Almand??

[jwreck]

Anyone know anything about these sailboats? They seem like dock condos to me but the broker assures me it sails great.

[mitiempo]

I'm sure it's a comfortable boat (Allmand 31), but heavy, wide and with small sail area for its displacement. I'd guess there are many better sailing boats such as Tartan 30, Cherubini Hunter 30, Sabre etc. Remember the broker works for the seller, not you.

[jwreck]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Remember the broker works for the seller, not you.

Which is exactly why I wanted an outside opinion.

I'm not looking for any kind of Regatta winner by any stretch of the imagination, but I would like something that's fun to sail and doesn't just look pretty at the dock.

[soulfinger]

I really doubt that there are many boats that look good at the dock but actually sail that bad, except maybe for some old gaff-riggers, and no one would call those dock condos.

[mitiempo]

Based on what I have found, the Allmand is as I said heavy and beamy, but probably roomy compared to the boats I mentioned. The Allmand has a huge cockpit with a permanent table ahead of the wheel. Actually reminds me a bit of the Island Packet which I also don't like much. What are you planning to do with the boat? I think you're best to look at as many boats as possible to get a better idea of what's available and their differences.

[jwreck]

Well, the biggest thing I'm looking to do with it is learn to sail. I'm looking for something to play with since I'm a new sailor (just completed ASA 101), but also something I can live on without camping (basically something with an enclosed head). Once I get comfortable sailing I'd like to be able to go to the Carribean. Something that I can singlehand as well. Oh yeah, all on a shoestring budget of about $25k. I really liked a Pearson 323 I looked at, but am still wanting to look at some more other types of boats before I buy. Wide open to suggestions here. Oh, I'm in the Galveston area FWIW.

[mitiempo]

Any good coastal cruiser around 30' should have no trouble with the Caribbean if in good condition. Also any boat that size should have an enclosed head. Some are heavier and slower and some are better sailers and a bit more fun to sail. There's a Pearson 323 at Clear Lake that looks good and I think is a better sailing boat. Also the Catalina 30 could be a good choice. There are many available and they sail well. The Allmand is even beamier than a Catalina 30 as well as heavier.

[jwreck]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Any good coastal cruiser around 30' should have no trouble with the Caribbean if in good condition. Also any boat that size should have an enclosed head. Some are heavier and slower and some are better sailers and a bit more fun to sail. There's a Pearson 323 at Clear Lake that looks good and I think is a better sailing boat. Also the Catalina 30 could be a good choice. There are many available and they sail well. The Allmand is even beamier than a Catalina 30 as well as heavier.

Yeah that Pearson is the one I looked at. What's your take on Hunters?

[mitiempo]

I like the older Hunters designed by Cherubini. I think the general consensus is that they were better built than the newer Hunters as well.

[sailingdog]

Mitiempo—

While the Cherubini Hunters are fairly well regarded, there are also later models that were fairly well regarded as well. The problem Hunter has with its reputation is due to a relatively short time period where most of the boats they made were shoddily built and badly designed. I'd point out that a lot of companies have gone through similar cycles of good and bad designs/build quality.