First boat suggestions
Discussion
Arnold Cunningham said:
I agree with your point re navigation - but I'm particularly mindful the the OP said he's not yet skilled enough that he'd be happy to single crew a boat.
And I chose Christchurch (not Chichester
) as an example because it's a nice place to stay overnight, but the sandbanks move a lot, therefore even in the channel, it's easy to get caught out sometimes. Personally, I'd happily take any boat anywhere as sounds like you would too, but IMVHO, the most important thing on the learning curve of anything to do with the sea is to not find yourself in an unplanned situation without adequate "Plan B's"
Sorry, I totally agree with you in that case. I've not ventured in there yet myself as it just looks a bit tight!And I chose Christchurch (not Chichester
) as an example because it's a nice place to stay overnight, but the sandbanks move a lot, therefore even in the channel, it's easy to get caught out sometimes. Personally, I'd happily take any boat anywhere as sounds like you would too, but IMVHO, the most important thing on the learning curve of anything to do with the sea is to not find yourself in an unplanned situation without adequate "Plan B's"Hard-Drive said:
Stuff
- shouldhavegonetospecsavers
For a first sailing yacht for use as you describe I wouldn't look beyond a Westerly Centaur. The Griffon is the newer and better sailing version, but bang for buck and ease of everything (upkeep, costs, sailing, fixing etc etc) they are very good.
Pick the layout you like and then spend hours looking at hundreds on the internet, they were the 1st production boat to be built in such huge numbers.
Pick the layout you like and then spend hours looking at hundreds on the internet, they were the 1st production boat to be built in such huge numbers.
I agree. I didn't suggest it myself since it's a few years now since I've really done a lot of sailing - wasn't sure if there's a new favourite.
But I do know loads of people who had them as their first yacht and loved them. Arguably a little small as a liveaboard, but a great start point that'll hold its value.
But I do know loads of people who had them as their first yacht and loved them. Arguably a little small as a liveaboard, but a great start point that'll hold its value.
Apologies, I thought I had posted a thank you to all those who replied and posted advice, obviously I didn't, so thank you.
I've been to look at a few boats now, and have found two that I like the layout of and am happy with the condition and specs of. A Westerly GK29 and a Macwester 28. The GK29 is probably the better of the two and this is reflected in the price, but I actually prefer the feel and layout of the Macwester. It's also a good few thousand cheaper as they don't seem too popular with some in the sailing community, 'like sailing a slug through treacle' was one review. However, they do seem to be regarded well for being pretty solid and seaworthy which is more important to me than speed as I don't intend on racing.
Fortunately the money I'm waiting for won't come through for a good few weeks so it avoids the old impulse purchase which I'm so often guilty of, and gives me a chance to look around a bit more, and to carry on reading reviews etc.
I've been to look at a few boats now, and have found two that I like the layout of and am happy with the condition and specs of. A Westerly GK29 and a Macwester 28. The GK29 is probably the better of the two and this is reflected in the price, but I actually prefer the feel and layout of the Macwester. It's also a good few thousand cheaper as they don't seem too popular with some in the sailing community, 'like sailing a slug through treacle' was one review. However, they do seem to be regarded well for being pretty solid and seaworthy which is more important to me than speed as I don't intend on racing.
Fortunately the money I'm waiting for won't come through for a good few weeks so it avoids the old impulse purchase which I'm so often guilty of, and gives me a chance to look around a bit more, and to carry on reading reviews etc.
You can't get much more diametrically opposed than those two! GK29 is what I would call a "wet boat", racing orientated lots of spray coming into the cockpit, works well when heeled over, quite fast for it's size.
Mcwester is the opposite, pretty annoying if you actually want to go anywhere, so slow there would never be any poing sailing against even a weak neap tide.
Mcwester will probably be quite hard to sell on when you are fed up of it.
Mcwester is the opposite, pretty annoying if you actually want to go anywhere, so slow there would never be any poing sailing against even a weak neap tide.
Mcwester will probably be quite hard to sell on when you are fed up of it.
Also remember it's a buyers market.
People are feeling the pinch, a boat has mooring charges and is like a millstone and a constant drain of time and money to maintain, and those that are keen are selling so they can buy their shiny new boat. Not selling a boat for 2 months costs them insurance, mooring, worry and time: however low your offer is it's still money they could have and expenses they could avoid.
You'd be surprised just how low an offer you can make to buy a boat, don't be in a rush to buy (ignore the usual broker lies of 'there's another customer booked into see it tomorrow') and really treat is as something you don't need to buy.
There are plenty of boats in the sea, the broker will work his/her charm to emphasise that powerful 'missing out' emotion - so counter that with a wish that their 'other buyer' enjoys it and you'll find it still for sale weeks later.
