Advice on 27-28ft boat on Lake Ontario

[NielsV]

Hi
I'm looking for a 27-30 ft boat to sail on Lake Ontario. Currently thinking of:
CS27
Tanzer 8.5
O'day 28
Alberg 30

All of these are locally available. Budget around 20-25k CAD. Will be used forday/weekend trip and annual longer cruise with family (me, wife, + 2 boys: 2 yr, 5 yr).

This will be my first boat, though I have plenty experience in 18ft open gaffel rigged boats in Holland (BM, Valk etc) .... though > 10 years ago.

Looking for advice wrt draft (don't know Lake Ontario very well), quality and comfort. Must haves are:
diesel
robust
tiller
plenty deck space
single handing
sleep 4-5
Am I missing some important models?

Thanks

[BarryL]

Hello,

Off the top of my head:
Tartan 27, 30
Sabre 28
Newport 28
S2 8.something

Barry

[CS271409]

NielsV
I would agree with BarryL on his recommendations. There are a few more boats I would add to the list; especially some that are more prevelant in Canada than elsewhere:
1. Have a look at Aloha yachts. All I have seen have wheel steering but a tiller may be available on some
2. Mirage makes several nice yachts in your size and price range. In my limited observations, I would say they are less robust than others on the list but certainly more than adequate for your stated needs
3. My neighbour a few slips down from me has an S2 9.2 Centre Cockpit which has an amazing amount of space for a 30 ft boat. Obviously no tiller with a CC design. Other S2's as BarryL suggested may be good.
4. Is there some reason C&C is not on the list?
5. Catalina 27, 28 or 30?

I have a CS27 for sale at the moment if you are interested. It is located in Bayfield on Lake Huron. It would be an excellent boat for your needs and would be well inside your budget. PM me if you want any more info. It draws 5.5 ft. Sorry if this sounds lke a sales pitch... note that I suggested some other boats for balance.

Dave

[Gary M]

I think you should add the C&C 27 to your list. They made 4 versions, the Mark 1 and 2 were similar hulls but the 2 had a taller rig. The mark 3 is the biggest and best of the bunch for your purposes.

Lots of them around Lake Ontario since that is where they were built. Like all boats of that age with balsa cored decks they have their problems but a good surveyor will be able to spot them easily. Most owners know if they have deck issues and will likely be up front about it.

[sanjuan2R]

I agree with Gary M., the C&C would be a fine boat in your price range. Even might find a larger C&C 30 in that price range.
Don't count the C&C family of sailboats out of your search: they are fine, well constructed boats that might fit your needs.

Best of luck,
Randy
C&C 27

[phallo153]

Pearson 27, the 1987 model had tiller steering. Very roomy inside for a 27 footer.

[NielsV]

Thanks all for your input. Will seriously look into C&C27 and Pearson 27.

Niels

[bubb2]

I would vote for the Alberg 30. Great boat
Here's a good web site for information
The Alberg 30 Site

[kwaltersmi]

Check out Islander 28's and 30's. They're great boats and might even save you some money.

[mikehoyt]

I am wondering if you will find a boat in that size with a deisel and a tiller. People opting for deisel on 27-30 foot boats tend to like wheels for some reason.

Mike