When is it time to trade up to a bigger boat? When your boat starts to feel too small? When it develops nagging maintenance problems and requires frequent repairs? When you fall in love with a newer, bigger model? Or just because you can? Is bigger truly better? Share you big ideas here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Bigger or newer?
Sorry if this is slightly off-topic, but we are happy with the size of our current boat, but are wondering if it's time to get newer. The issue is a bit more complicated, since our boat's no longer in production (a 35.5) and the closest production Hunter in size is either 340 or 380. We love the current boat, and being rational, level headed sailors
of course we'd opt for bigger. Here's the rub. Other than the "newness" appeal, is there a long-term financial reason for trading in and buying newer (not necessarily brand-new)? -Rich
Sorry if this is slightly off-topic, but we are happy with the size of our current boat, but are wondering if it's time to get newer. The issue is a bit more complicated, since our boat's no longer in production (a 35.5) and the closest production Hunter in size is either 340 or 380. We love the current boat, and being rational, level headed sailors
of course we'd opt for bigger. Here's the rub. Other than the "newness" appeal, is there a long-term financial reason for trading in and buying newer (not necessarily brand-new)? -RichWent up for space and stability...
We needed more room compared to our H23 so bought an S2 Center Cockpit. The boat has excellent interior space utilization. A second plus from the bigger boat is it's seaworthiness. The boat pushes 6 tons, which has a claming effect (at the expense of performance of course). We are keeping the 23 as it's more of a pure sailing experience. As for buying new, when we were shopping, we looked at new Hunters and Catalinas. The newbee's are bright and shiney but not worth the extra $70-100 thousand. A well-maintained, solidly constructed, older boat gives up nothing to a new boat, is half the cost and has little to no depreciation. With a new boat, you lose about half the value in the 1st 5 years. My opinion. Greg H23 Faster- S2 9.2C Impulsive
We needed more room compared to our H23 so bought an S2 Center Cockpit. The boat has excellent interior space utilization. A second plus from the bigger boat is it's seaworthiness. The boat pushes 6 tons, which has a claming effect (at the expense of performance of course). We are keeping the 23 as it's more of a pure sailing experience. As for buying new, when we were shopping, we looked at new Hunters and Catalinas. The newbee's are bright and shiney but not worth the extra $70-100 thousand. A well-maintained, solidly constructed, older boat gives up nothing to a new boat, is half the cost and has little to no depreciation. With a new boat, you lose about half the value in the 1st 5 years. My opinion. Greg H23 Faster- S2 9.2C Impulsive
what's your type of sailing
I've gone up and done in boat size, depending on the type of sailing I was doing in that period. I tell friends interested in buying a boat to get one that suits the sailing they actually do, not what they think they might do in 15 years. I'm a coastal cruiser who does some short hops of 150-300 miles so my 81 H33 works great for us. I dont need a blue-water cruiser, I dont do that type of sailing. If you want to sail around the globe than get a boat that will take you there safely, if your a daysailer with dreams than day-sail until your ready to make your dreams a reality. So many people waste huge amounts of money on a boat they cant afford thinking someday they might sail to some far away place on it.
I've gone up and done in boat size, depending on the type of sailing I was doing in that period. I tell friends interested in buying a boat to get one that suits the sailing they actually do, not what they think they might do in 15 years. I'm a coastal cruiser who does some short hops of 150-300 miles so my 81 H33 works great for us. I dont need a blue-water cruiser, I dont do that type of sailing. If you want to sail around the globe than get a boat that will take you there safely, if your a daysailer with dreams than day-sail until your ready to make your dreams a reality. So many people waste huge amounts of money on a boat they cant afford thinking someday they might sail to some far away place on it.
Buying a more expensive boat is never economical
You spend money on a boat because you love it. Not because you expect a return. Don't let any fast-talking salesman convince you otherwise.
You spend money on a boat because you love it. Not because you expect a return. Don't let any fast-talking salesman convince you otherwise.
3 feet more
I've suffered from the "3-feet-more-decease" the past 20 years and now I'm back to basics. I started with a 26 foot IF, for fun a 30 foot Ballad to be able to stand up a 33 foot Maxi with a big family a 40 foot Lady Helmsman for the beauty a 26 foot Hunter for fun - again. During the years I've developed my taste and technique and now I don't have to be jealous watching the big ones pass me (and I don't have to bring the Johnson family every second weekend either). Now I go out there just for the fun of it and with the comfortable Hunter 26 I can just enjoy sailing, enter those small nature-harbours all by myself (with the keel up) or bring a guest or two, still with a very good comfort. That suits me perfectly Toomas
I've suffered from the "3-feet-more-decease" the past 20 years and now I'm back to basics. I started with a 26 foot IF, for fun a 30 foot Ballad to be able to stand up a 33 foot Maxi with a big family a 40 foot Lady Helmsman for the beauty a 26 foot Hunter for fun - again. During the years I've developed my taste and technique and now I don't have to be jealous watching the big ones pass me (and I don't have to bring the Johnson family every second weekend either). Now I go out there just for the fun of it and with the comfortable Hunter 26 I can just enjoy sailing, enter those small nature-harbours all by myself (with the keel up) or bring a guest or two, still with a very good comfort. That suits me perfectly Toomas
Move'n on up
Just moved up from a 23.5 to a new 320. We started taking longer trips and staying out for weeks. It's nice to be able to stand up in the cabin. Thinking about the Bahamas now. Kent s/v Giggles
Just moved up from a 23.5 to a new 320. We started taking longer trips and staying out for weeks. It's nice to be able to stand up in the cabin. Thinking about the Bahamas now. Kent s/v Giggles
1981 Hunter 27 to 2001 Hunter 380!
Yep Two summers on the Chesapeake and seven to go until retirement with good job security meant trade up, sail further from home, practice in blue water, and start preparing for the Bahamas, Bermuda, and points yet unnamed by 2010! Thought we'd start in the middle with the 380 and see what we'll be looking for in seven to ten years. Trade up!
