Ketch vs. Sloop for 1st Boat

[chappyonice]

I did see an Islander 28 for sale that looks (from the ad) pretty clean and reasonable. Any comments on the Islander? Info can be found at:

http://www.rcryachts.com/pdf/28_islander_pipersdue.pdf

I will also abide by the suggestions made here for C&C, Pearson, Catalina, etc. At this point, I guess it comes down to finding the right boat for the right price in the right shape .

chappy

[ianhlnd]

My two cents.

You didn't say how old you are. In my case, I had a couple sloops up to 36ft, but as my body caught up to my hair I had to make a choice, the typical sailor route onto a power boat, or to a ketch. A friend of mine who was 83 at the time who sailed with his wife of 86, had a Hinkley, told me it was an old mans boat. After sailing with him a few times, I got what he meant.

I now have a Hardin 45 that I can easily single hand in just about all kinds of weather, it's like me, nothing happens fast.

If you're a kid (50 or under), go for the sloop or cutter, faster, easier to learn on, you'll know when it's time to Ketch-up

[southerncross31]

I have been longing for a hardin 45 for years, not enough $ yet though. Looks like a great boat for a family. How do you like it? What are the major issues with them?

[ianhlnd]

Southerncross31

I've had mine for 4 or 5 years now. About the only issue which is kinda expected in a full keel boat is it's ability to manuever in close quarters. Using the thrust from the prop in reverse does make for a tight turn to port, stern moving to stbd, turning to stbd you need a lot of room. The boat is comfortable, roomy, fairly easy maintenance once everything that was added on in the last 20 years was stripped off. It doesn't go to weather, but then again, gentlemen don't go to weather. The other, I don't want to say issue, but it is a little work to get aboard, although that can be an advantage some times. I've got all furling sails, all leading into the cockpit, autopilot and that's all you need for easy singlehanding.

Ian

[S/VNirvana]

I have a Pearson- 36 1973 for sale. We are the second owners and have upgraded it since we purchased it.

Sonny
s/v SKYLARK, P-36
Branford CT

[chappyonice]

Just to follow up, my wife and I made an offer on a 1999 Beneteau Oceanis 311 this morning. Thanks for everyone's help, I tood the advice offered and avoided the ketch I was considering and went for a more production-based boat. This is one that my wife really liked (which is a key part of the decision .

chappy