I'm an experienced sailor (Ocean) and I'm looking for a sailboat (27'-33') that can handle the Northeast climate and often rough seas. I'm not going to be doing any racing, but will likely be in shallow waters, so a little draft is preferable. What do people have and why is one manufacturer better than another? Thanks, Dave
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OK. I'll bite
The 1975-94 Hunter 27 design by John Cherubini has a lot to recommend it: - Sea friendly design that offers a dry and comfortable ride for a 27 footer. - Sea worthy design with a capsize ratio of 1.93. - Shoal draft keel at 3 1/4 feet gives you great gunkholing. - 6 feet of head room in the main cabin. - Good cruising performance except going to windward (due to foresail sheets outside the stays and especially the shoal keel) . But cracked off to 60 degrees off the true wind or more, it's a real mover. - Good accommodation for a couple, and we have cruised a week with 4 friendly adults. - Simple systems mean minimal maintenance load once age related problems are behind you. - at $9 to $13 thousand, the price is right. - OK, I like her looks. I don't see a lot to recommend one manufacturer over another, especially in the classic plastic category. Do check the reviews of this and the other 27-33 footers on this site. David Lady Lillie
The 1975-94 Hunter 27 design by John Cherubini has a lot to recommend it: - Sea friendly design that offers a dry and comfortable ride for a 27 footer. - Sea worthy design with a capsize ratio of 1.93. - Shoal draft keel at 3 1/4 feet gives you great gunkholing. - 6 feet of head room in the main cabin. - Good cruising performance except going to windward (due to foresail sheets outside the stays and especially the shoal keel) . But cracked off to 60 degrees off the true wind or more, it's a real mover. - Good accommodation for a couple, and we have cruised a week with 4 friendly adults. - Simple systems mean minimal maintenance load once age related problems are behind you. - at $9 to $13 thousand, the price is right. - OK, I like her looks. I don't see a lot to recommend one manufacturer over another, especially in the classic plastic category. Do check the reviews of this and the other 27-33 footers on this site. David Lady Lillie
I would second David's recommendation
I have a 1981 H-27. All I would to add is that on the newer models I looked at I did not like the interior as well as my old 81. Its not a speed demon but its seaworthy, comfortable and a lot of fun.
I have a 1981 H-27. All I would to add is that on the newer models I looked at I did not like the interior as well as my old 81. Its not a speed demon but its seaworthy, comfortable and a lot of fun.
Morgan 323
I just purchased a Catalina 36 since we need more room for grandkids, etc. I am reluctantly getting rid of my 1984 Morgan 323. She is a sturdy boat, well built, traditional interior with lots of teak, shoal draft ( 4' 5"), skeg rudder,can definitely handle rough seas, and has a Perkins 40 h.p. diesel. You should check out a Morgan 323. It sounds like it would meet your needs.
I just purchased a Catalina 36 since we need more room for grandkids, etc. I am reluctantly getting rid of my 1984 Morgan 323. She is a sturdy boat, well built, traditional interior with lots of teak, shoal draft ( 4' 5"), skeg rudder,can definitely handle rough seas, and has a Perkins 40 h.p. diesel. You should check out a Morgan 323. It sounds like it would meet your needs.
Boat
I recommend an Allied Seawind Ketch. About 32 feet plus a bow sprit. Boat is built like a tank and full keel gives shallow draft. Very big motor, only drawback might be the mizzen mast is in front of the companionway. Good deals available on them if you can find one. I looked at one before buying my O'Day 35, I didn't want the ketch rig but the boat is rock solid. Dave
I recommend an Allied Seawind Ketch. About 32 feet plus a bow sprit. Boat is built like a tank and full keel gives shallow draft. Very big motor, only drawback might be the mizzen mast is in front of the companionway. Good deals available on them if you can find one. I looked at one before buying my O'Day 35, I didn't want the ketch rig but the boat is rock solid. Dave
Some Suggestions
Pearson 26 70s vintage -- a known performer, reasonably comfortable -- under $6000 O'Day 27 -- great performer, 6' headroom, cpmfortable/roomy cruiser, usually inboard, under $10000 (avoid the later model 272) Catalina 30 -- very roomy boat for a 30, although I can't speak for its performance.
Pearson 26 70s vintage -- a known performer, reasonably comfortable -- under $6000 O'Day 27 -- great performer, 6' headroom, cpmfortable/roomy cruiser, usually inboard, under $10000 (avoid the later model 272) Catalina 30 -- very roomy boat for a 30, although I can't speak for its performance.
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