First Post - modern yacht but classic styling?

[Bligh-Tea]

Howdy folks!


So I'm just dreaming here but... solo sailing, blue water, across oceans, maybe around a 40-footer.


These modern boats, Jeneau or Oyster... they appear exceedingly flashy and bright inside, designed for show, and fine dining in port!


But they seem to me they wouldn't offer much comfort/coziness in the middle of a cold ocean somewhere...


I love how much space they offer, and how smartly they are designed, both for ease of sailing, handling and also inside with lots of room, storage, access to the motor etc.


But I really prefer the older styled interiors, the sort that Spirit Yachts currently does. Like I see in pictures of boats from the 80s, like Hunter boats. Dark wood, navy blue upholstery, brass everywhere!


So my question is:


Is there a modern builder, of blue water worthy boats, that can be solo sailed with all the modern eqiupment, safety systems, ease of maintenance, with the storage and space of modern designs but with that old world charm? That would give a more traditional feel?


Thanks.

[sailorboy1]

someone has been reading old books

I say there is no modern school old designs and there is a reason.

[Don C L]

Welcome aboard Bligh-Tea!
There are many older boats that offer what you seek that are still in fine shape and sailing. To answer your question though, I don't know of any modern builders building boats to have a modern hull but an old school interior. But, since you are new to this I'd suggest that as you gain experience in lesson or in sailing on other people's boats you will notice your preferences in what you want for yourself may change.
What you describe reminds me of the idea behind the Valiant 40 and the Nonsuch boats. Old school above the waterline and modern hull below. But those boat boats aren't new anymore.

[Tin Tin]

Simple google search https://spirityachts.com/ http://www.lidgarddesign.com/Ret_38.html

[thomm225]

Why not just buy an older traditional boat and sail it for a while.

I see folks buying boats all the time with the same dream you have.

Many sail them for maybe a season or two then they sit at the marina unused.

You may be different but is it worth the price of a new boat just to see?

There's a beautiful late model Catalina 36 at my marina that hasn't moved in 2 years. The guy was there a lot at first then stopped coming.

The same with a late model Island Packet about the same size which is now already up for sale and the same with quite a few others.

A young guy and his wife recently bought an older Mariner 28 at our marina this Spring. He told me of his dream to cruise the world. He has already sold the boat.

[LakeSuperior]

Look at the Mason 44. It fits your requirements exactly!!

[Bligh-Tea]

Originally Posted by Tin Tin

Simple google search https://spirityachts.com/ Lidgard 38 ft Lapstrake Schooner.

I actually referenced Spirit Yachts as being what I was looking for on the interior but something like an Oyster on the exterior, so to speak!


Thanks for Lidgard Design though, hadn't come across them, I'll check them out.





Mason yes, was just learning about those, and Hunters, they look pretty cool too.


Sad to hear stories about people buying boats then ditching them so soon...



Yes I am very new and still need to learn to sail. Of course I'd go on other people's boats first, just to make sure it's really for me and to learn the ropes.



But as I stated at the start... it's still in the "dream" stage right now!


Thanks.


PS - I do have a question about Spirit Yahcts - they claim they are "ocean going" but... they seem to be really flat-decked, open-topped, and don't appear to have any guard-rails around them anywhere! Wouldn't that make them pretty dangerous in rough, open waters? I mean, I can imagine someone being swept off by a single rogue wave, no?

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Bligh-Tea

I actually referenced Spirit Yachts as being what I was looking for on the interior but something like an Oyster on the exterior, so to speak!


Thanks for Lidgard Design though, hadn't come across them, I'll check them out.





Mason yes, was just learning about those, and Hunters, they look pretty cool too.


Sad to hear stories about people buying boats then ditching them so soon...



Yes I am very new and still need to learn to sail. Of course I'd go on other people's boats first, just to make sure it's really for me and to learn the ropes.



But as I stated at the start... it's still in the "dream" stage right now!


Thanks.


PS - I do have a question about Spirit Yahcts - they claim they are "ocean going" but... they seem to be really flat-decked, open-topped, and don't appear to have any guard-rails around them anywhere! Wouldn't that make them pretty dangerous in rough, open waters? I mean, I can imagine someone being swept off by a single rogue wave, no?

You might want to start at the beginning as in learning to sail before even considering which expensive boat you plan to buy.

So far, all this is just thoughts in your head.

You may not even like sailing.

Sailing is work!

You are required to do things even when you don't want to. When you are tired or possibly seasick, it doesn't matter

I'd say learn to sail first before anything else especially before considering sailing across an ocean or solo sailing on a 40' sailboat.

Maybe think about sailing across the local lake or bay first.

[Rohan]

Originally Posted by Bligh-Tea

Is there a modern builder, of blue water worthy boats, that can be solo sailed with all the modern eqiupment, safety systems, ease of maintenance, with the storage and space of modern designs but with that old world charm? That would give a more traditional feel?

I'm really surprised by the responses here that there are none. Sure there are! There are plenty of sailboat makers that still use traditional styling. In fact Morris Yachts specifically advertises "modern technology, traditional feel" or something like that.

Off the top of my head, I would put Morris, Alerion, Hinckley, Tartan, Hylas, Passport, Gozzard, Island Packet, Cabo Rico and Seaward all in that category (although are the last two still in business? I'm not sure). I'm sure there are more.

Catalina, Oyster, Southerly, and Hallberg-Rassy are kind of a mid point - not totally traditional, but also haven't totally gone to the modern Ikea style like the largest charter boatmakers have.

I should also point out that, other than having enough handholds to grab onto, interior style really doesn't have much to do with function at sea. Hull shape does, to a point. Also, in general the more modern styles with more port openings and larger cockpits are generally better in warmer climates, while the more traditional layouts tend to be better in colder ones, but that's really a generalization.

I know some people will dismiss you for focusing on style, but I get it - if someone is going to shell out hundreds of thousands (or more) for a boat, it should be one that they really like!!

[DEAN2140]

Island Packet would fill the bill.

[barnakiel]

Oysters and Jeanneaus are great boats. Well designed and sailing well. And you are but an ignorant. But that's fine.


If you want something a bit more classic then e.g. Rustler build classic boats. Their 36 is but a Folkboat on steroids. I think it is still possible to buy a new BCC, Cape George and HCh.


Choices are unlimited and the water is wide and wild.


b.

[NorthCoastJoe]

French built aluminum. Mine has a painted exterior rounder hull and real wood American Elm interior, no plastic crap anywhere in it. Most people can't tell its aluminum.

[Tedd]

Island Packet, for sure. Or Halberg-Rassy if you want to split the difference between modern and traditional. (Though their latest designs are leaning toward modern.)

[Tedd]

Originally Posted by NorthCoastJoe

French built aluminum.

Photo?

[Rohan]

Originally Posted by NorthCoastJoe

French built aluminum. Mine has a painted exterior rounder hull and real wood American Elm interior, no plastic crap anywhere in it. Most people can't tell its aluminum.

I thought aluminum hulls can't hold paint and always revert to aluminum color.