sport utility sailboats (SUS)

[gmeyerga]

Just got back from Annapolis and was struck by the dearth of
boats on display in the 27-32 foot range. Couple of dealers
showing larger boats said the builders can't make money with
the smaller models and suggested I look at European makes.
Looks like our builders took their cue from Detroit.

 

[CalebD]

There are plenty of used boats in that size range for sale out there at much lower prices then the mfr's can compete with.
Beneteau makes (made) some boats in that size range. I just don't know if they still are.
The price differential between new and used sailboats will be huge.

 

[Paul Mermelstein]

There is a ton of boats out there in that size. Many recent (but not brand new) models are listed on Yachtworld.com. Also, Beneteau and others still make new 32 ft boats.

 

[Ron20324]

Just got back from Annapolis and ...
Looks like our builders took their cue from Detroit.

I had a 1992 B23-5, and that was the last year made. 5 or so years later I went to buy a B28-1. No longer made. There just was not enough profit to warrant making them. Now, they dropped the 323 line to a 31 and it's not as nice. They are doing what they can to save money- and keep it affordable for the lower-budgeted buyer.

If you have the Annapolis paper, there is an '06 B323 for 86k that is well-equipped.

 

[jsalley]

Catalina still makes the 28, 309, and 320 in that range, and had the latter two on display in Annapolis. Though I didn't visit the Hunter display, they have their new "Edge" in that range as well, though it certainly doesn't fit the traditional category. Part of the problem is that there are so few remaining American builders, but the "big 3" all have at least one model in the 27-32 foot range.

 

[Ross]

If you plan to keep a boat for many years then the smart thing is to buy a size and shape that pleases and make it into the boat you want. Folk will tell you it will hurt resale but where can you buy a boat with a custom interior for les than 30,000 dollars?