Which sailboat would you own

[Rich (P303)]

I have been sailing off and on all my life. Catamaran sailing is getting a little uncomfortable and wet. I am Looking to spend no more than 50K on a used boat from 28-34 feet. Would like to do day sailing (For 2) and some overnights (no more racing) off the coast of Maine. What would you be looking at?Stern me in the right direction please.Rich

 

[Rob19574]

Catalina 30

Rich - we love our Catalina 30. Great cruising boat and if you decide to race someday - it does rather well with speed. Check one out- easy to single-hand and plenty of room down below.50K could buy you a well- equiped late model c-30.Rob

 

[mortyd]

which sailboat

affirmative rob, but how do you moor or dock single handed?

 

[Rich (P303)]

Thanks

Rob...Thanks for the reply.I am new to this mono-hull stuff. I figure I should have it all figured out by next summer. I usually have buyers remorse!Happy Sailing!Rich

 

[Rob19574]

Docking

Well - there is usually someone on the boat (my wife) that "could" help in the event I need another hand and they are between pages of their book (LOL). I have an auto pilot and my dock is rather large and easy to pull up to (I do it very slowly).

 

[Franklin]

mortyd

I dock single handed a 376 into a tight 38' slip. I couldn't get the bow first thing down so I tried the sterm first and that seems easy to me with the help of a spring line. Just run a line from the midship cleat back to the cockpit, leave a loop there, and then back up front and then inside the lifelines to a winch. When you back in, throw the loop over the bow finger cleat as you pass it and then keep going back. Pull the slack out of the line at the winch when nearing the end of the slip. That will stop you, pull you next to the finger. While engine still in reverse, let the line out a bit to ease the boat back until in perfect position, then tie off the line and get on the dock and hook up the stern and bow cleat lines. Turn engine off and take the long spring line off and store. All done....peace of cake and works great in heavy winds too.

 

[Mike4116]

C 30

Pound for pound, dollar for dollar the Catalina 30 offers great cockpit and cabin space. They sail very well and parts are highly available. There is nearly no limit to the modifications which can be made and the tall rig is very speedy for a family cruiser. Now this is from an O'day owner and when I find just the right Catalina 30 I'm gonna' pounce on it. I like the O'day a lot but the Catalina is that much better.Happy Searching

 

[Tim R.]

Windham, Maine

Hi Rich, I am right down the street from you. I currently sail a Pearson 28 that I love. It is great for racing and cruising. I have been as far offshore as Monhegan Island. I have also been in rough weather offshore with no problems. Very high build quality.That being said, I am considering 2 boats as my next when I decide to upgrade. Either the Pearson 33(late model) or the Crown 34. Each has pluses and minuses but both are fast racer/crusiers. I prefer a tiller which the Crown has but most are in the Pac NW area. The Pearson has a wheel but is has a nice rear stateroom that you can stand up in. See the links below:http://merricks.net/crown34/http://pearsoninfo.net/33-2/33-2.htmTim R.

 

[David11054]

Lots of choices!

rpierpo1, I would go first to the link below and buy A Complete Guide to Choosing a Cruising Sailboat. A key exercise is to refine what you are looking for, and what criteria will be key for you.In fact, there are very few "bad" boat designs out there. So you are looking for one of a broad set of designs that best meets your needs. Our best friends just bought a cruising boat on the Great Lakes. Since he is 6'2", a cabin taller than that was a must. Although they bought a 1982 Hunter 30, Ericssons, Pearsons, and Islanders were all attractive to them.Once you identify the designs that could work, searching the market for the specific "right" boat can take a long time, especially (as your price point indicates) when you are shopping in the used boat market. Although I think the Catalina 30 is a great boat (it was our number two choice when we decided on our '77 Hunter 27) our friends simply didn't like its looks. Luckily there are many choices out there.But the search is fun on its own account, and you will end up with a great possibility for fun and recreation "down east."Good luck!DavidLady Lillie

 

[Bill C320 Papillon]

Beneteau

I sail a Beneteau Oceanis 281 and use it much as you describe (only on an inland lake). It is easy to single hand (including docking), and has great accomodations for a 28.5' boat. They are kinda scarce since Beneteau USA only made them here for a few years but if you can find one, it should be within youe price range.Beneteau First 285's are also in your price range. They will be older than 281's with a different cabin layout (bigger v berth and no aft sleeping quarters) and are supposed to be a little faster than the 281.

