First 38 - seaworthiness

[windsmaker]

Hi, I'm new to this site, and would appreciate some help. I considering purchase of a early 80's model First 38 and looking for comments. I was told that the Beneteau may be not suited for blue water sailing. I'm considering the Ericson 38 also. How do these compare?  Are there concerns I should be aware with the First 38? Thanks

 

[Tim]

One's been around the word

I seem to recall a story of a First 38 that has been around the world and did fine. FWIW, I owned a 1983 First 32 at one time and it was pretty stout in terms of standing rigging, etc. I don't think you could go wrong with an early 80's Benny for blue water as long as you inspect/replace stuff with blue water in mind. I'm sure there will be those who reply that they wouldn't go blue water unless in an Island Packet or something, but if you don't have 100's of 1000's of $$ to spend, the Benny or the Erickson (esp if its a Pacific Seacraft Erickson) would do just fine.Fair winds,Tim

 

[Tim]

I found the story

From Blue Water Sailing, April 2000...http://www.nealalexander.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/ben38.pdf.

 

[Tim]

I found the story

From Blue Water Sailing, April 2000...http://www.nealalexander.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/ben38.pdf.

 

[Tim]

Ok, 2nd try

www.nealalexander.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/ben38.pdf

 

[Tim]

Ok, 2nd try

www.nealalexander.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/ben38.pdf