good old boat?

[Bob J.]

We've been looking at early 80 vintage boats that won't break the bank.

We're not doing any trans atlantic crossings, looking for a coastal cruiser / floating condo.

I've come across an Allmand 31 in my neck of the woods. They seem to be set up for comfort, have more tankage & displacement that the other 30 footers we've looked at.
Also have looked at Irwin Citations. I know Irwin has a negative rep but are they really that bad?

Any feedback from the experienced sailors out there would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
Bob

 

[Terry411]

There is a write-up on the allmand 31 in Cruising World oct 2010 some things to look for it has a outward turned deck flange and internal iron ballast so if keel took a hit it will cause problems. If you don't mind smack talk about your boat it's hard to beat price ,amount of boats for sale of the Hunter Cherubini boats 70's-early 80's.

 

[Ross]

A boat built in 1980 and still floating can't be all bad! Some people don't stay above ground that long. granite and boats is never a good mix so the prudent mariner keeps them separated. The search can get you a very good boat or a lot of trouble. Look for signs of deterioration in the hard to see corners, Don't be deceived by a new coat of paint and varnish. Smell of the boat, lift the hatches and cushions and sniff the spaces.

 

[JoeWhite]

I spent a year and learned a lot - then made may choice. Take your time. What type of sailing do you enjoy. What features you would like to have. The age of the boat is not a problem. It is not like a car that it is worn out. If the owners have taken a good care of it - the age does not matter. Start with a small one - no less that 25' then grow to 35 and larger. Have fun.

 

[zeehag]

only way to make sure you like the way a boat sails is to sail one. i sailed an irwin aft cockpit model 37 south from avalon to oceanside--a 19 hour trip. was the day after a storm in an el nino year-- 1994-- and the seas were kinda biggish, and winds were nice -- boat should have sailed nicely instead she only wanted to broach. was quite a handful. they make great live aboards but i will never sail another irwin. some folks like the way they sail-- only you know if that is the case--not until you sail one. i prefer the 1970's boats-- they are tough and solid. 1960s are even better. no blisters....but the euro look disigns didnt come out until the 1980s. do sail as many different boats as you are able to sail--is the best way to figure out what it is you really what in a sailboat.

 

[higgs]

I would consider an Endeavor 32 or an Irwin 32. same boat, but Endeavor is probably better quality.

 

[NYSail]

Love my Pearson 1986 P36-2. Roomy, sails nice and well made. Cals are also a great boat

 

[Bob J.]

Thanks for the info & advice everyone.

I spent some time searching Allmands on a couple of other sites yesterday pm, I'm crossing that boat off the list.....

I'm pass the buy small & go larger later stage of my life, getting to dam old. Did that w/ power boats so I want to get it right the 1st time on a sailboat. I want to get a boat in the 30-34' range so I can sail it solo & not have to rely on a crew. I'm going into an older boat knowing that I'll have to throw money into but that can be done over the next several years. The important thing is to find & get the boat by spring.

Thanks again,
Bob

 

[higgs]

Where you plan to go with the boat is critical in deciding which boat to get.