Looking at these 6 Blue Water Cruisers

[mrybas]

Hi,
I am looking at 6 boats to be used to sail to the Caribbean (from US East Coast) with the possibility of circumnavigating from there. Most of the circumnavigation will be near the equator (trade winds) as we be looking for warm water and waves for surfing. There be 2 fulltime members with a rotating third or fourth crew member.
Moody 42
Hallberg Rassey 38
Wauquiez Centurion 42
Island Packet 38
Pearson 424
Passport 42

[jameswilson29]

That is interesting. Do you have a question?

[mrybas]

Yes I would like feedback, comment, suggestions about the listed boats. For example "the fuel tank is small on this boat" or "the Wauquiez doesn't have a skeg hung rudder and more likely to be damaged" or "the IP doesn't sail well in light wind and will require more motoring than the other boats"

[Maine Sail]

Without question the Passport 42 or the HR 38...

[Faster]

I'd add the Passport 40 to your list....

[labatt]

Agreeing with Faster, the Passport 40, 41 or 43 (the 41 is the 40 with a "sugar scoop", and the 43 adds a large stern storage area) would be my preferential choice over the 42 (a double ender and not a Bob Perry design). The Hallberg Rassy would be my second choice. Also check out the Caliber.

[JomsViking]

The Wauquiez would be a great boat too, as would the Moody.. However being Scandinavian I have to vote for the HR The HR38 is an Olle Enderlein design, meaning that it is a nice boat in rough going, but not the fastest.

[Cruisingdad]

For 200's to 300, I would look at (in my personal order or preference)

Mason 44
Taswell 43
Passport (about any of them)
and Tayana 42 as a tie with the Passport 40. I might push the Tayana 42 ahead of the Passport 40, but it may only be because of my strong knowledge of the boat.

1987 Mason / Pacific Asian Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

1989 Ta Shing Taswell Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

I do not remember if it was the HR 38 I went on, but if it was, I remember it being tight down below - especially compared to a Taswell, Mason and Tayana. Moody's are fine boats but do not appeal to me for long distance cruising, I am not very knowledgeable of the Waiquez or Pearson (I know what they are but have never been on one), and I am not even sure why the IP is on the list.

- CD

[JomsViking]

CD has a good point there, for a 38 footer, the HR is actually a bit cramped. Beautifully finished, but smallish for a 38' boat
Not having firsthand knowledge of the Passport's and Tayanas my advice will always be biased (suspecting that others will too )

[labatt]

Those Taswell's are pretty cool boats... we looked at a couple. Custom interiors, so each one is a bit different. The Taswell 58 is one of my dream boats.