Which boat would you choose
- Thread starter jibes138
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1. Caliber 35 - As I recall their decks are slanted to obtain a flat deck when beating to windward. I never liked that at anchor which is where you spend most of your time.
2. Island Packet 35 - Beefy, big and most likely the roomiest down below. Does it have a stern sugar scoop stern, or is it too early for that?
3. Pacific Seacraft 34 - probably best ocean sailor of the lot. No stern access with canoe-type stern? Great for windvane, though.
It's all how you intend to use the boat. What are your goals?
2. Island Packet 35 - Beefy, big and most likely the roomiest down below. Does it have a stern sugar scoop stern, or is it too early for that?
3. Pacific Seacraft 34 - probably best ocean sailor of the lot. No stern access with canoe-type stern? Great for windvane, though.
It's all how you intend to use the boat. What are your goals?
While all three boats are relatively comparable and relatively nice...the primary usage makes a difference. For instance, none of the three would be ideal boats for coastal cruising, daysailing or even weekending, since they're all fairly heavy bluewater boats and not as well suited for shorter, light air trips.
99% of the time it would be used as a condo at the dock. The other 1% of the time it would be heading to the travel lift to get hauled for a bottom job and hull topsides waxing. The rest of the time it would be sailed to say Bermuda, the Carib, up to New England for the summer and hurricane season. Maybe cruise up to Maine and see what all the hype is about, maybe visit my relative in Ogonquit near Perkin's Cove.
I'd get the one that had all the gear on it for cruising so I wouldn't have to buy it later. I think all are excellent cruisers so ..the issue comes down to the goodies. For instance, if one already had a high quality wind vane, and excellent tender with newer outboard, an ssb with weather fax, full complement of sails in good condition, solar and wind generators, upgraded electrical system, recently serviced diesel, extra ground tackle (three anchors minimum) with plenty of chain and a windlas...... etc... the list goes on.... If you're going cruising you need all this stuff, and more. It's much better when it comes with the boat and not out of your pocket.
I believe you asked this on another forum and I would ask what your plans for the boat are. While all three are pretty solid bluewater boats, they may not be the best choice for other types of sailing. Of the three, I'd put them in the following order:
PSC
Caliber
IP
As Joe points out, are there any differences in the way the boats are outfitted. That can save you a considerable amount of money, getting the extras already on the boat.
PSC
Caliber
IP
As Joe points out, are there any differences in the way the boats are outfitted. That can save you a considerable amount of money, getting the extras already on the boat.
I don't believe I ever asked this before anywhere but at my age who can remember. The troubleI see with getting all the options on the boat is the boat is say 15 years old and a lot of that stuff wears out in this environment. Might be better to get a more stripped down boat cheaper and add some new equipment. Granted the used stuff will be lower cost, but anything electrical 15 years old is a concern for corrosion of the electrical system and obsolescence given the time rate of change of electronic technology. 15 years ago GPS was failry new for example and LORAN was still going strong.
As for use for the boat I answered it above a bit facetiously, probably out to Bermuda, down to the islands, up to New England, so a bit of offshore work but fairly short distances. My young man dreams of around the world are now jaded by pirates off of Somalia, and other reasons to prefer staying close to the US. The US east coast has plenty to offer of different climates and diversity and places like the Virgin Islands are as nice as anywhere in the world. No need to venture further.
As for use for the boat I answered it above a bit facetiously, probably out to Bermuda, down to the islands, up to New England, so a bit of offshore work but fairly short distances. My young man dreams of around the world are now jaded by pirates off of Somalia, and other reasons to prefer staying close to the US. The US east coast has plenty to offer of different climates and diversity and places like the Virgin Islands are as nice as anywhere in the world. No need to venture further.
easy
The best newest condition with the most equipement.
Every one seems to say the same thing they are all good boats so pick the one in the best newest condition and than money will be spent on repairs and the $$$ saved to be used for what else is needed.
I like new because more time enjoying and less time repairing.
Most times if yoy buy cheaper you only spend more $$$$ fixing up and could have saved time and $$$.
Nick
The best newest condition with the most equipement.
Every one seems to say the same thing they are all good boats so pick the one in the best newest condition and than money will be spent on repairs and the $$$ saved to be used for what else is needed.
I like new because more time enjoying and less time repairing.
Most times if yoy buy cheaper you only spend more $$$$ fixing up and could have saved time and $$$.
Nick
I have the IP35 so I won't bother with answering which of the three I would choose. We have been to the Bahamas and back and some costal cruising and have enjoyed every minute of it. Having said that, even if you were choosing between three boats of the same model you need to really focus on how each is setup and how each has been used. You are correct that 15 year old systems are likely very near the end of their life. A boat that has spent a lot of its life at the dock has not been used as hard as one that has been out cruising, but one that has been out cruising has systems that are likely to have been maintained and or more recently upgraded. Boats definately cost way, way more as pieces than they do as boats so try to pick one that has the systems you want to have and has these systems in good working order.
Good Luck,
--Eric
Good Luck,
--Eric
Take a look at this site. There are some differences between what at first glance look like very similar boats.
http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html
http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html
i essentially chose my formosa because of default and because it is solid--has a bunch of tronix, including radar and a new rig --is set up for going anywhere---but i had a choice of this one i have and a sea tiger with sonar---the sea tiger was lots more money initially--and had deck rot with wooden decks still in place----my yankee clipper has no teak on decks anymore--i like the teak!!...and is in need of repairs--but is still a solid cruiser--lol.....choose that which flips your skirt---and enjoy the daylights out of her..lol....goood luck and have fun.
many of the older cruising boats have hulls that are very thick and solid--the age of the hull and deck is irrelevant in fiberglass boats unless you enjoy a lighter layup and thinner glass.....is all your choice----
many of the older cruising boats have hulls that are very thick and solid--the age of the hull and deck is irrelevant in fiberglass boats unless you enjoy a lighter layup and thinner glass.....is all your choice----
thanks Tom that is a very neat chart program...i compaired all the boats i had intrest in and they were all about the same then i realized that they were all made in the same era and i am sure that they were all reading each others mail
regards
woody
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