Which 30'er do I pick?

[drewb8s]

I'm looking at a

Nordica 30
Halman 27
Bristol 30
Pearson 30

all built in the early 70's
so far these are my top four picks for a cabin cruiser to sail from Flordia to the Bahamas. Which is the best choice for sea worthiness and comfort. Are there any others I should consider? I'm looking for tips on boat performance mostly a fair price for the boats will be my next question which will obviously depend on equipment included.

[DrB]

All things being the same i.e condition, stuff, price, yada, yada, yada...

Bristol > Pearson. Don't know about a Halman or Nordica, but Bristol is a pretty seaworthy boat and well built. A Pearson 30 is probably going to be a little more roomy than a Bristol.

DrB

[TomMcGuire]

If you want to really sail the boat as opposed to hang on the hook or motorsail, the Pearson is by far the best sailing of the bunch.

My family had a Bristol 30 in the 80's and I spent a lot of time sailing it-- learned a lot. My first boat of my own was a P30 that I sailed up and down the East Coast a few times in the 6 years I owned it. They're both fun boats (and affordable) but the Pearson could probably sail a circle around the the Bristol. I'd guess the same with other two as well as I think they're more traditional, full keel hulls.

That said, I think you'd be happy with any of them. The Bahamas are great-- get your boat and go! I spent a winter there a few years ago and would give a lot to do it again.

PS-- If you're looking at the P30, I'd suggest favoring ones with a wheel instead of a tiller. I think the wheel is easier to sail and gives you a lot more room in the cockpit.

[nickmerc]

I bought my P30 last year. The first owner of the boat used to sail it between Massachusettes and Annapolis offshore. It is a tiller, of which I much prefer over a wheel. I'm a good sized person 6'2" and 250lbs and I fine the P30 to be comfortable for long weekend trips. I have yet do do any extended cruising on it.

The mid-70's era boats are usually all built heavier and stronger than the newer ones since the designers were still unsure of how fiberglass would behave over long periods of time.
________
LollyDolly