Cruise 44.7 and 40.7...Would You?

[Robert + Cynthia]

Two years ago we sold our 36.7. We raced her and now are thinking of the next boat. We will be retiring in the next 3 years and were wondering about cruising (Carribean + beyond). My wife and I like the look of both 40.7 and also the 44.7. They both have more room below than our previous 36.7, especially the 44.7. They sail fast and that could be good if we had to run from bad weather. Most of the sailing would be double handed.Any comments about these boat would be appreciated. Thank youRobert and Cynthia

 

[Paul D.]

In a heartbeat

Robert, I wouldn't turn either down. A proper Galley that a cook can wedge into, a head near the companionway for foul weather gear, a rear cabin, fast upwind or downwind an integral grid system to distribute loads, a furling headsail and some sort of quick reefing mechanism for the main. The boat has all the proper ratios regarding capsize stability etc. Farr design, what else. Double handed shouldn't be a problem with a furling headsail and a quick reef system; just keep the speed down so as not to have an exciting broach!Bon Voyage!Paul

 

[larry w]

I have an OC400 and while

I like it well enough, there are a few things I would change. For starters, it only has a 40g fuel capacity, not nearly enough for cruising. 80 would be better, 100 would be ideal. There's two heads, but they each have a tiny 12g holding tank, way too small. We don't even use the aft head, it's more of a storage locker. The masthead rig with furling main with a 155 furling genny is not the most ideal cruising rig either. The boats were designed for charter work in the tropics so there's a lot of room below and the galley is great, but as a cruising boat, it leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[Randy]

best of both worlds

I own a First 42 and have been on the water for 4 years now, The wife loves the lay-out very large inside for the two of us. turned the forward head into a water closet, (watermaker) And the boat is fast, damn fast.. the faster she runs the more comfortable she becomes.. and the boat is stiff, easy to handle for the two of us and runs like it was on tracks... and best of all, there are a good number of them out there in really good condition at a fair price.......