Advice on choosing next boat

Jackdaw · Dec 17, 2015

OK you like Perry and are looking for a world-spanning 40... How is the Valiant 40 not on your list???

Wow what a great boat. I'm not really a fan of double enders but here I'll make an exception. Fast for her purpose and sails well. And downstairs is superb, with a double cabin aft; rare for a boat of this vintage. Our friends and former Commodore of WYC have taken theirs all around the world and back.

Dave Groshong · Dec 17, 2015

Occasionally you can find Hans Christian's in that price neighborhood, here's an Ebay auction now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NO-RESERVE-...id=100033&rk=1&rkt=4&mehot=pp&sd=201483626354

Jackdaw · Dec 17, 2015

Mike H. said:
I Love the Valiants. But they are out of our price range. You can find cheap ones, but they are the late 70 models that were built with the fire retardant fiberglass resin and have severe blistering problems. Those boats have had to be extensively rebuilt.

We have been looking at Babas, Polaris, Tashibas, Westsails, but, there again, out of our budget.

AH! When you said your budget was in the mid 40s and listed those boats, I mistakenly assumed you were talking about LENGTH! ;^)

Yes you'd have a hard time finding a decent V40 for that amount of cash.

How about a First 38. GREAT boats, fast, stiff and durable. Wait for one to come for sale in the states. Many of these have circumnavigated. Including this one.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1991/Beneteau-First-38-Centennial-2906241/Spain#.VnMQCUorIsk

Johnb · Dec 17, 2015

I chartered a Morgan Out Island 41 and yes it is built like a brick sh*thouse and meets all of your needs, but my HC 37 will sail rings around it, and that is also true for Calibers and many of the classic bluewater boats we dust in San Francisco Bay.
Lesson is to get a boat that will sail at as well as crush crabs or you will end up seriously frustrated.

SailormanDan · Dec 17, 2015

Smackdaddy posted this recently, an in-depth insight into why he bought a Hunter 40:
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/our-hunter-40.175327/&highlight=smackdaddy
I liked his writing style and it had lots to consider in it.

SailormanDan · Dec 17, 2015

Yes, the quality of it was refreshing considering how some these threads devolve.

Stu Jackson · Dec 17, 2015

You also couldn't go wrong with a Catalina 36 or 34 for your intended use. The Catalina 38 is a WAY OLD boat. If you meant a 380, you might want to look into the sailing characteristics vs. the condo size. A Catalina 42 of the right vintage, condition and price might be a tight squeeze on your budget. Finding a boat with an active owners association is also helpful, VERY helpful. Happy hunting.

Roland5048 · Dec 17, 2015

Probably preaching to the choir here but, remember that unless the boat is absolutely turn-key, you are going to spend at least 25% more getting her into the condition you can live with. Having spent the better part of thirty years in the charter business, I have sailed many 41 Morgan Out Islands. Great value for the money. Built like a tank. Many can be had for $40-50K. The tall rig 416 model sails and points well compared to earlier models. The 4 foot 2 inch draft is a real bonus here on the west coast of FL. and for the Keys and Bahamas. Haven't sailed the Richmond area so don't know if that is a concern. Keep us posted on how your search is coming.

Kings Gambit · Dec 17, 2015

Mike H. said:
We have been looking on line at C&C 38, Pearson 37, Tayana 37, Tartan 47, Morgan 38, Ericson 38, Down East 38, Catalina 38, Cal 39, Newport 41, Islander Freeport 36 & 41.

Of those you've listed for cruising California between San Francisco and San Diego, including the offshore islands, my rank order would be Tayana 37, Tartan 37, Cal 39, Pearson 37, Ericson 38, Morgan 38, C&C 38, Newport 41, Catalina 38, Down East 38, & the Islanders, but I've never sailed on the Newport 41, or near one that I was aware of it. However, being a Bavaria owner, if you can get a two-cabin version (instead of 3) of the Bav 38 or Bav 42 Ocean (CC), you should be golden, especially w/the 42 CC. I'd stick those somewhere between the Tartan 37 & the Ericson 38.

Kings Gambit · Dec 17, 2015

Mike H. said:
I agree with that sorting. The Bavarias are all in europe. But they are nice looking.

The principal west coast importer is in Vancouver. They are used in charter in Canada and elsewhere in the PNW along w/ Dufours, Beneteaus, Catalinas, and Hunters. At one time, there was "spur" in SFB. So, they're not all in Europe. When seeking advice one should consider its merit w/o such flippant, not to mention ignorant, responses. Upon reconsidering your budget constraint, I think a Morgan 38(2) or a Catalina 38 is a boat for you.

Morgan Out Island 41s of the '70s vintage are slow, not terribly attactive, and typically cannot go up wind well, especially in inexperienced hands. Good luck.

Roland5048 · Dec 17, 2015

Mike, didn't read your post close enough. When I saw Richmond in your info, I was thinking Va. and the Chesapeake area not Cal. Anyway, do take a look and a test drive, if you can, of the '41 OI. My thinking now is that the shoal draft, although full keel, with the roundish hull might be too rolly in the Pacific. I don't know, just my thoughts. Catalina bought the hull mold in about '85, lightened the displacement a bit but brought the draft to 4'10". Sails well and points higher than previous versions. They made these until the late eighties, I believe. They're affectionately(?) known as Morgalinas. I do agree wholeheartedly with the suggestions of other posters. My wallet has other ideas, however. Good luck.

Kings Gambit · Dec 17, 2015

Roland5048 said:
Mike, didn't read your post close enough. When I saw Richmond in your info, I was thinking Va. and the Chesapeake area not Cal. Anyway, do take a look and a test drive, if you can, of the '41 OI. My thinking now is that the shoal draft, although full keel, with the roundish hull might be too rolly in the Pacific. I don't know, just my thoughts. Catalina bought the hull mold in about '85, lightened the displacement a bit but brought the draft to 4'10". Sails well and points higher than previous versions. They made these until the late eighties, I believe. They're affectionately(?) known as Morgalinas. I do agree wholeheartedly with the suggestions of other posters. My wallet has other ideas, however. Good luck.

There's a "celebrity" one here in Santa Barbara Harbor.

http://www.sunsetkidd.com/about.html

Advice on choosing next boat

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