My experience is that there is little difference in the practical handling of a 34' to a 38' vessel of the same style. The Farrs and, of a similar ilk,
Adams are fairly narrow, pretty slippery and easily handled. Where big differences are obvious, is when looking at say a Farr style 34 and a
Catalina style 38. One is a nimble,
race bred
boat with fewer marina style comforts, the other is a little fatty which in comparisson likes to go sideways on a beam reach, but which is like a little apartment on the
water.
If you are looking at the very capable
offshore Farr style of
boat, the difference between a 34 and a 38 is the difference, on land, between a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Camry. More room, more comfort, more
power, greater stability, but just as easily moved from one place to another with no increase in crew numbers.
However, the difference in the cost of
maintenance between the 34 and 38 does not represent truly, the mere 10% difference in length, width, height and therefore volume.
This is a guess, but nonetheless a guess based on experience. The maintenance costs will be at least 40% more.
Sails,
rigging, winches, other
deck hardware, the
engine and all systems are appreciably larger and therefore require more material cost when servicing or replacing. The wetted area is bigger, and the boat goes faster, requiring more antifouling pain(t). Chain and
anchoring costs, as well as cost of cordage is significantly higher; and, the booze cupboard is bigger.....
If the Farr is the style you want, go the biggy..or get a great deal on an
Adams 40 (excellent
boats which go like buggery and are unaccountably much less expensive than the equivalent Farr).
As they say in the 'Q-E' classics.....'Choice'!
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