Yep Two summers on the Chesapeake and seven to go until retirement with good job security meant trade up, sail further from home, practice in blue water, and start preparing for the Bahamas, Bermuda, and points yet unnamed by 2010! Thought we'd start in the middle with the 380 and see what we'll be looking for in seven to ten years. Trade up!
the dilema
We purchased a 290 a couple of months ago and have started to realize that for the amount of time that we spend on her (every weekend) - that there is not enough space or amentities for us. the major questions for us is ... do we trade now or wait ... input please. Marian PS. Hi Kent - say hi to Angela - we will see you this weekend!!
We purchased a 290 a couple of months ago and have started to realize that for the amount of time that we spend on her (every weekend) - that there is not enough space or amentities for us. the major questions for us is ... do we trade now or wait ... input please. Marian PS. Hi Kent - say hi to Angela - we will see you this weekend!!
Oh Marian
Anyone read "Mickey's Little Boat" (as in in Mickey Mouse. He goes through big boat disease to the point that he can no longer sail with his trusted first mate (Goofy?) He trades back for his little boat for just Goofy and him. but...So, what would you sell that too little boat for?
Anyone read "Mickey's Little Boat" (as in in Mickey Mouse. He goes through big boat disease to the point that he can no longer sail with his trusted first mate (Goofy?) He trades back for his little boat for just Goofy and him. but...So, what would you sell that too little boat for?
Bigger Is Better
Well we were looking for something a little larger like going from a 31' to a 35.5'. I couldn't find any 35's with a fin Keel " I still like to race and win". I happened onto a 45' Legend, that was going back to the bank. We had to hurry couldn't do sea trails our hardly survey the boat. That alone talk much to the wife. Well----- she wasn't happy with me in Febuary---- But was warming up real nice in June & July, now wants to know the how late we can leave it in the water this year before they stop pulling boats. Also this boat is fast. We won the Summer & Fall series races, took 3rd in Spring. Won Two distance regattas Actual & Handicap. Aganist Boats like C&C's, Tripp 40'S, Jboats & etc. Yea bigger is good!
Well we were looking for something a little larger like going from a 31' to a 35.5'. I couldn't find any 35's with a fin Keel " I still like to race and win". I happened onto a 45' Legend, that was going back to the bank. We had to hurry couldn't do sea trails our hardly survey the boat. That alone talk much to the wife. Well----- she wasn't happy with me in Febuary---- But was warming up real nice in June & July, now wants to know the how late we can leave it in the water this year before they stop pulling boats. Also this boat is fast. We won the Summer & Fall series races, took 3rd in Spring. Won Two distance regattas Actual & Handicap. Aganist Boats like C&C's, Tripp 40'S, Jboats & etc. Yea bigger is good!
Marian
Angela and I plan to retire on Giggles within two years. We talked to a lot of liveaboard cruisers and most of them said don't go under 30 or over 40. We chose the 320 as our boat based on what felt right for us. We looked at a lot of used 30 to 40 footers for over a year before decideing to buy Giggles. Our choice is based on our research, likes, and personal habits. We know of some folks living on 23 foot boats others on 50's. All of them are happy to be out cruising. Just like most things, boats are a compromise. When you find the boat that fits, you somehow just know it's right. That's the way it was with my 12ft, 17ft, 24ft, and now the 32ft. But there's this 380 just down the dock that.....;>) Sea Ya this weekend Kent s/v "Giggles"
Angela and I plan to retire on Giggles within two years. We talked to a lot of liveaboard cruisers and most of them said don't go under 30 or over 40. We chose the 320 as our boat based on what felt right for us. We looked at a lot of used 30 to 40 footers for over a year before decideing to buy Giggles. Our choice is based on our research, likes, and personal habits. We know of some folks living on 23 foot boats others on 50's. All of them are happy to be out cruising. Just like most things, boats are a compromise. When you find the boat that fits, you somehow just know it's right. That's the way it was with my 12ft, 17ft, 24ft, and now the 32ft. But there's this 380 just down the dock that.....;>) Sea Ya this weekend Kent s/v "Giggles"
Steve Dion is right
The first mate rules! However,it should be combined with the cratering of the dot com market or during a general economic recession. This will swamp the used boat market with slightly (or never) used yachts at greatly depreciated prices.
The first mate rules! However,it should be combined with the cratering of the dot com market or during a general economic recession. This will swamp the used boat market with slightly (or never) used yachts at greatly depreciated prices.
Most likely a move soon...
Thanks for the input - we may end up with the 340 - has everything we need and want - sailed her this weekend and loved her! The 380 is too big for us at this point - very intimidating looking forward from the cockpit! In response to Andy - our dealer has agreed to give us what we paid for our 290 - we got an awesome deal - thanks to my first mate! Kent - sea you this coming weekend - let's all have drinks at the pavilion Saturday night!
Thanks for the input - we may end up with the 340 - has everything we need and want - sailed her this weekend and loved her! The 380 is too big for us at this point - very intimidating looking forward from the cockpit! In response to Andy - our dealer has agreed to give us what we paid for our 290 - we got an awesome deal - thanks to my first mate! Kent - sea you this coming weekend - let's all have drinks at the pavilion Saturday night!
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 10/15/2000: It's time to trade up when... 45% Because you can (109) 36% Boat's too small (88) 06% Boat's too old (15) 05% Never (14)
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 10/15/2000: It's time to trade up when... 45% Because you can (109) 36% Boat's too small (88) 06% Boat's too old (15) 05% Never (14)
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