Best 30-32 foot performance cruiser

[Barnacle Bill]

If you want performance, an Endeavor 32 is not a good choice. They are good cruising boats - especially in skinny water areas, but, they are not fast into the wind (most any boat is fast off the wind). Sabres are great boats, but the Sabre 30 is a small 30-footer for interior space, so you have to consider that as well. A J/32 is about what you can find for about $100M and it has a great performance factor built in, but also a lot of interior space. But, for offshore cruising, you really have to think about engine size (bigger is better than some entry level offerings from some manufacture's). You need to consider storage space for your food and gear. You need to figure fuel tank size for long distance motoring. You have to figure on fresh water capacity. You have to figure on gear that you need to make long distance ventures, such as electronics and safety gear. A boat that sails well to weather usually has a fairly deep keel. That might cause problems in the Intracoastal, or Florida or the Bahamas. You should query into this forum into its past as a lot more has been written about what you desire to know (including me) and that might be helpful.

 

[FastOlson]

When you're shopping, be sure to check out an 80's Ericson 32-3 or an Ericson 32-200. Your choice will be whether you want the head forward or aft.
Another oft-overlooked model is the Holland-designed Ericson 33 from the early 80's. Any of these are fast on all points of sail, with full teak cruising interiors -- lots of storage and tankage.
And, how could I not mention the Ericson-built Olson 34... like ours! Full tri cabin interior and lots of effortless speed under sail.

Many choices...........

 

[COOL]

I would add a J32 to your list of boats to consider,
and at a lower price range. the mid '80s vintage
Steck designed Hunter 31 would fit your requirements.

 

[Stu Jackson]

"Best" boat

Skipper wrote: "Performance" means just what I said - exceptional in 5-10 knot wind speed but designed and built to go offshore IE: Bristol\Sabre\Tartan

I'd sure like to know if you can ever find something like that.

Thanks for your "supporting" second followup on what you know and what homework you've done.

If the Chesapeake is 95% of your sailing, and you're going to the Bahamas first. then you'll quickly find out that shoal draft is a requirement, not an option, from what I've learned from my brethren in the East. Once you start out for the Virgin Islands, you'll want a deeper keel.

So, what's the "best" now?

Good luck on your search. I agree that since your initial choices may not be well represented on this 'board, you may try elsewhere, like cruisers.net, sailnet and many others, as well as the Sabre and Tartan owners groups.

You must, also by now having done your research, recognize that you're not the first skipper facing this dilemma.

A J32 seems to have a deeper keel than you'd be comfortable with in your home waters.

All the best.

 

[jibes138]

this is the boat you want

This is the boat you want. It is amazingly equipped by a professional captain. It used to be docked next to me. The owner is now sailing a 50 foot schooner.

(NC) 33' OCEANCRAFT CORNWALL ENGLAND EBBTIDE 33 CUTTER 1987 World renown Pape design ocean cruising cutter. Extensive equipment list and many recent upgrades. New sails, Hydrovane, R/O etc. Everything for extended cruising. Many custom additions. 252-269-7675?

 

[Skipper]

Thanks

Thank you, everyone. Lots of good input. I've read all the posts and analyzed all the suggestions.

"What's your best now?"

Well, I especially like the J32 in the 4.5 draft. I’ll have to find people who have cruised them. Also like the Ericson 32-3 shoal draft and the Sabre 32 centerboard. And I've just found a PS Ericson 333 for sale – Perfection! Except it has a 6 foot draft :-( –yes, I’m aware of draft requirements on the bay and elsewhere, so I think a good compromise (above) is the “best” solution. –or, maybe I’ll practice kedging and buy the 333

The J-32 is a fantastic idea, one I hadn’t thought of. It seems a perfect fit. THIS IS WHY I've asked the questions!!! -for those of you still wondering. Going to hit the J forums.

