If you had to, which way would you go?

[Johnathon123]

I am aware of all the arguments surrounding going to sea in a production boat and have them firmly in my mind but........

If you were planning to sail 60% the east coast of Australia, bays and harbours etc and 40% ocean sailing, in which order would you consider the following brands and if applicable what build year would you prefer (eg, 1) Jeanneau built prior to 1999 2) Bavaria after 2005 etc).

Which boats from the list, if any, would you consider totally inappropriate and again, why?

Finally, if you can be bothered could you outline the reasons behind your decision.

So here is the list in no particular order:

1. Bavaria
2. Beneteau
3. Catalina
4. Hanse
5. Jeanneau
6. Delphia
7. Dufour
8. Imexus
9. Hunter
10. Elan Impression range

If I have missed an obvious production boat feel free to add them to the list in your answer.

[sailorboy1]

what an impossible question

a 2001 Hunter 410, why because I personally know this to be a good boat

[Kenomac]

[MLOI]

Originally Posted by Johnathon123

I am aware of all the arguments surrounding going to sea in a production boat and have them firmly in my mind but........

If you were planning to sail 60% the east coast of Australia, bays and harbours etc and 40% ocean sailing, in which order would you consider the following brands and if applicable what build year would you prefer.

I am planning on doing that for a year.
I have $100k to spend on the boat purchase, and assume i will be re rigging it.
I like bene firsts and jeanneau SOs around the 38 foot mark from the late 90s.
Also like Adams 12 and Farr phase 4, but they are not on your list. And some other stuff which is even less like an AWB.I like relatively fast boats at the expense of some ease of handling and storage space. Prefer the main traveller in the cockpit rather than cabin roof. Would like a prodder for an Assy. Need berths for 2 kids where they can actually sleep at sea for overnighters down to Flinders etc.

But if I had more money id probably like something else...

Mike

[skipmac]

A couple of brands I don't know but based on your cruising plans any of the boats on that list would be fine. If you were planning a round the world race through the roaring forties it would be a different story.

Buy the one that you like the most, is in the best condition and offers the best deal.

[Blue Crab]

[sardinebreath]

Originally Posted by MLOI

I am planning on doing that for a year.
I have $100k to spend on the boat purchase, and assume i will be re rigging it.
I like bene firsts and jeanneau SOs around the 38 foot mark from the late 90s.
Also like Adams 12 and Farr phase 4, but they are not on your list. And some other stuff which is even less like an AWB.I like relatively fast boats at the expense of some ease of handling and storage space. Prefer the main traveller in the cockpit rather than cabin roof. Would like a prodder for an Assy. Need berths for 2 kids where they can actually sleep at sea for overnighters down to Flinders etc.

But if I had more money id probably like something else...

Mike

Why the traveler in the cockpit on a cruising boat?

[SailRedemption]

Originally Posted by sardinebreath

Why the traveler in the cockpit on a cruising boat?

Typically you get more control of the main when it's further aft of the boom.

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

[SkiprJohn]

I can't answer this one. Of all the brands you have listed the only one I've sailed is a Catalina and that was an early 70s model very much smaller than what your intentions would be.

Go aboard as many as you can and check out the build quality and condition. Pick the one you like the most. You'll fall in love with one and buy it.

[Ex-Calif]

Ooops - I'm a dumbass...

I didn't realize one could make multiple choices in the poll. I voted Jeanneau - not because I sailed them but I have been on them and like the fit form and function.

My opinion is and the reality check is - the first 5 boats on the list are largely interchangeable boats in my opinion. I have sailed Benne's and like them.

The reality check is you end up searching for all these and then start the how far from me, price, age, quality, equipment fit out debate with yourself. Supply and demand is at work.

It may be useful to rank each feature you like/need each on a 1-5 scale. Multiply each boat you see on a 1-3-5 scale on how well the feature of that boat fits you ideal. Multiply priority by fit and your get a score.

Add up the scores for all the needs and boats...

Then buy the boat your wife likes - Hahahahaha....

[Mr B]

I bought a Gemini MC105 Cat for exactly that, The east coast of OZ and across to the Kimberlys then down around Perth and Back home via Tassie,

Stopping every where, No Marina's, All on the hook, A lot of OZ is very shallow water, Watch the draught on any boat you get,

Gemini and Seawind Cats are very similar, I just cant afford a Seawind,

[Andrew B.]

Not sure if PSC qualifies as a "production" boat, but
I would/am choosing A Pacific Seacraft 34 or 37 to
do pretty much what your criteria is. Maybe 80%-20% for me.

And don't forget how important the right dinghy
can be in explorations.

[D&D]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

what an impossible question

We kinda agree with sailorboy here, but in the spirit of encouraging all enquiring minds...

Our sailing brief is very similar, viz. mostly OZ coastal cruising, but will do (and already have done) some serious open ocean stuff. The OP's obviously not a cat-person -- Some (including us!) would say he/she should be! -- so perhaps our experience may be discounted for its focus there, but we think that's irrelevant because we say to the OP...

Unless you're buying new when warranty support (or lack thereof!) comes into the picture, never mind the brand. All the production builders produce very solid seaworthy vessels...most of the time...and they also occasionally produce duds. NO production name carries a certainty of being seaworthy.

So as was suggested by several others here, instead of the focus on the brand names, buy the vessel that appeals to you by meeting as many of your important criteria as possible -- You'll never meet them all! -- with the best 'bottom line' value package...AND -- In our view this is very, very important -- engage an experienced and tough surveyor to go through the boat thoroughly. Tell your surveyor to view the boat as destined for open ocean. Insist on thermographic images. Unless you're suitably skilled yourself, ensure the survey includes the rigging and engine hardware as well.

We wish the OP good hunting in his/her search.