|
I must be on track in my search. The only two boats I have actually bothered to take a real close in person look at so far are also the first (within budget) boats that you all have mentioned: Haida and CD.
My impression of the Haida is favorable. Sails very nice, responsive balanced helm, appears fast. The design is charismatic (flush deck with minimally raised cabin), and there's a decent track record of trans oceanic passages.
Problem are blisters (present on prospective boat), and cast iron fin keel. While the latter is fastened with 8 burly SS bolts, the bearing surface against the hull seems narrow. Bolts appear to be cast into the keel making replacement near impossible?
The Cape Dory (a 27) is stout, quality, good looking and based on time tested proven principles both in hull, rig and interior layout. Alberg had it right with his designs. The CD will maybe be less exciting to handle, a wee bit slower and almost too comfy below for a family used to view vacations as a rugged escape from a society based on needless conveniences.
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
|