Hanse 348 (2025) vs HR 36 (1991)

[johny red]

If the prices are same you have to ask yourself.
Would you buy a 1991 Rolls Royce or a 2025 Toyota to drive around the world?
And car technology and reliability is ages more advanced than boats.

[overbudget]

Originally Posted by johny red

If the prices are same you have to ask yourself.
Would you buy a 1991 Rolls Royce or a 2025 Toyota to drive around the world?
And car technology and reliability is ages more advanced than boats.

I have a feeling the analogy is not very accurate because I would probably chose the Corolla over the RR even if it was the same year and price.

[wyb2]

Originally Posted by johny red

If the prices are same you have to ask yourself.
Would you buy a 1991 Rolls Royce or a 2025 Toyota to drive around the world?
And car technology and reliability is ages more advanced than boats.

I’d take a 1991 Toyota over a 2025 Rolls Royce.

[shrspeedblade]

For me personally if I was in your situation I would be looking at a bit older cruising boats that are already out there and that someone else has put a lot of money and work into!

That's exactly what I'd be doing, probably in the Sea or Cortez, etc. All will be work but this would give you the best value.

If you'll be singlehanding a lot, which I do a lot as well, keep it in the around 35ft range at most, which will also make it easier to meet your upfront and ongoing budget. Something like an Island Packet 38 you'd practically be lonely in you'd have so much room. That having been said, you never know where life may lead so something ideal for a couple isn't a bad thing.

Do you know what kind of boat you'd like? Get out in as many as you can, as crew if possible. Lots of people would probably happily take you on if you contribute for expenses. It sounds more like a modern production cruiser, but make sure you'd be comfortable crossing an ocean to the Caribbean/Polynesia because if you do it long enough you'll probably want to.

Best wishes and make some great memories in the life ahead!

[Fore and Aft]

This is where it gets funny as I disagree about Bavaria being a bad brand. Sure, I have surveyed a few rough ones that have been badly treated. I surveyed a big Bavaria recently and she had been flogged across the Atlantic and Pacific then sold here in Australia. If you looked past the cosmetic issues, she was still structurally sound.
But overall Bavaria for me is no worse or better than other production boats. I often think it comes down to who is building the boat in the factory and who is doing quality control. I have done plenty of fibreglassing and particularly with polyester resin in confined spaces you want to get the job done quickly. So, I can see how a disinterested worker might just slap down the glass and move on to the next boat.
Cheers