This looks fun

[cb32863]

Another boat out of the former eastern block. Really like the boats coming out of there. I know there isn't a bunch of wood and it doesn't weigh 15K lbs but, I wouldn't mind having one of these.

http://www.l30class.com/en/

Or a Seascape or a Reacher....

 

[Jackdaw]

A clever combination of modern design elements. Mostly.

The dual WHEELS on a trailer-able width 30 foot boat is simply ridiculous.

Trailerable cheap one-design racing family cruiser. It's trying to be too much to too many people.

 

[rgranger]

There was a thread earlier this week on pet peeves in sailboat ads. I could not help but smile when they had the picture titled "Family Sailing" and it shows a cute little girl holding the wheel while at daddy's knee... mom calmly stroking the foo-foo dog with a glass of champagne in her hand. Ah yes! That is just how everyone of my sails has been. Especially when I was that age and had a lot more free time and money.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I could not help but smile when they had the picture titled "Family Sailing" and it shows a cute little girl holding the wheel while at daddy's knee... mom calmly stroking the foo-foo dog with a glass of champagne in her hand.

Doesn't everyone here sail with the ubiquitous foo-foo dog ?
I thought I was the only one who didn't.

 

[weinie]

A clever combination of modern design elements. Mostly.

The dual WHEELS on a trailer-able width 30 foot boat is simply ridiculous.

Trailerable cheap one-design racing family cruiser. It's trying to be too much to too many people.

If you're going to go with a wheel over a tiller, two wheels makes a lot of sense (though I'm biased, of course). You can always sit on the high side without a huge destroyer wheel taking up massive amounts of real estate in the middle of the cockpit.

J112E for example:

 

[Jackdaw]

If you're going to go with a wheel over a tiller, two wheels makes a lot of sense (though I'm biased, of course). You can always sit on the high side without a huge destroyer wheel taking up massive amounts of real estate in the middle of the cockpit.

;^)

Well even thought I'd like even your boat with a tiller, I agree that it's pretty sweet with wheels. But you are longer, and more importantly have MUCH MORE beam than that L30, which has Trailerable (8.5 feet) of beam. The wheels almost touch!

Even for beamy 30s I'd go tiller. I'm looking at some First 30s now (new boat mode) and thank god (and JuanK) they are tiller driven craft.

 

[CharlzO]

I particularly like in the photos how the single lifeline across the stern, 2 1/2 feet high, is going to stop everyone from sliding right off the back of the boat. And, like was mentioned, the "family" on board what amounts to a strictly racing design with the premise of comfort of a cruising boat.. nope. A sink and head does not a cruiser make. And for $100k I'm thinking I could easily find something much more suited to my own tastes, than one that's basically trying to invent a niche market to try to fill.
And to nitpick a little - transported by ordinary car?... No. I realize that English isn't their native language, but it'd be so much better to say "no special permits or restrictions needed to trailer". Otherwise I'd wonder why my Honda just burnt up trying to tow this 4000+lb boat, plus however much their fancy trailer weighs (or even the non-fancy one), plus all my cruising gear inside.

 

[Daveinet]

Someone has a wheel that flips from side to side. Might be a better choice.

Anyone see this as a modern Mega 30? Light narrow boat with a scant interior. Come to think of it, the Mega 30 was an inexpensive boat as well. My guess based on history that it will have limited success - much like the Mega 30 or the Hobie 33.

 

[Jackdaw]

Anyone see this as a modern Mega 30? Light narrow boat with a scant interior. Come to think of it, the Mega 30 was an inexpensive boat as well. My guess based on history that it will have limited success - much like the Mega 30 or the Hobie 33.

Interesting point... But the Mega 30 is also one of the ugliest boats ever built. That's why there are so few of them.

 

[weinie]

;^)

Well even thought I'd like even your boat with a tiller, I agree that it's pretty sweet with wheels. But you are longer, and more importantly have MUCH MORE beam than that L30, which has Trailerable (8.5 feet) of beam. The wheels almost touch!

Even for beamy 30s I'd go tiller. I'm looking at some First 30s now (new boat mode) and thank god (and JuanK) they are tiller driven craft.

Doesn't look too bad from astern:

 

[Roadking Larry]

Someone has a wheel that flips from side to side. Might be a better choice.

Anyone see this as a modern Mega 30? Light narrow boat with a scant interior. Come to think of it, the Mega 30 was an inexpensive boat as well. My guess based on history that it will have limited success - much like the Mega 30 or the Hobie 33.

