Mason 43

[K Scott]

My wife & I are looking for the last sailboat we will own. We've had seven, from a Cal 20 to an Ericson Cruising 36 (which I wish we still had). We sail about 1,000 miles a year, primarily in local So Cal waters. We're in our early sixties, in good health and want a boat for local cruising; Sea of Cortez in the south and no further north than the Channel Islands.

We've found a Mason 43 and would like feed-back from anyone with insight regarding the sailing characteristics of Mason 43's . I know she's not a race boat, but we don't want to motor everywhere, either.

We appreciate any comments.

Thanks,
Ken

[SvenG]

We considered the Mason 43 but decided against it due to the very shallow/exposed cockpit. It is a beautiful boat.



-Sven

[Masoncruiser]

I can only speak for our Mason 63 which my wife and I have been cruising nonstop since 2005. We love it and consider it the ultimate cruiser. The 43 was probably built in the Ta Shing yard. I have found the workmanship and construction to be great. The part about the exposed cockpit is valid though. For long range cruising an enclosed cockpit is a must. Unless you are a masochist. If u want direct input on the 43 visit the Mason Owners Forum on yahoo. There is a large group of 43 owners there. Fair winds
ILEENE and PAUL FRANKS
S/V 10 Forward

[K Scott]

We looked at the boat yesterday and it is indeed a beautiful sailboat. She appears to be well-built although this boat has had a good bit of usage and the teak decks need serious attention. (interestingly, since I had not seen any response to my post) my first thought as I stepped aboard was that the cockpit seemed quite exposed. We liked the boat in general, but it felt too big and too heavy for us. We also understand that we'll get used to the bigger boat, but the Mason 43 is the biggest boat we've looked at. So... We'll keep looking and and thanks SvenG & Masoncruiser for your valuable feedback.
Ken