Thanks again, Skip

 

[Maine Sail]

PHRF Base Ratings

Bristol 31.1 = 174
Bristol 33.3 = 168
C&C 33-2 = 132
C&C 33 = 150
C&C 32 = 159
Cal 33-2 = 130
Cal 33-2 SD = 138
CS 33 = 147
Ericson 32-200 = 147
Ericson 32-2 = 147
Ericson 34 = 138
Ericson 34-2 = 123
J32 = 114
J34-C = 111
Pearson 31-2 = 156
Pearson 33-2 = 147
Sabre 30-3 = 165
Sabre 32 = 159
Sabre 34-2 = 135
Sabre 34-2 WK = 144
Tartan 3000 = 162
Tartan 31SD = 159
Tartan 33 = 153

 

[Ed Schenck]

Lots of interesting choices. But given your planned use I would think a walk-through transom would be a requirement. That is the one feature that my H37C lacks. For dinghy use and swimming you can't beat an open stern.

 

[Skipper]

Thanks Main Sail for the compiled PHRF. I've looked at PHRF data but hadn't put it in a usable list. copy\paste

 

[NC-C320]

Any model later than 1999 - due to Catalina cost cutting - in my opinion it s not made very well.

How does one know this? What exactly did they do?.....really do? How did you find this?

This seems a bit encompassing. I've seen other posts elsewhere that suggest that the later model Catalinas are much better than the old ones. Which is right?

I, too, like the C36, which was discontinued. My personal boat is a 2000 C320 built and delivered in Sept 99. So is my boat one of the good ones or a bad one?

 

[Ross]

Something's lost and something's gained in living every day. Is a modern car better than a 1967 car? I had a 4 door six passenger dodge with power brakes and automatic transmission and a slant six engine. hand cranked windows and bench seats, am radio, seat belts but no shoulder harness. There was much to recommend the old car but my Avalon is much more comfortable and easier to drive. It has AC power steering, antilock brakes, four doors but only seats four well. That is twice as many as usually ride in it.
Cars change to fit the market and boats change to fit the market. Both industries would go broke if I were the normal customer. My favorite car is an '87 volvo and my boat was built in '68. They both serve me well but probably not many others.

 

[Maine Sail]

How does one know this? What exactly did they do?.....really do? How did you find this?

This seems a bit encompassing. I've seen other posts elsewhere that suggest that the later model Catalinas are much better than the old ones. Which is right?

I, too, like the C36, which was discontinued. My personal boat is a 2000 C320 built and delivered in Sept 99. So is my boat one of the good ones or a bad one?

I owned three Catalina's an 82, 87 and 2005. The construction of the 2005 was the best of the lot hands down. Catalina continually strives to improve the product. I for one would love to see some specifics cited as to why a 90's Cat is better than a 2000's Cat.

 

[Florida sail]

To the best of my knowledge the Sabre has a cored hull. This would elimimate the Sabre from my choices.

Reef early,

>>ron<<

 

[COOL]

To the best of my knowledge the Sabre has a cored hull. This would elimimate the Sabre from my choices.

If it were an option, I would go with the cored hull.

 

[FastOlson]

I might go with the cored hull on a new boat, after a full survey.
On a hull over 20 years old, probably... never.
LB

 

[Liam]

The best boat is a very personal thing.
For me, it is my Beneteau 331. This is my 5th boat in 30 years. Fast, comfortable, low maintinence, rated category "A", and paid for.

 

[fiestaMojo]

Among the older Hunters, I'd take the 33 over the 37c. The designer, John Cherubini called the 33 the "queen of the fleet," and it has an sa/d of 16.5, a capsize screen of 1.85, and a comfort factor of 26.0. It's also close to your desired length.
[/quote]

Is anything written about J, Cherubini's tenure at Hunter? I'm curious about his comments on the 33. . .

 

[COOL]

More towards the performance end of the spectrum,
I'll suggest the Quest 30/33.

 

[Alex Dare]

You might also want to consider one of the smaller Freedom's. Well put together,set up for short handing and sail surprisingly well (decent under-body)