First Sailboat

[Cherrnkind]

I have been an offshore power boater for 20+ years but did some sailing in my early 20,s and loved it and always wanted own one later in life. Well here I am and I am fired up to start a sailing adventure with my family. We have done some sailing recently and all 4 of us (wife 2 pre teen girls and myself) love it. I have been looking a boats for a couple months and just not sure what would be the best. I would rather just start with the right one as apposed to moving up. I have good seamanship and navigation skills with power boats to 40ft. We would like to start with day trips and weekend trips but eventually sail from east coast florida down the bahamas. Here are a few boats I have looked at and would appreciate any opinions: Morgan I/O 33 sloop, Soverel 36-2 sloop, Bristol 34 sloop and Pearson 36 sloop. Any input appreciated.

 

[ITMaster]

Both the Bristol and the Pearson are fairly decent boats, and can be sailed fairly fast once you get to know them. I have known owners of several of them. I would prefer the Bristol over the Pearson for the cabin layout, doesn't seem as cramped to me. Since the decking of the Pearson is balsa cored, you want to look really close to make sure it is dry and hasn't gotten water into the core which could get expensive to correct. These are the only boats that you mention that I known someone that had owned them and sailed them. I had a good friend that had a Morgan Out Islander 41 Ketch rig center cockpit that was an awesome boat, but really slow; she was heavy and beamy but would move the waves aside and give you a nice slow rider where you were going.

Just take the time to find one in decent shape that you don't have to do a lot of restoration work on, since you may put more work and money in it than you will get back out when you step up. Good luck

 

[Cherrnkind]

ITMaster Thank you for your input.

 

[NYSail]

I have a Pearson 1986 P36-2... this model has a great layout and is a superior interior over the earlier Pearson 36. I also have a shoal keel with a centerboard which I have grown to love as I can get into all sorts of nice places. Boat sail real nice, points well with the board up with a bit more traction with the board down and is a great cruising boat. Most boats have a balsa cored deck.... or plywood, but both eventually rot if the water gets in. I had some water damage to the deck and had the price of the boat adjusted accordingly to get the entire deck redone with nidacore.... After the work was done, my cost was less than other P36-2's were selling for so I feel real good about it. It is a boat I will have for a long time!

Any questions regarding the P36-2 ask... many happy owners

Good Luck
Greg

 

[Ross]

There are more kinds of boats than there are cars. They all have their advantages and their deficits. You simply have to find the balance that will work for you and the women in your life.
All boats are good some are much better. Fast doesn't mean spartan inside and luxurious inside doesn't mean slow.
I would make lists of the features that are important to you and important to your wife and daughters. somewhere you will be able to find a boat with which everyone will be satisfied.

 

[higgs]

the Morgan O/I series are supposed to be nice cruisers, but expect to motor a lot as they are reportedly poor sailing boats. The Endeavor 37 would be a candidate for me for your purposes. Well built, slow, but a good deal of room.

 

[Cherrnkind]

Thanks to all for your input. My search continues.

 

[Hermit Scott]

One very important thing to me is the shoal keel. They say it is important in the Bahamas as well. Also as mentioned, I would be very careful about who surveys and that moisture readings are done correctly. I had a neighbor that just sold his Canadian Sailcraft 40. Great condition and in your range of boat.

 

[Ol Dave]

Not all Morgans are the same. Just like all Chevys are not the same, i.e. a Malibu is not a Corvette. Don't overlook the Morgan 38s designed by Ted Brewer. In the the same vein, there is more than one type of 36 ft Pearson. The P36 is more a race boat and the 365 designed by Bill Shaw is a cruiser.

 

[Cherrnkind]

Ol Dave you are the second person today that mentioned the Morgan 38. I was talking to someone today that said it was one of his favorite boats and he has been sailing a long time. Thanks for the comment. I'll be looking around for one to check out.

 

[Prime Time]

I'm biased but....

I'm very biased towards Bristols. Excellent designs, much better than average construction for production boats and a classic look. That said, the boats that you have mentioned all have good reputations.

I have sailed hunters, catalinas, pearsons, tartans, odays, tanzers, cals, ericsons, J-24s,J-29s, morgans, beneteaus, and a bunch of dinghies.

All boats are a series of compromises.

Level of construction vs. a price point
Design goals in terms of racing vs. cruising (taking a hull more oriented to racing around the buoys offshore can be very uncomfortable)
Cockpit space vs. Cabin space
Multiple complex systems vs. cheap simplicity

You might consider looking at keel/centerboards for the shallow water you are looking to cruise. The Bristol centerboard designs are great for shallow water and are also blue water boats with great track records.

Take a look at the Bristol 35.5

Practical Sailor is a great source of used sailboat reviews

So are Jack Horner's reviews on Boat US.

With any good old boat, condition is everything!

 

[Cherrnkind]

Well I appreciate all the input. I found a boat this past week and it ended up not one of the ones on my short list. I am now the very proud owner of a Morgan 41 centerboard classic. She is the most beautiful boat I've ever seen! I sailed her home today!

 

[Kermit]

Congratulations! Pictures, man! We want pictures!

 

[Cherrnkind]

This was her today as I sailed her to her new home.

 

[Cherrnkind]

This is her. Named her "Spiritus" Latin for breath as in life.

 

[Kermit]

That's a proud Papa at the helm for sure!

 

[gpd955]

Beautiful! I was trying to find her on Yachtworld to try to get a sneak preview last night but there were a bunch from the Fla area which could have been yours.

I hope you and your family get everything you want out of her!

 

[Cherrnkind]

I found her on Craigslist. Her are more pics.

 

[Indysailor]

Beautiful lines. Keep us posted on how things go; one thing I really appreciate about this board is reading what people are doing to their new, new to them and not so new babies.

 

[Benjmin]

Take pictures of the inside please. You have a beautiful boat!