I am buying my first mid-sized boat and would like to hear your ideas!

[scmike]

To all sailors out there,

I have decided to upgrade to a mid-size sailing vessel and am interested in hearing opinions on the few I have become fond of. I am looking for something in the 30 to 37 feet range that is for sale for under 35,000 dollars. I would like to have a nice roomy cockpit with quite a bit of deck space yet comfortable enough in the cabin to take extended trips. I live in Little River, SC (just north of Myrtle Beach) so the boat will need to be sturdy enough to enjoy the Atlantic.

I have my eyes on these boats:

35' C&C---1972----29,900
35' C&C Landfall--------1982----29,900
33' C&C-------1976----25,500
32' Pearson 323-----1979---31,900
37' Irwin Aft Cabin-------1978------29,900

All of these boats are in eastern North Carolina and can be all be viewed at yachtworld.com. I like the lines on the C&C's and I have heard that they are quick under sail. I am very interested in everyones opinion and suggestions. If you can think of other options please let me know as I am open for new ideas.
Take care,
Mike

[TSteele65]

Have you considered a Tartan 34?

[speciald]

First question is what do you intend to do with the boat - inland sailing, short offshore routes, live aboard, long distance cruising? Different boats for different uses.

[scmike]

Originally Posted by speciald

First question is what do you intend to do with the boat - inland sailing, short offshore routes, live aboard, long distance cruising? Different boats for different uses.

My plan is to use the boat for short offshore routes in the beginning and spend the weekends on the boat. Then as I get more comfortable and more experienced I would like to take the boat on a long distance cruise down the ICW into the western/eastern caribbean. So with this in mind it needs to be suitable for live aboard conditions.

Thanks for your replies

[sailingdog]

For a live-aboard, the Irwin is probably the best choice, as it is probably the one with the most space...being the longest, although the C&C 35 Landfall is probably pretty close in room.

Personally, I think I'd go with the Irwin... not only is it the largest, but it will probably be the most comfortable on a longer passage.

[tenuki]

I suggest you buy me one of each. Then I can give them a real going over and give you a carefully considered opinion. Could you add a J109 to the list before you buy me one of each please? It might take me several years to evaluate them, and I think maybe the J109 might take longer than that.

[DrB]

Similar to a 323, 11' beam, Fin Keel, Skeg Rudder, roomy below and pretty fast for a cruiser (long waterline). We have one an really like it. You'll be able to pick one up for about 22 to 32K depending on year and condition. Ours is a 79. I can fit in it at 6'5+, in the galley/Nav area, but its a tad tight for me in the V-berth area. You also look at a Pearson 35.

What about O'Day 34 vintage early 80's? or a Bristol 35? ODays are roomy. Bristols are rugged.

DrB

[Rockter]

Is anybody seriously going to walk into that Tartan trap we have been reading about recently?
Were all those postings ignored?
Damn it guys, we have a fellow boat owner whose Tartan bent in the middle, and is facing virtual ruin.

[jimm101]

I have a 76 C&C 33 and find it to be a great boat. It handles well in light air and better in heavy air. The boat boasts that it sleeps 6, but 4 is more like it.Good luck on your search.

[camaraderie]

Rock...remember that :
1. We don't necessarily know all the facts...though it appears bad I will grant you.

2. Only the more recent models are affected...there seems to be no issues with older tartans. Boat builders change management, yards, customer policies and quality (up and down!) over time.

3. Current Tartan management benefits only from the sale of NEW tartan's so buying used does not constitute supporting them!