Quote:
Originally Posted by JPGaillard
Gents,
Thanks a lot for your input. I think it is easy to fall in love with the Valiants. They are really stellar boats and have sufficient horror stories to tell where they kept the crew alive. Plus they have a huge fan base in the US, which is a good thing I suppose.
I guess the point goes to value - 50% more for a Valiant 42 vs. a decent Passport 40 is where I choke a bit. Around the $280k mark for a Valiant 42, one starts getting into hugely expensive boats in my opinion and the competition then becomes stiff. For not that much more one can get a Halberg Rassy for example. When one stays under $200k all-in, ready to go, then there is not that much competition.
I thus wonder if a Passport 40, around $185k on-the water ready to go with everything needed is just not really better value.
I mean, if you want to circumvent but have the time to wait for decent weather and don't have to go out into 60KN winds, then you reduce the number of storms you encounter and thus the risk. Obviously being prepared for it is still key because these things happen, but I guess with a Valiant you can maybe just "go" no matter what. The Passport you may wait a bit, or just heave to a bit earlier...
The Tayana 42 is a really interesting case. I had looked extensively at the Tayana 37 and loved the style, sailing ability (even though dull in low winds) and storage, but found everything to be quite hard to access within the boat. The Passport in that regard is excellent: very well laid out, engine easy access, good design with the head at the bow to reduce weight, etc. The Tayana 37 for example had often Bow fuel tanks which are a no-go for me. I guess I should look into 42s a bit more, but there aren't any really good examples I could find so far.
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The Tayana Vancouver 42 is a totally different animal than the 37.
You will not just "go" in ANY boat, unless she is a tanker. You cannot guess your weather 5-7 days out, which means that if you are going to make a passage across the pond(s), you will have to deal with what comes.
One of the things I like about the Valiants (better than the Tayanas and Passports) are the decks and catwalks. Nice, wide, unobstructed walkways. The boats seem to sit a little lower (lower profile) too. The V-42 has top notch stainless and wiring. Their stainless is about unmatched.
The Tayana 42 does not have the stainless that the Valiant does in my opinion. You may also find many of them with teak decks. Regarding the teak decks, I used to be really negative on them. However, the more time I have spent on them (when wet), the more I like them. However, they get REALLY hot and you will always be replacing the bungs on the freaking things.
Down below, I think the Tayana 42 has the Valiant beat... big time. Even with the newer configurations on teh Valiants, the Tayanas are warmer and more functional and better liveabaords (at least on the aft cockpit models... I have no experience with the CC's). THe head and shower are great. THe aft and forward berths are decinvingly large and comfortable, you will simply lose stuff with all the storage, you can access the lazarette with a walkthrough behind the companionway steps (a great feature), and the salon is nice for both small (just yourself) and large entertainment.
If you are serious about this, fly to Dallas and head up to the Valiant facility. I will walk you through a Tayana Vancouver 42 and I am certain we can seem several examples (for sale even) of Valiant's. There are no Passports that I recall around us, but I can likely get you on a Panda too - assuming they are around. The Panda is another fine, go anywhere boat. You would also be welcome to see my Catalina 400, but it would not be a good choice for doing long distance passagemaking if that is actually what you are going to do.
Just let me know.
- Brian