many ocean races.

[JPA Cate]

optronik:

Look for a Sparkman & Stevens designed boat in your price range. Most of them are pretty good all round sailors.


Ann

[Curmudgeon]

You won't get a 38.8 (like mine) in your price range, but you night find a Bristol 35.5. I think you will find that the boat heels to 15 degrees pretty quickly, but stiffens up quite a bit after that. I don't think I've ever been over 19-20 degrees of heel.

The centerboard can be a maintenance issue. It's not so much the cable, it's the shivs. If they need to be replaced, it's a PITA. But if you sail in thin water (e.g. the Chesapeake, the Bahamas) you'll come to love the centerboard.

[lesterbutch]

It seems to me the price range your quoting is less likely to yield a decent Bristol than a good Pearson? Pearson meets your specs. and you can get a real nice one within your budget. They are well built boats and certainly have sailed the world with very satisfactory results.

[Cheechako]

You have a limited budget. Figure another 40% +/- for additions and repairs etc. On a reach, the speed will be pretty much dictated by the waterline regardless of shape. Speed is very relative to how gutsy a sailor you are/ hoe much sail you are wiling to keep up.
Fuji's were pretty well built. Pearson, Cape Dory etc maybe will work for you too.
All old boats have risks as far as big ticket items like engines, tanks, rigging, sails, rudders, keel bolts (if it has those), deck core, chainplates. Let those be your guide to stay within your budget.