Looking to buy an Aussie Boat

[Johnathon123]

My criteria have finally been approved by the sergeant at arms and I am looking at the purchase of a new yacht.

Essentially the boat will be a houseboat/unit for wife and 2 kids whilst we visit my son at school and then coastal sailing/twilight racing for other periods. For me the obvious choice seems to lie in the 36 to 40 foot Bene, Jeanneau, Hanse etc however I am fairly open minded as the use is fairly basic.

In an ideal world the boat might have an autohelm, twin wheels (much easier to climb around), 3 cabins, reasonable condition etc etc.

Not too fussed by age, far more focused on condition.

So if you are on the East Coast and are looking to sell your boat as winter bites hard let me know through PM and we can talk.

Thanks

James

[Weyalan]

Just out of interest, what sort of budget do you have? Not that I'm thinking of selling, but I know a few people who have boats on the market right now?

[Johnathon123]

Thanks Weyalan - Yes that would help. It depends largely on other factors but circa $180K is my upper limit.

[sowild]

First 47.7 or a hanse 461 are boats around the 180 +- region. Both big comfy and fast enough

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[ozsailer]

Hi James,
there are some real bargains out in the Aussie market at the moment. The budget you have identified opens a lots of doors. The usual haunts for us sad individuals who follow the market are Yacht hub, buy a boat, Ensign ship brokers, Vic sail, and yacht domain. I like yacht hub and boat point as you can narrow your search down quite a lot.
Always remember there are a lot of boats out there with price tags larger than your budget but who are prepared to negotiate. Always worth researching how long a vessel has been on the market. There are quite a few people out there with very unrealistic prices on their boats for todays market. Take your time and weed out the dodgy ones.
Don't be afraid to look out of state. Half the fun is bringing the boat home.


Greg and Sue
SV Sunshine
Lake Macquarie

[Johnathon123]

Thanks Oz Sailer and So Wild.

I am sorry, I probably will continue to fine tune my needs as I go but wouldn't a 47.7 or Hanse 46 be a little large to sail single handed which is also one of the key criteria.

Particularly nervous of a 47.7 as they have the larger racing rig (in almost every case) AND of course, I would get killed for buying something that big. What are the thoughts on single handing a 40.7 as an example. We do plan to fit electric winches (retro or new) depending on what we buy.

Thanks again, all advice is greatly appreciated.

J

[ozsailer]

Hi James,
rule of thumb for me over the years has been nothing over 40 ft for a cruising couple with most being able to be sailed single handed provided they have the correct set up IE all lines back to the cockpit, autohelm etc.
As stated there are a lot of boats out there but from what I gather you want is a performance cruiser that is capable of racing. We have friends with a Hanse 37 and one with a Jenneau 43 Deck saloon which does both very well. Be mindful that when cruising a dodger and bimini are basic requirements to keep the family happy.


Greg H

[Johnathon123]

Thanks Greg, I do agree with your 40ft rule. To clarify, the racing would be an unusual occurrence so yes I am at 40 ft. Hanse, I like but the Seargent at Arms doesn't like the ruler like lines (as she put it)

Jeanneaus are a great interest.

[sepeteus]

Hey, my old 47.7 is up for grabs in Mooloolaba. She's is called Antipodes and I traded her in for Nautor Swan 57rs. I was not that experienced with that size boat but had no trouble sailing single handed. Antipodes is wing keeled, draws only 1.95 m as normal racing keel draws 2.8m which is pretty useless for cruising. She also has smaller rig. I spent far too much dough on this boat, has got it all.... New rig, 5kw Kohler genset, 2x AC, water maker, doubled fuel to 500 litres, new water barrier as epoxy job and BTW when soda blasted hull no defects on hull!!! I have no longer any interest on this boat but the guy I bought Swan from took Antipodes as trade in. Worth checking out!

[Neemorna]

We sold our Hanse 400e through Yoti last year for about that price. I would definitely browse their website, it would have something you wanted. The great thing about getting a yacht through them is that they treat you like a "new" boat owner and will give you great follow up service. Tim Vine is the man to ask for. If your serious he will match you with the perfect boat.
PS. Just from experience go with the Hanse if you can, we upgraded to the 445 but our 400e was a great fit for living aboard and being able to take it up the East coast with complete confidence and a good keel depth for getting into waterways. I loved that boat 'Talisman'!

[latka]

Hi James,
Ever thought of buying overseas? There are some incredible options if you are willing to go that way.
For a start look at:http://www.sailboatlistings.com/cgi-...d=default&city
I have been trawling the net now for about a year and am ready to make my move. I am also looking at Beneteau's 43's and prices range from EUR 80K to 110K! Fully equipped that is and year of build 2004. TYry to find that in Oz!1
But ofcourse you have to be willing to do the miles!
Paperwork is easier than you would probably assume.
Thought I'll let you know.
Cheers,
Theo

[Johnathon123]

Thanks for the tips.

I have been scouring the various sites and there seems to be a lack of the later model production boats with 3 cabins atm (excluding the Beneteau .7 range)

Probably a seasonal thing and a little bit of the economy picture painted in the press.

As I said to a great broker I know, it is a wait and see game atm.

Unless of course something pops up here.

James

[hoppy]

Here you go

Used 1999 JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 40 Boat For Sale - boatsales.com.au

[mjcook]

James,Lots of great boats available, if you are thinking of cruising the Queensland coast a cat may be a better option.

[Johnathon123]

Thanks Hoppy, The Jeanneau 40 would have been a good option potentially but it has been sold unfortunately. (Would it kill a broker to put a sold sign up)

A cat isn't going to work for this stage of life, it will be based in Sydney 90% of the time and the cost of mooring is much worse.

It will turn up, today or tomorrow, I can wait.

James