Need suggestions - big main, 100% jib perf cruiser under $100k

[Williwaw_]

Hoping to tap into some crowd sourced knowledge here.

In short, looking for suggestions for a 34'-38' ish performance cruiser for a young family of 4. Narragansett Bay (RI) day sailing and a few extended trips each year out to the Islands. I've been on a few "newer" boats where big mains and 100% self tacking jibs have become the norm and I'm sold on the idea. Relative close quarters sailing in the Bay and around Newport with me solo at the helm is routine. We're ready to upgrade for many more reasons than this, but its certainly a consideration.

Newer Hanse's and the like are out of the budget, so what are some mid-2000s designs that are designed around working jibs. We're racers at heart, and wont be racing this boat, but sailing perf is important to me. Ease of handling solo is key. I realize its unlikely to be self tacking at this price point, but a boat drawn around the correct sail plan is relatively easy to convert. I'm trying to avoid boats intended to have huge overlapping genoas and then swap them out to a jib and rob all that power.

Best I can identify so far is the Tartan 3400 - its almost prefect, just at the smaller end and higher $ of the range. The solent rig is the icing on the cake!

https://www.cruisingworld.com/sailbo...uising-design/

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[psk125]

Right now it may be tough to find one in your price range, but it sounds like you want a J/109 sailed with class jib instead of their 155% genoa.The tri-cabin layout provides some privacy & space, though it's not overly roomy below. Performance and handling are there, and the class jib will provide plenty of power with the wind you have on Narragansett Bay. The sprit makes downwind easy, fast and fun. Your crew will grow into the boat. The Tartan 3400 is dullsville in comparison, and not as good-looking. Despite similar dimensions, sail areas, and displacements, the PHRF ratings of the two boats are quite different. The Tartan is probably capable and may meet your needs. The J is equally capable and likely to surpass your expectations. The market for used boats is not working in your favor at this point. There are not a lot of boats available, and prices are high.

[jbinbi]

Hunters. Their rig was famous for no backstay, heavily swept back spreaders, 100% jib, large main attached to their arch.

There were some quality issues that tanked their image in early 2000s, but 2008ish on were pretty good. Not sure I would cross the ocean in it, but for RI to CT, MA, islands weekend cruising, excellent layout, easy to sail.

I had a 33 that had a club footed hoyt boom for 2 years. Super easy to sail. Great interior. The 38/39 pre pandemic would even be in your price range. A used Hanse 345 should also get close, pre pandemic. I sailed that about 10 yrs ago. A bit tender I thought, but fell into the groove very well. Not sure about crazy pricing now.

Neither of these are racing boats at all. If you are a racer at heart, and want to fiddle and diddle all the time, neither hunter nor hanse will do it, you will watch a J107 pass you to leeward like you didn't even have your sails up. But it would also cost you 50-100k more and not nearly have the same accomodations. Also, a self tacking jib is very frustrating to someone who really wants great sail trim. Unless you put a traveller system that has stops that you continually adjust or put up lines to move it, you don't get the lead you really want. For that reason I liked the hoyt boom as you can position the boom where you want it, then play with the jib sheet.

Just my 2c, not sure it helps.

[Joli]

B 36.7 or possibly a C&C 110

[clamshack]

Not sure this will help you, but I know a place in Charleston, SC that has a Tartan 3400 that's available for bareboat charter. It's a really nice boat and sails great. Has a self tacking jib or non self tacking ;-) genoa. Happy to provide the charter outfit if you are interested. Breeze flies now b/t Providence and Charleston nonstop and you can stay aboard the boat. Hotel prices in Charleston can be insane.