 

[sailaway78]

Boats

I have a 28' S2 and love it. But, if I were to do it all over again would have to say a Catalina 30 would be the boat for me in this size. And will probably end up with one in the future. Main reason in ROOOOOOM. They are huge for a 30'er. One thing I have seen with them though is the power. Some have atomic 4s, and some have a little 11hp diesel. I would certainly stay away from these. The 11hp is way underpowered, and the atomic 4s are antiques. They were available with an 18 or 27 hp diesel and this is the way to go. Also they fit very well in your price range. A nice clean older model, late 80's early 90's, Catalina 30 can be had for a price in the mid 30K range. Will leave enough of your 50K to do things you want.

 

[Bob Todd]

The perfect boat for you...

...one of these

 

[Bob Todd]

Allow me to expand on my previous post...

The Nonsuch is probably the easiest boat to single-hand; one sail, one sheet. A 30' boat with a 29' waterline and 12' beam. You'd be hard-pressed to bury the rail on this boat and it handles most all conditions rock-solid.The boat performs well on all points of sail (contrary to popular belief), however it's best reaching and running.I race mine occasionally and frequently pass much larger boats. It does work upwind quite nicely.The cabin space of my 30 is equivalent to most 36' boats and has all the amenities:80 gallons fresh water26 gallon holding tank26 gallon fuel tankH&C pressure waterPaloma demand type water heater4-burner range with oven2 aft quarter berths that sleep 32 settees, one of which slides out into a doubleSpacious cockpitFull size enclosed head with shower, sump, and pump30 horse Diesel with saildrive and stainless folding propI chose this boat pretty much for the same reasons you're looking at. Plus, I had knee surgery and couldn't deal with working two sails anymore.You can see and read more about the Nonsuch at:www.nonsuch.orgThis is truly a comfortable cruiser. Good luck in your quest for your perfect boat.Cheers,BobNonsuch 30 ClassicHull #77Lazybones

 

[a.j. stock]

Cape Dory 33

There are some good suggestions in this thread. I too like the Pearson 33 very much. The P 34 will be a little harder to sail in the Gulf of Maine. Crown 34's are rare, so maybe a next best alternative is needed. Three suggestions: An Ericson 34/35. Fast, very steady. Another, the Sabre 32 or 34 (there are two models of the S 34 - the 2nd was introduced in 1986 - very different in performance).The most comfortable of all, however, is the Cape Dory 33. Good interior and the most steady in those Gulf of Maine swells. Enough storage for a nice trip to St John or Lunenberg. And very suitable for taking another couple along. And the former manufacturer has the marina in Robinhood. You'll get good support. Don't forget radar.

 

[David W]

Tim, the San Juan 34 is essentially a Crown 34

It is the same hull and dec, the interiors are slightly different... We have a Crown 34 and love it... fast, stout and comfortable!

 

[Tim R.]

Sunyacht also, right?

Thanks David. I did know that. I used to sail an SJ21.I believe it was also called a Sunyacht?If I am ever in BC during the season I will have to find a way to get you to give me a ride. I may be doing a ski trip out there next winter but I suppose your girl will be on the hard.Tim R.

 

[Rich (P303)]

Thanks for the imput

Thank You all for your imput. This gives me a place to start looking. It should be fun.Have a safe summer and thanks again.Rich

 

[David W]

On the hard??? Perish the thought!

We sail year round out here!!! 50 degrees is a might chilly but that is why god invented foulies!!!Yes A Sunyacht 1030 is the same hull & deck.I know of three Crowns/San Juans/Sun for sale at the moment. One in Blaine Washinton, one in CA and one about 500 yds from our boat.The reasonable exchange rate might pay for transport...just guessing... I have no idea what it costs to move a boat.As you know if you, they are quite rare as they were only produced on the West Coast and not in huge numbers, so if you like them then a transport might be in your future...We certainly love ours!D

 

[David W]

Tim, here is a San Juan 34 in Illinois

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_full_detail.jsp?slim=quick

 

[liam]

nonsuch

Bob Todd suggested a Nonsuch (the perfect boat for you. I have been one one and it is actually quite nice. I am just wondering what you do with that 500 sq ft sail that only has two reefs when it gets really nasty out there? Also, how do you retreave a lost halyard?