Hello all,
I've been searching for our first
cruising sailboat for about 8 months, and have looked at everything from a
C&C 26 to a Westsail 32, and lots in between. So far my favourites have been: Nicholson 31 & 35,
C&C 35, but the
boats I viewed were either already
sold, had issues, or were too costly. Yesterday we looked at a C&C 30 for $25K, which was mint, except
sails were tired, and a
Catalina 30 for $21K which was in average to good shape, but no
furler, and tired
sails. Neither
boat got me too excited, although the C&C was in beautiful condition, almost like new.
Now, a 1980
Cooper Seabird 37
Ketch has come up for $20K, which is right around my
budget. I've read up as much as I can find, which isn't a lot. They have a long shallow
keel (4' draft), and don't carry a lot of
canvas. I've heard stories like they don't tack well, and won't sail to windward. Others report that tuned properly, they will sail to windward ok. The SA/D of 13 or so means it's not a light air
boat for sure.
https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/sea-bird-37
I'm trying to decide if I should take a
ferry to see this boat, or just pass on it. I know it's a bit outside the category of boat I'm looking for, but if it sails reasonably well, it should also provide a bit more comfort in poor
weather than most other
boats in my
price range.
I'm interested to hear from others who are familiar with the Seabird, either in
Ketch or PH version.
Thanks
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