Formosa 41

Boasun · #1 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007

Of the three vessels that have caught my eye, one is the Formosa 41.
It appears to have good live aboard qualities along with good off shore capabilities.
Now do anyone out there know more about this line of vessels??

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007

Boasun...do a search..lots of recent discussion on this boat.
My own opinion:
- Big...slow...rugged boat- great living space at anchor
- Seaworthy but not particularly comfortable in rough weather
-MAJOR problems with deck rot and cabin side/top rot etc and plywood cores on MOST of these boats.

If you are thinking about getting one of these...prepare for a lot of hard labor and expense unless you get one that has been fixed already.

TrueBlue · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007

Next to his demons, Surfesq's Harding 41 (similar to Formosa 41) was his biggest albatros. He never did ever get to sail it.

bfstcoach · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007

All true, but just think how MUCH fun it'll be keeping all that brightwork varnished - both in and out... really like the carved doors (if they're still there). I looked hard at one last year, tempting but too many soft spots on the deck (not that I'm any better off with my Cheoy Lee) for my taste.

uspirate · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfstcoach

All true, but just think how MUCH fun it'll be keeping all that brightwork varnished - both in and out... really like the carved doors (if they're still there). I looked hard at one last year, tempting but too many soft spots on the deck (not that I'm any better off with my Cheoy Lee) for my taste.

are you referring to "Hisperides"? if so, we looked at it too. it was set up for cruising but we didnt fall in love with it, plus the 47' LOA with bowsprit threw us back.

Boasun · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007

This Formosa no longer has teak decks and the masts are new also. Plus they did a lot of renovation below decks.
So some of the problems have been solved. But don't know if there are any other hidden problems involved. Because many times as you correct one problem more show up.

There is a crealock (sp?) 37 that looks good also.

camaraderie · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007

Boasun...so go from a 41 foot boat with the space of a 50 footer to a 37 foot boat with the space of a 30 footer?? (G)
On the Formosa...check the decks close to the base of the pilot house windows.
If you like the looks of the Formosa...check out Vagabonds too...some of the same issues but salty looking pirate boats!

Boasun · #8 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

One other question. Because I know little about this vessel: Is the Formosa 41 slow because she under canvased? Otherwards she don't have enough sail area to move her through the water.
Has anyone put a tall rig on one or went to gaff sails?

Surfesq · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007

They call them "leaky teaky" for a reason. They are slow and they leak But they have a terriffic cabin and are very cool in a retro kind of way. Just make sure your Rule is working. TB: Mine was not an albatross, lol. The guy who bought it is stoked.