Does anyone have any thoughts good or bad on a Helms 27, also if you own one of these boats or no alot about them is there any problem areas that I should look at extra careful. Thanks
Help a Nubie find a boat
- Thread starter grtsct
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Hi grtsct, this is a self-serving post, but I offer this suggestion honestly. Consider a Grampian 30 or 34 (I happen to be selling a Grampian 34: www.elysian.ca). They are solid, capable, cruising boats. Not fancy, but will take you just about anywhere in comfort and (in the case of the ketch), style.
They are kind of pricy, but if you can find an Island Packet in your price range, they are built really solidly and have full length molded-in keels. Many (not sure about the older ones) have rack and pinion steering, not cables. It can be kind of tough to back down a full length keel, though, compared to a fin keel. I know someone who has a IP 48 and previously had a 43 and installed a bow thruster in each.
Benny suggested making a must have contrasted with would like. Does anyone know of a web site that can parse all that data and then spit out recommendations?
Dave
Dave
I recommend a pocket cruiser in the 25-28 foot range for a first sailboat. As soon as you hit 30 ft, the price shoots up. Check every local marina (particularly the sailboat dominant ones) for unlisted gems.
At my boatyard, there is what we like to call, the row of broken dreams. Some rather nice older boats are just setting there, fully equipped and ready to sail, waiting for a nice couple to love them.
At my boatyard, there is what we like to call, the row of broken dreams. Some rather nice older boats are just setting there, fully equipped and ready to sail, waiting for a nice couple to love them.
what to buy my 2c
Theres been a lot of commentary of what to buy but im gonna talk about what not to buy
There are plenty of good boats out there in your price range Pearson`s Bristol`s Ericson`s ect
You might find a good one. BUT dont make the mistake of buying a boat with an Atomic 4
an engine thats been obsolete for over 30 years I had an Alberg 30 in the early 70`s it was a well built sailer with a nice motion It had an Atomic 4 in it The engine sat over the bilge and
after a sail on a breezy day what ever water was in the bilge splashed on the carburetor and plugs and the engine wouldnt start period JUst when I needed it It always let me down I finally hauled it up on deck with a come along and deep sixed it. Now I know there are people out there that swear by them. Trust me they are all top notch ignition men.
Theres been a lot of commentary of what to buy but im gonna talk about what not to buy
There are plenty of good boats out there in your price range Pearson`s Bristol`s Ericson`s ect
You might find a good one. BUT dont make the mistake of buying a boat with an Atomic 4
an engine thats been obsolete for over 30 years I had an Alberg 30 in the early 70`s it was a well built sailer with a nice motion It had an Atomic 4 in it The engine sat over the bilge and
after a sail on a breezy day what ever water was in the bilge splashed on the carburetor and plugs and the engine wouldnt start period JUst when I needed it It always let me down I finally hauled it up on deck with a come along and deep sixed it. Now I know there are people out there that swear by them. Trust me they are all top notch ignition men.
My son sailed on a Cal 30 last week and commented on how fast it was and very little heel. Of course he used to our little hunter with worn out sails. He said it seemed like a nice boat though.
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