I am looking for thoughts on new boats in the 35 foot to 37 foot range in a 130k to 150k sail away price after adding common options.
I am a Chesapeake based sailor and thus, am looking for something that will be able to move in light air conditions. I am a cruiser, not a racer. I also have a wife and a young child who will be my most frequent sailing companions, so I am willing to sacrifice some aspects of performance for the sake of creature comforts. For example, I know some of the participants in this forum like the new Farr designed Beneateu First series boats, but I would prefer to not have a boat with a traveller that cuts through the middle of the cockpit. A large cockpit is also important to me. It seems like so many new boats have such a small seating area in the cockpit. I plan to use the boat in the Chesapeake Bay, with no real offshore plans. Also, for the record, I have no interest in trawlers, if this discussion moves in that direction.
From recent postings, I have the general sense of the group as to the position on the Big 3 production companies. What about some of the other production boats, such as Bavaria, Jeanneau or Dufour classic and Gib Sea. Any other suggestions in this new boat price range that merits consideration? I have looked into Dehler, but it is priced above my range. I posted a message about the Compac 35 a few weeks ago, but no one responded. Anybody know anything about this boat. It is more traditional in appearance than most of the other new production boats, but falls in the same general price range. They only build 3 or 4 of these per year. Seems like it might be a good value. Your thoughts are appreciated.
I would be interested in how folks would rank the quality of the boats in this price range. Hunter''s can be eliminated from the ranking/discussion, but please throw Catalina into the mix of comparison with the other boats.
Thank you.
Jon
I am a Chesapeake based sailor and thus, am looking for something that will be able to move in light air conditions. I am a cruiser, not a racer. I also have a wife and a young child who will be my most frequent sailing companions, so I am willing to sacrifice some aspects of performance for the sake of creature comforts. For example, I know some of the participants in this forum like the new Farr designed Beneateu First series boats, but I would prefer to not have a boat with a traveller that cuts through the middle of the cockpit. A large cockpit is also important to me. It seems like so many new boats have such a small seating area in the cockpit. I plan to use the boat in the Chesapeake Bay, with no real offshore plans. Also, for the record, I have no interest in trawlers, if this discussion moves in that direction.
From recent postings, I have the general sense of the group as to the position on the Big 3 production companies. What about some of the other production boats, such as Bavaria, Jeanneau or Dufour classic and Gib Sea. Any other suggestions in this new boat price range that merits consideration? I have looked into Dehler, but it is priced above my range. I posted a message about the Compac 35 a few weeks ago, but no one responded. Anybody know anything about this boat. It is more traditional in appearance than most of the other new production boats, but falls in the same general price range. They only build 3 or 4 of these per year. Seems like it might be a good value. Your thoughts are appreciated.
I would be interested in how folks would rank the quality of the boats in this price range. Hunter''s can be eliminated from the ranking/discussion, but please throw Catalina into the mix of comparison with the other boats.
Thank you.
Jon