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!

Junek,
Don't forget the Top Hat, you would get a really good one with plenty of change.

See www.tophatyachts.com

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.

One more point, look at boats asking up to $30,000, they will often sell for $20,000. Allow for the survey etc.

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.

junek said..

Ramona said..
http://yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/sparkman-stephens-30/159923

yeah that ticks a lot of boxes...including the opportunity to use all my tools on the internal reno! haha. Price is right and a near new donk with some new cloth... Trip down to the harbour may be in order.

Actually the sail drive is a bit of a downer for me! The interior is very functional and for a harbour racer is all that's needed. I have a traveller on the the rear of the coach house roof and while it gives good access and frees up the cockpit takes more effort to use. I would prefer a bridge deck traveller for efficiency.

The only major upgrade I would make to this vessel is twin speed self tailing winches for your wife to use!

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.