Brussels Yachts Samba 38

dagerman · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008

Does anyone have information on this boat or it's manufacturer? Interested in the boat buy cannot find any information on it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

richard_reinhart · #2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008

My slip is just a few feet further down the dock at Harbortown so I sometimes pass by several times a day when I'm over at the marina.

I don't know anything about the manufacturer, but I've often admired many of the construction/design details from dockside. I have not been down below, but a friend has and he observed there were lots of smallish spaces (workroom up front; saloon/galley; and two double aft staterooms), which is quite a bit going on for a 38 footer. From some photos I saw of the listing on the web, the interior looks quite attractive. The flush deck and fairly wide beam presumably translate to considerable acreage below.

I thought the boat was being lived on as recently as a year or so ago, but lately there hasn't been as much obvious activity aboard so I assumed the owners moved off.

Slow Flight has been for sale for quite a long time. It was offered by the owners initially as a private sale, then one or more brokers. My guess is lack of familiarity with the brand in the US makes it somewhat difficult to market.

Several years ago I poked around on the web to see if I could find out more on the builder and I don't remember having much success. She is an interesting looking boat.

Your note isn't clear on whether you've personally inspected the boat or not. I do remember seeing someone being shown the boat within the last couple of weeks when I was at the marina working on my boat. If you haven't been aboard and would like an unbiased look, let me know as I'm usually there once or twice a week.

You can also send me a private email if you prefer.

Regards,

richard

dagerman · #3 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008

Richard,

My wife and I looked at the boat a couple of weeks ago. It looks nice, although it appears that it has been lacking attention as of late. The layout is unconventional with a workroom in the bow area and two quarter berths aft. They are both the same size and fairly cramped. Separate head and shower are nice. The saloon and galley are the most appealing part below. The rigging and hardware above seems to be more than adequate for a 38' boat. The displacement is around 20,000 lbs, if I remember correctly, putting it around the same weight as an Island Packet of similar length. One of the things that intrigues us the most is the C/B for Florida and the Bahamas. I have scoured the internet looking for any information about the builder or the boat and agree that that may be the main reason for it not selling. I have been considering an offer but really don't know what is reasonable given the circumstances.

Thanks for the reply,

Dave

CharlieCobra · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008

Whatever YOU feel is reasonable.

RickQuann · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008

Here's some info along with a few pictures belowdecks
Sailboats - 1989 38' ft Brussels Yacht Samba 38 - Cruiser (Sail) - Cape Canaveral, FL, 32920 - UsedBoats.com

richard_reinhart · #6 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008

Clearly, you don't want to have too much in it as you have to look ahead to the day when it's time to sell.

I did find another inquiry on Sailnet from 2005 asking about the same boat, so my memory that it's been for sale a long time is confirmed.

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/buying...amba-38-a.html

While I don't know the brand, I do think there is much to like about the exterior construction from a dockside view.

If you're back on C dock, give me a shout.

Regards,

richard

dagerman · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008

Thanks for the information Richard. I'm sure we'll be your way again. We'll stop in and say hello.

Dave

Faster · #8 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008

As an owner of another unknown brand, I can tell you that you can do quite well if you are diligent in getting a proper survey and inspection. It's not difficult for an experienced surveyor to judge whether a boat is well built or not - brand name notwithstanding.

Generally your purchase price can be driven down somewhat, (esp if the boat's been on the market a while) but realistically you have to be prepared to somewhat undervalue the boat again when YOU sell. So that can be a bit of a saw-off.

Owning such a boat can lead to a lot of good conversations about boats with people who won't recognize her and want to know more. There's a certain appeal to owning a boat that isn't a Benehuntalina - as long as it's a quality boat.

I didn't see an asking price in the ad.. but the boat seems well equipped and well kept (in the pics, at least).. I think a good valuation survey is the place to start if this boat truly interests you.

dagerman · #9 (**permalink**) 08-20-2008

Faster,

The pictures seem to have been taken about 2-3 years ago. According to the broker it has been sitting unused for about 3 years - also on the market about that long. So topside teak needs attention as well as a good cleaning and polish. Broker also said lightning strike 2 years ago caused all electronics to be replace by insurance. Might be a good thing.... then again I have to find out who did the installation and their reputation. I agree with the satisfaction of owning a unique boat. Or the thought of it anyway.
Thanks for the input

Dave

seanomad · #10 (**permalink**) 09-07-2008

Dear Richard,
I am in Thailand and am keenly interested in this yacht and would appreciate very much if you could give me your latest appraisal of it. I am unable to travel to Florida for a few more weeks yet. From my research the yacht has been on the market for at least 2 years !? That eithet suggests that the owner is asking far too much for the vessel or there is something very uncertain, unsafe, unknown, or just plain wrong with it .
before I go to cost of airfare etc. i would like to get as much up to date info as I can.
Many thanks for your time and attention....Chris.
EDIT...type corrected for readability...CAM
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Quote:

Originally Posted by richard_reinhart

My slip is just a few feet further down the dock at Harbortown so I sometimes pass by several times a day when I'm over at the marina.

I don't know anything about the manufacturer, but I've often admired many of the construction/design details from dockside. I have not been down below, but a friend has and he observed there were lots of smallish spaces (workroom up front; saloon/galley; and two double aft staterooms), which is quite a bit going on for a 38 footer. From some photos I saw of the listing on the web, the interior looks quite attractive. The flush deck and fairly wide beam presumably translate to considerable acreage below.

I thought the boat was being lived on as recently as a year or so ago, but lately there hasn't been as much obvious activity aboard so I assumed the owners moved off.

Slow Flight has been for sale for quite a long time. It was offered by the owners initially as a private sale, then one or more brokers. My guess is lack of familiarity with the brand in the US makes it somewhat difficult to market.

Several years ago I poked around on the web to see if I could find out more on the builder and I don't remember having much success. She is an interesting looking boat.

Your note isn't clear on whether you've personally inspected the boat or not. I do remember seeing someone being shown the boat within the last couple of weeks when I was at the marina working on my boat. If you haven't been aboard and would like an unbiased look, let me know as I'm usually there once or twice a week.

You can also send me a private email if you prefer.

Regards,

richard