Hi All.
Im in the market for a new boat. Sold the old Columbia 22 a few years ago and keen to get back onto the water.
My Wife and I had 2 fun summers on the Columbia, but her size (The boat, not the wife) just got too small. Plus she sailed like a brick.
So now I'm looking for something in the 28 to 32ft range. Main problem is budget - max 20K buy price.
Requirements are;
Full head room
Open and bright down below.
She has to sail well. No tug boats. (mainly sailing in Pittwater with planned coastal trips within NSW).
Open cockpit
Would be great if the traveller was on the coachhouse roof, but i know this is unlikely in this size boat.
Wheel steering preferable.
I won't race her, but I want her to sail well and quick. I really dont think I want a full keel.
I'll be interested to read your make/model suggestions.
Thanks everyone!
Hi a friend bought a 31 foot halvorsen yacht and she sails very well indeed. Price was in your range and she is quite comfortable for crusing as well. Worth considering perhaps?
Cheers
Just looked on boatpoint, the one 31 foot halvo there looks nothing like my mates boat and the price was nowhere what is bieng asked
Junek,
Don't forget the Top Hat, you would get a really good one with plenty of change.
See www.tophatyachts.com
Select to expand quote
What about a Northshore 27? Good headroom, sail well, nice interior. No wheel steering, but well balanced.
Lots of boats in that size range but the price limit will restrict you.
My view, buy a boat in good condition and ready to go that you feel comfortable on rather than what might be a better boat after a lot of work.
The Tophat is always popular, Compass 28 (sails better) or 29 (roomier and more comfortable), Clansman 29 (a bit cramped and wet in a breeze but a good sail), Duncanson 29 but might be too expensive. Cavalier and S&S30 might be found in your price.
I just looked on yacht hub, there are so many out there if I sell MB I could be tempted to get something in your market.
Or there's a nice Peter Cole "Mutiny" 28 just down the road from me - think it is advertised on Yachthub. Again no wheel steering but ticks the other boxes.
One more point, look at boats asking up to $30,000, they will often sell for $20,000. Allow for the survey etc.
Currawong 30 or an SS30 [Defiance] or a more bit more of a cruiser, Swanson 32. You might not want to race but check the race results of the major races in Australia and see what was winning! 1970's halftonner is what your looking at.
Thanks guys! So much useful info so quick!
I've looked at many of the boats (online) that are suggested. The stand-outs for me are the Duncansons, Cavaliers (normally over my budget) S&S30 Defiance and the other "70's halftonners"
Not too keen on the Tophats/ halvorsen/Compass as they have full or 3/4 keels...and so I'd imagine they are a little slow upwind and not as responsive. Tell me if im wrong.
Also looking at the Mutiny on the central coast...looks good and an acceptable price. Northshore 27 would do the job too!
I take it from the varied list of recommended boats that the condition of the individual boat is more important the the design/maker for this category. I dont mind a bit of renovation work, so I will keep an eye out for one of the above in my budget.
Theres is some good value boats up there and thats good value boat and a very nice boat to put your mark on it Junek
Hi Junek
I know a guy with a north shore 27 that has sat on his mooring for ages and he was only saying the other day that he is thinking seriously of selling. He is based Sydney so not to far to travel to see it. A far as I know it is a great boat.
I can put you in touch with him if you are interested.
My favourite boat is the 30 ft Currawong. I am biased as I have the bigger version, Cape Barren Goose 37. The Currawong has a great reputation having won the inaugaral trans tasman in very rough conditions (gumblossum )and Some Sydney to Hobart victories when it blew hard (Zeus 2). It is extremely well balanced and a delight to sail anywhere. These make an amazing cruising boat.
