Looking for a fun race boat. Tired of playing on other peoples boats and want one of my own. Can anyone suggest what types of boats are great for racing? I like the Mumm 30...it looks fast. Will eventually build a crew/team of 5-6 and thought that a boat in the 30-35' range is enough boat for me. What about a short handed crew race boat...what do you suggest for that application? We plan to do more serious club races and possibly some serious regattas. Comments appreciated
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Need More Information
There are a lot of great racing boats. One thing that is important to that decision is what class are you going to race (PHRYF, MORC, etc.). That will have an impact on which boat is better. Another factor is the area that you are racing and the "normal" conditions of that area. Some boats favor heavier winds while others are fun in light winds. Crew size is very important. A good crew is a must for a competitive boat. If you are unable to raise a descent size crew, maybe it would be easier to go with a smaller boat (Trip 26, Melgius, J, etc.). Being short handed can be a big hassle. Another aspect is expense. Buying a race boat is expensive....Maintaining it is very expensive. I crewed on an Express 37 for a while and the owner of the boat bought $20,000 in sails every other year. That is a huge expense along with the odds and ends (things that break during a race and new gadgets that are helpful). The main thing is figure out your budget, figure out the fleet you are racing in, and then go shopping for a boat that matches those needs.
There are a lot of great racing boats. One thing that is important to that decision is what class are you going to race (PHRYF, MORC, etc.). That will have an impact on which boat is better. Another factor is the area that you are racing and the "normal" conditions of that area. Some boats favor heavier winds while others are fun in light winds. Crew size is very important. A good crew is a must for a competitive boat. If you are unable to raise a descent size crew, maybe it would be easier to go with a smaller boat (Trip 26, Melgius, J, etc.). Being short handed can be a big hassle. Another aspect is expense. Buying a race boat is expensive....Maintaining it is very expensive. I crewed on an Express 37 for a while and the owner of the boat bought $20,000 in sails every other year. That is a huge expense along with the odds and ends (things that break during a race and new gadgets that are helpful). The main thing is figure out your budget, figure out the fleet you are racing in, and then go shopping for a boat that matches those needs.
Racing Groups
Your post does not show where you are located and you didn't indicate your experience on a particular boat. The Mumm 30 is a top of the line one design as you probably know. Maybe you aren't near any Wednesday night PHRF races or less formal groups. There are some J24 and J22 groups where it could be as competitave but perhaps less expensive and an easier break-in but still highly challenging. For smaller boat size or short handed racing, perhaps the J-80's or again the local PHRF fleet might interest you. Good luck.
Your post does not show where you are located and you didn't indicate your experience on a particular boat. The Mumm 30 is a top of the line one design as you probably know. Maybe you aren't near any Wednesday night PHRF races or less formal groups. There are some J24 and J22 groups where it could be as competitave but perhaps less expensive and an easier break-in but still highly challenging. For smaller boat size or short handed racing, perhaps the J-80's or again the local PHRF fleet might interest you. Good luck.
price point/ other uses
Mark, you do not mention how much you are willing to dish out......... for $100,000 you can get a used J105 ($170,00 new) and she is a BLAST to sail, and race (I'm biased as I race on a J105). Can be done shorthanded (w/asymetrical spinn), but no creature comforts. A J109 has the comforts of a cruising boat but is great on the race course as well, but cost nearly double. The Farr designed Beneteau First 36.7 fleets are growing each year. They are less expensive that the J109 (but a bit lower quality IMHO) but have a nice interior for when you are done racing. They are good coastal boats that sail well. Ther are still large Soverell 33 fleets all over, but they are real light and other than light air need a large crew on the rail. Just some thoughts. Mike C.
Mark, you do not mention how much you are willing to dish out......... for $100,000 you can get a used J105 ($170,00 new) and she is a BLAST to sail, and race (I'm biased as I race on a J105). Can be done shorthanded (w/asymetrical spinn), but no creature comforts. A J109 has the comforts of a cruising boat but is great on the race course as well, but cost nearly double. The Farr designed Beneteau First 36.7 fleets are growing each year. They are less expensive that the J109 (but a bit lower quality IMHO) but have a nice interior for when you are done racing. They are good coastal boats that sail well. Ther are still large Soverell 33 fleets all over, but they are real light and other than light air need a large crew on the rail. Just some thoughts. Mike C.
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