There is a brand spanking new Marlow Hunter 31 at the marina I'm at that has the wheel that moves from side to side. Looks to be well built but I can't help but shake the thought of all those extra moving parts to fail.

 

[Jackdaw]

There is a brand spanking new Marlow Hunter 31 at the marina I'm at that has the wheel that moves from side to side. Looks to be well built but I can't help but shake the thought of all those extra moving parts to fail.

Yea Jefa makes it, and it is quite reliable. Elan starting using them about 5 years ago. And actually less parts that two wheels. But personally I hate the looks of it, in particular when that single tiny wheel is locked in the middle of a wide-ass race boat. Last year Beneteau switched both the First 35 and the First 40 (which both had gloriously huge wheels) to the Jefa system and in my eye it destroyed me from ever wanting a new one.

I mean please... Is this not perfection???

Yes they are hard to walk around. But it's a Freekin RACE boat.

 

[cb32863]

Well yeah, I will admit, it doesn't have 5000 pounds of wood, counter tops, tankage, and mattresses inside so I guess that is a black eye on it.....

That First 30 is a sweet ride as is that Jeanneau.

 

[Meriachee]

Once again we must be the anomaly. The new wheel is fully 8" wider providing a nice comfy grip while seated on the coaming, and it folds up for the geriatrics among us who can't stand to squeeze by it.

I agree with Jackdaw that a tiller is better, but the statement "run what ya brung" applies. Nobody here has yet posted many pictures of chain sawing the boat to replace the steering system.

 

[Jackdaw]

for $100k I'm thinking I could easily find something much more suited to my own tastes, than one that's basically trying to invent a niche market to try to fill.

Well assuming of course that you are talking about NEW BOATS, you might be surprised what length boat $100k gets you these days. All-in a new First 25 will cost that. So will others. So a 30 footer for 100k could be good value for money.

I agree more with your other point. I actually think the boat would be a hoot to sail. But I just don't get what's it intended market is. In each of the ones it list, there are better boats focused on that niche. So for each one, I'd chose a different boat.

Some people forget that the 2nd half of the saying 'Jack of all trades' is 'master of none'.

 

[cb32863]

I particularly like in the photos how the single lifeline across the stern, 2 1/2 feet high, is going to stop everyone from sliding right off the back of the boat. And, like was mentioned, the "family" on board what amounts to a strictly racing design with the premise of comfort of a cruising boat.. nope. A sink and head does not a cruiser make. And for $100k I'm thinking I could easily find something much more suited to my own tastes, than one that's basically trying to invent a niche market to try to fill.
And to nitpick a little - transported by ordinary car?... No. I realize that English isn't their native language, but it'd be so much better to say "no special permits or restrictions needed to trailer". Otherwise I'd wonder why my Honda just burnt up trying to tow this 4000+lb boat, plus however much their fancy trailer weighs (or even the non-fancy one), plus all my cruising gear inside.

You also have to remember that the idea of "cruising" in Europe is different than over "here". This is more of a weekender, week or two type "cruiser". They are not talking about slowly sailing from island to island for months on end.

 

[kloudie1]

Yeah.. and the moat necessary for the big wheel keeps the frou-frou dog from wandering aft.. I like the look of the big wheels.. I would think the inertia of two wheels would be a nuisance. That is an interesting boat, though and looks to be very well priced. Seems like a bit more diesel horsepower might be appropriate..

 

[weinie]

Kloudie,

Good point about the two wheels. There is more resistance (and thus lack of inertia) which makes feeling the weather helm more difficult. However, you could also chalk that up to having two rudders as well.

 

[jwing]

I get a kick out of them trying to pass this boat off as a family boat, cute kid, pretty woman, fufu dog, and champagne flutes notwithstanding. Take a look at the photo in weinie's post #10 with this in mind: How many times do you think that non-sailors and non-racing sailors will want to go out on a boat that has that seating arrangement? I know how many times it would be for me: zero.

 

[Jackdaw]

I get a kick out of them trying to pass this boat off as a family boat, cute kid, pretty woman, fufu dog, and champagne flutes notwithstanding. Take a look at the photo in weinie's post #10 with this in mind: How many times do you think that non-sailors and non-racing sailors will want to go out on a boat that has that seating arrangement? I know how many times it would be for me: zero.

Interesting and valid point. But here's a question then, for everybody.

First, how close are YOU to being a young family buyer (couple 30-42 + kids)?

Second, what CURRENT production boat best fits the 'family boat' bill?

Third, if none do describe it, and a REALISTIC price point.