I know I keep bringing up eBay yachts but Jonathon has another ripper for sale.http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Swanson-31ft-Carmen-100-fiberglass-production-yacht-full-keel-cruising-boat-N-R-/390657386576?pt=AU_Boats&hash=item5af4fea850
WOW!! I have such a soft spot for these yachts. My old man had one for many years so I guess I really learnt to sail on a Carmen. This looks like a rather "modern" fiberglass example rather than the all wood hull I was used to. Fantastic to sail. And going for a song too.
Select to expand quoteMatM14 said..
WOW!! I have such a soft spot for these yachts. My old man had one for many years so I guess I really learnt to sail on a Carmen. This looks like a rather "modern" fiberglass example rather than the all wood hull I was used to. Fantastic to sail. And going for a song too.
That avatar looks suspiciously like a Swanson 32, you may be slightly biased.
I like the canoe stern. It would make mounting a windvane interesting I suspect. How would a stern like that affect reversing or rear buoyancy?
Select to expand quoteSirJman said..
I like the canoe stern. It would make mounting a windvane interesting I suspect. How would a stern like that affect reversing or rear buoyancy?
Easy to fit a windvane, check out the windvane web sites for photos of canoe stern yachts. The idea with canoe sterns was that they would be better as a sea boat running off in heavy seas, all canoe stern boats are long keel yachts. Long keel yachts don't reverse too well anyway.
The original Carmen won the Sydney Hobart race as I recall. The second smallest yacht to do so.
Select to expand quotecisco said..
Unbelievable. Just the two primary winches would be worth $1,000.
A clear case of the sum of the parts being worth than the whole.
Also is this not one of those boats that people are constantly being warned about, that is a cheap boat will end up costing you more than a reasonably priced boat in the first place?
Select to expand quoteRamona said..MatM14 said..
WOW!! I have such a soft spot for these yachts. My old man had one for many years so I guess I really learnt to sail on a Carmen. This looks like a rather "modern" fiberglass example rather than the all wood hull I was used to. Fantastic to sail. And going for a song too.
That avatar looks suspiciously like a Swanson 32, you may be slightly biased.
Well spotted Ramona it is indeed a Swanson 32. When dad sold the Carmen he was "biased" enough himself to stay with a Swanson and went for the 32 as her replacement. Sadly, I don't think it ever lived up to his expectations after the Carmen and from my recollections of the two yachts I would tend to agree with him. Since dad passed away I generously agreed to make the sacrifice and take on looking after the yacht 
So I'm not complaining, can't see myself being in a position to buy a new one in this lifetime.
Select to expand quoteLooseChange said..cisco said..
Unbelievable. Just the two primary winches would be worth $1,000.
A clear case of the sum of the parts being worth than the whole.
Also is this not one of those boats that people are constantly being warned about, that is a cheap boat will end up costing you more than a reasonably priced boat in the first place?
Yes!! That one is ready to go with a minimalist fit out and servicing of all the metal bits.
The engine looks like a Volvo 7b. Fully reconditioned unit is about $2250. I could do a full interior fit out in maple and ply for $1000 including cushions. Allow $500 for a VHF and a laptop based nav system. $350 for an Epirb. Gaz stove $20. Batteries would be one of the more expensive items. Some careful shopping at op shops and recycling shops, perhaps some dumpster diving at that big yacht club in Rushcutters Bay.
All depends if it has some sails. I expect this boat will sell well. That Daydream Jonathon is selling as well is just screaming for a junk rig conversion. If only I wasn't so old,tired and lazy.