Generally if they accept your offer straight away it was too high, go in low and hopefully they'll refuse, then leave it a week while you look at others and they'll either call you or try the same offer or a tiny bit more.
I say these things because it sounds like you need the money saved more than the broker or the seller. Also a friend of mine recently did this and ended up with a very nice boat for a very good price indeed.
Also remember at some point in the future you will be the seller, so don't overpay.
People are feeling the pinch, a boat has mooring charges and is like a millstone and a constant drain of time and money to maintain, and those that are keen are selling so they can buy their shiny new boat. Not selling a boat for 2 months costs them insurance, mooring, worry and time: however low your offer is it's still money they could have and expenses they could avoid.
You'd be surprised just how low an offer you can make to buy a boat, don't be in a rush to buy (ignore the usual broker lies of 'there's another customer booked into see it tomorrow') and really treat is as something you don't need to buy.
There are plenty of boats in the sea, the broker will work his/her charm to emphasise that powerful 'missing out' emotion - so counter that with a wish that their 'other buyer' enjoys it and you'll find it still for sale weeks later.
Generally if they accept your offer straight away it was too high, go in low and hopefully they'll refuse, then leave it a week while you look at others and they'll either call you or try the same offer or a tiny bit more.
I say these things because it sounds like you need the money saved more than the broker or the seller. Also a friend of mine recently did this and ended up with a very nice boat for a very good price indeed.
Also remember at some point in the future you will be the seller, so don't overpay.
Globs said:
Also remember it's a buyers market.
People are feeling the pinch, a boat has mooring charges and is like a millstone and a constant drain of time and money to maintain, and those that are keen are selling so they can buy their shiny new boat. Not selling a boat for 2 months costs them insurance, mooring, worry and time: however low your offer is it's still money they could have and expenses they could avoid.
You'd be surprised just how low an offer you can make to buy a boat, don't be in a rush to buy (ignore the usual broker lies of 'there's another customer booked into see it tomorrow') and really treat is as something you don't need to buy.
There are plenty of boats in the sea, the broker will work his/her charm to emphasise that powerful 'missing out' emotion - so counter that with a wish that their 'other buyer' enjoys it and you'll find it still for sale weeks later.
Generally if they accept your offer straight away it was too high, go in low and hopefully they'll refuse, then leave it a week while you look at others and they'll either call you or try the same offer or a tiny bit more.
I say these things because it sounds like you need the money saved more than the broker or the seller. Also a friend of mine recently did this and ended up with a very nice boat for a very good price indeed.
Also remember at some point in the future you will be the seller, so don't overpay.
This is about the best boat buying advice I have heard. There are a few (very few) who don't mind if a boat doesn't sell as they are just toying with the idea, but for many they really want rid. People are feeling the pinch, a boat has mooring charges and is like a millstone and a constant drain of time and money to maintain, and those that are keen are selling so they can buy their shiny new boat. Not selling a boat for 2 months costs them insurance, mooring, worry and time: however low your offer is it's still money they could have and expenses they could avoid.
You'd be surprised just how low an offer you can make to buy a boat, don't be in a rush to buy (ignore the usual broker lies of 'there's another customer booked into see it tomorrow') and really treat is as something you don't need to buy.
There are plenty of boats in the sea, the broker will work his/her charm to emphasise that powerful 'missing out' emotion - so counter that with a wish that their 'other buyer' enjoys it and you'll find it still for sale weeks later.
Generally if they accept your offer straight away it was too high, go in low and hopefully they'll refuse, then leave it a week while you look at others and they'll either call you or try the same offer or a tiny bit more.
I say these things because it sounds like you need the money saved more than the broker or the seller. Also a friend of mine recently did this and ended up with a very nice boat for a very good price indeed.
Also remember at some point in the future you will be the seller, so don't overpay.
Except that if you play too hard and buy nothing you lose the summer. When you own a boat you're much more aware of seasons and weather and there's much of the year when you can't use them.
I'd sugegst that when you see a boat you really want, go for it. Haggle by all means but grab it and start enjoying it.
I'd sugegst that when you see a boat you really want, go for it. Haggle by all means but grab it and start enjoying it.
Simpo Two said:
Except that if you play too hard and buy nothing you lose the summer. When you own a boat you're much more aware of seasons and weather and there's much of the year when you can't use them..
Good point and brings me to rule #2: start looking at boats to buy at the end of the season, after the September boat show is a good time - many are starting to offload then, and try to get your boat bought before March the next year before everyone gets all keen again. It is those winter months of bad weather and expense you want to hit.Same goes for convertibles, bikes, camper vans etc too of course.
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