I currently own a 260 that my wife and I split with another couple. The four of us are planning to order a new 410 within the next several weeks and are currently trying to decide on options. Firstly, we are trying to decide if we should order the tri-cabin option. Does anyone out there have a tri-cabin 410? Our dealer here in Toronto has never sold a 410 tri-cabin and therefore cannot even offer show us one. If you have a tri-cabin, do you wish you didn't? Conversely, if you have the standard cabin layout, do you wish that you had the third cabin? I'm looking for opinions as we can't seem to make up our minds. Secondly, can anyone explain the pluses and minuses of standard vs. vacuflush vs. eco-flush heads? Is there more maintenance with one over another? To be honest, we are considering the head upgrade to avoid having to explain the workings of the head to our non-sailing guests. Thirdly, are there any options which I absolutely should buy with the boat? We are already firm on In-mast Furling, Spinnaker Winches & Gear, Autohelm, 100amp Alternator and three-bladed prop. The only thing I wish I could have is some kind of diesel heating system. Thank-you in advance for your help.
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cabins
tom, we had test-sailed a tri-cabin 410 and ended up ordering the two cabin version without ever having seen one. The aft cabins were pretty small in the tri-cabin version. We are thrilled with the single aft cabin. The bed is huge and the cabin is spacious and, best of all, the cross ventillation is superb for an aft-cockpit boat. Something to think about if you're planning to head for warm water at some point. By the way, my 410 is equiped exactly as you've described your "firm" options, plus the diesel heater. You'll be getting a well-mannered, user friendly boat. One thing you may want to think about when ordering is NOT getting the OEM sails, not even the charter-grade upgrade, which is what we bought. They're made in Hong Kong, which means they use a real cheap, stretchy Dacron, which means they won't last more than a few years heavy use before losing their shape.
tom, we had test-sailed a tri-cabin 410 and ended up ordering the two cabin version without ever having seen one. The aft cabins were pretty small in the tri-cabin version. We are thrilled with the single aft cabin. The bed is huge and the cabin is spacious and, best of all, the cross ventillation is superb for an aft-cockpit boat. Something to think about if you're planning to head for warm water at some point. By the way, my 410 is equiped exactly as you've described your "firm" options, plus the diesel heater. You'll be getting a well-mannered, user friendly boat. One thing you may want to think about when ordering is NOT getting the OEM sails, not even the charter-grade upgrade, which is what we bought. They're made in Hong Kong, which means they use a real cheap, stretchy Dacron, which means they won't last more than a few years heavy use before losing their shape.
h410 options
Agree with John on most points. I have the 2 cabin (2000) model. I did not like the 3 cabin layout much in this boat or the others I considered. The aft cabin on my boat is huge and I love it. I admit if there were two couple-owners this might cause problems deciding who gets it. I do think the forward cabin is a little small for most couples- for us it is where the kids sleep. The main cabin is quite comfortable. Other suggestions: Must have roller furling main, unless you are a serious racer- works great, I single hand the boat easily (and frequently) Also must have Autohelm and windlass. Our boat came with air conditioning (which includes heat)- it was the boat show boat or I would not have ordered it but it is wonderful if you send time at a slip. Works great- digital thermostat controlled. I had a local canvasmaker make a Dodger- think they did a better job than factory. Do not yet have a spinnaker, but plan to add a cruising spinnaker by Spring- had one my last boat (h 33.5) and loved it. Have no opinion re: heads- have the basic ones, they work. Did not opt for 3 blade prop but I think under power the boat is very fast already- about 7.5 kts at 2500 rpm when the bottom is clean. You are going to enjoy this boat! s/v Breathless
Agree with John on most points. I have the 2 cabin (2000) model. I did not like the 3 cabin layout much in this boat or the others I considered. The aft cabin on my boat is huge and I love it. I admit if there were two couple-owners this might cause problems deciding who gets it. I do think the forward cabin is a little small for most couples- for us it is where the kids sleep. The main cabin is quite comfortable. Other suggestions: Must have roller furling main, unless you are a serious racer- works great, I single hand the boat easily (and frequently) Also must have Autohelm and windlass. Our boat came with air conditioning (which includes heat)- it was the boat show boat or I would not have ordered it but it is wonderful if you send time at a slip. Works great- digital thermostat controlled. I had a local canvasmaker make a Dodger- think they did a better job than factory. Do not yet have a spinnaker, but plan to add a cruising spinnaker by Spring- had one my last boat (h 33.5) and loved it. Have no opinion re: heads- have the basic ones, they work. Did not opt for 3 blade prop but I think under power the boat is very fast already- about 7.5 kts at 2500 rpm when the bottom is clean. You are going to enjoy this boat! s/v Breathless
Tri-cabin
We have a tri-cabing 40.5 (1994). The aft cabins are obviously smaller than the two cabin boat, but it also means a third couple can be on board and no one uses the salon. I sail quite a bit without my wife and again it is nice having more cabin space for all male crew. Bill
We have a tri-cabing 40.5 (1994). The aft cabins are obviously smaller than the two cabin boat, but it also means a third couple can be on board and no one uses the salon. I sail quite a bit without my wife and again it is nice having more cabin space for all male crew. Bill
vacu flush heads
I am local to you. If you like, contact me by email. We can then talk about your new boat and what we did with our recent purchase. I have 2 vacu flush heads and no regrets wfeldstein@home.com
I am local to you. If you like, contact me by email. We can then talk about your new boat and what we did with our recent purchase. I have 2 vacu flush heads and no regrets wfeldstein@home.com
Head options
If the boat were already in dealer stock equipped with VacuFlush toilets, AND you're a shrewd enough negotiator to knock about 50% off the price of 'em, I'd say great, go for it. I have VacuFlush on my own boat...they're fine toilets. However, you can have all the advantages of VacuFlush--no brainer to flush (just push the touch pad on the wall), as little as a quart of water per flush, with half the power consumption of a VacuFlush--in an electric macerating toilet with the fresh water solenoid option for about half the price of VacuFlush.
If the boat were already in dealer stock equipped with VacuFlush toilets, AND you're a shrewd enough negotiator to knock about 50% off the price of 'em, I'd say great, go for it. I have VacuFlush on my own boat...they're fine toilets. However, you can have all the advantages of VacuFlush--no brainer to flush (just push the touch pad on the wall), as little as a quart of water per flush, with half the power consumption of a VacuFlush--in an electric macerating toilet with the fresh water solenoid option for about half the price of VacuFlush.
Tri Cabin 410
Last May, we chartered a h410 in the BVI's from Sunsail. It had 3 cabins and was right at that time as we had 2 couples on board and one additional person. The forward cabin was just right for us. The drawers under the bunk were really nice. If I were ordering the boat new, I would get the 2 cabin version for the reasons stated in the earlier posts in this thread unless you regularly wanted to have 3 couples on board. It was a nice boat ! Wayne, s/v Wind Drift h340
Last May, we chartered a h410 in the BVI's from Sunsail. It had 3 cabins and was right at that time as we had 2 couples on board and one additional person. The forward cabin was just right for us. The drawers under the bunk were really nice. If I were ordering the boat new, I would get the 2 cabin version for the reasons stated in the earlier posts in this thread unless you regularly wanted to have 3 couples on board. It was a nice boat ! Wayne, s/v Wind Drift h340
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