I like this boat

[thomm225]

On another day, I was sailing in from about the same 30-40 miles out on an early Sunday Morning (have work on Monday) and spotted this guy coming out maybe the York River area.

I'm guessing same deal 38'-45' fin keel boat moving fast and possibly catching a little land effect breeze.

He damn near caught me before I got to Thimble Shoal light which you can see in the video.

He was head maybe to Hampton so he wasn't right near me but even almost latitude wise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRzpei2hZf8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7hBFO7DHX0

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

Every boat sails close hauled.

I can handle being 1/2 kt slower 2 degrees further off wind…

2 degrees!!? That's a nice dream.

[Thomas1985]

Few boats are really as bad sailing as people act. I have noticed owners of almost any boat report liking it. (almost)

Some are definitely quicker. Little better pointing.

That’s just not high or really on my list at all. When I go out to day sail, and I will a lot, I don’t really care if I travel 22 or 30 miles that lazy 5 kt evening.

If money was no object I’d buy a 65 oyster and just get the best of both worlds.

[Thomas1985]

I’m still pretty excited about the boat this weekend too though

It’s weird. I’m weird… might be a match made in heaven!

[Don C L]

It's all about the engine, rigging and sails. It's a nice boat but try not to be too seduced by all the varnished teak.

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by Don C L

try not to be too seduced by all the varnished teak.

Arrrgh Matey, boats be like wenches, they be happiest when all dolled-up and you be fussing or' them.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

Few boats are really as bad sailing as people act. I have noticed owners of almost any boat report liking it. (almost)

Some are definitely quicker. Little better pointing.

That’s just not high or really on my list at all. When I go out to day sail, and I will a lot, I don’t really care if I travel 22 or 30 miles that lazy 5 kt evening.

If money was no object I’d buy a 65 oyster and just get the best of both worlds.

Yep, with day sailing just about anything will do since most folks do that on perfect days.

What I was talking about above was how well that 40' plus fin keel boat was sailing upwind in 25-29 knots of wind.

We were pretty close when I split the two boats.

I don't see boats like that Han Christian 38 out day sailing much not sure if it's because they are hard to dock without a crew or that there are just few double enders around.

I would think a boat like that would be a very good cruising boat, but a bit tough as a day sailor just because of docking unless you always have good trained crew.

[Thomas1985]

I’m buying as a cruiser first, but I’ll sail even when I’m not going anywhere.

It’s not that hard to leave and return to dock. This video shows you how to get in and out of 95% tight spots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoGMAEjiHmU

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

I’m buying as a cruiser first, but I’ll sail even when I’m not going anywhere.

It’s not that hard to leave and return to dock. This video shows you how to get in and out of 95% tight spots.

Right!

There are lots of great sailors at the keyboard that have no trouble docking, but it's different when the wind is up and you are on your boat especially if alone. It also gets interesting if the engine shuts down while docking.

Plus most are afraid of a few scratches when docking.

I notice a lot that most don't go out when the wind is upwards of 20 knots or so which for older full keel boats is about the best time especially if you can sail off the wind a bit.

[Thomas1985]

Surely there is something wrong with this boat? If not I’ll buy this afternoon lol

https://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/103713

[Thomas1985]

I wish thomm would just give me his boat that sails 7 kts dead in to the wind and docks itself without the motor…

Shouldn’t be a problem. It was free after all.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

I wish thomm would just give me his boat that sails 7 kts dead in to the wind and docks itself without the motor…

Shouldn’t be a problem. It was free after all.

Not sure where you got all that from, but at least I'm not paying $50-$70 per month to store a bow sprit which you will be doing if you buy that last boat you like so much.

My boat wasn't free; I paid $2,000 for it in 2011.

Probably have another $15,000 in it after all these years with the replacement and upgrading of gear plus solar, batteries controllers, inverters, computers, autopilots, sails, etc.

My boat doesn't go to windward well if the breeze is up which it has to be for me to hit 7 knots as I was doing here for about 3 hours.

I'm lucky to get within 60 degrees of the wind going upwind in 20 knots with this boat or more whereas on the last 2 beach cats I raced I could sail 30-35 degrees off the wind upwind in pretty heavy winds.

And btw, this was about 2 hours into this crossing after things had laid down a bit, and I was in sync enough to steer and record a video.

Winds were gusting to around 35 knots on this crossing, and I was certainly worried about my 20 year old backstay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nXfjcCuiPk

[Toccata]

I don't like the way the hull surface is "pulled in" at the chainplate fastenings. I suggest a very close look there. I have seen this on other HC hulls, so may not be a fault but a characteristic of their construction.
Lots of teak = lots of time looking after woodwork. Suggest walk/tap all over the deck to make sure its sound, and even then be skeptical about the integrity of the structure.

[flee27]

Thomas1985. A few good points in this thread. Hang on to them and let the others go.

Among many important things about a boat to pay attention to, one is that you love it. So if this boat checks that box it is worth pursuing.

Good luck
Foster

[Thomas1985]

I do love these HCs, but every 12 hours or so that downeast 38 I saw recently pops back in my head…

It’s well within budget, 1 day sail from home, and has a ton of recent upgrades. Like all boats it needs more work, but it’s got a lot going for it…

Charming boat in person too.