Age vs. Length

[MooreVOLS]

What is everyone's opinion between age vs. length. I have found two Bene's one is an 06 343 and the other is an 02 361. If both are fairly equal in equipment, condition, and price what would you do? I think both would meet my needs.

[svHyLyte]

While others may (or will certainly) disagree, in my view buying the smallest boat that will satisify one's requirements is the wisest course, if for no other reason than that costs increase exponentially with size. We went from a Cal 2-29 to a Beneteau 42, and while the 42 is a fantastic yacht, given how we've been able to use her in the last few years, we could easily have done with the First 38. While the differences between the two boats you describe are not that great, the physical demands of a substantially larger yacht alone can also be problematic. As to the matter of age, provided the yachts have been well maintained, age is relatively less important except, perhaps, with respect to sails although, given how most boats are used, many getting only a few weeks of actual sailing time per annum, that too may not be significant.

FWIW...

[BarryL]

Hello,

I don't know much about either boat. They seem pretty similar. So, based on a comparison in the Sailing calculator:
Sail Calculator Pro v3.53 - 2000+ boats

I would select the 361. It has over 1.5' of water line length, and a better Sail Area to Displacement Ratio.

IMHO, the four year age difference is practically nothing. I assume you have checked engine hours, sail inventory and condition, and other options like refrigeration, electronics, etc.

Good luck, sounds like you can't go wrong.

Barry

[rockDAWG]

To compensate my small Johnson, I like every big except cars. I like big house, big property, big bed and etc.

Since sailboat is just a toy, I'd buy the biggest boat I can afford and maintain. I will make sure I can still keep her even if I lose the income for three years. A bigger boat is easier to sail and more comfy. I don't think I will complain about my is too bigger.

I prefer do it right the first time. It is cheaper and happier in the long run. FWIW.

[ccam]

Older. Keep looking! Maybe! Just maybe!! something other than a benehuntalina. Lots of other pocket cruisers out there. On 2nd thoughts a glimpse at your avatar you need something about 12' with a 60lb anchor
Gigm

[nickmerc]

I will agree with the smallest that fits your needs mantra. It becomes readily apparent when you start maintaining the boat. Ask yourself what kind of sailing do you do the vast majority of the time. What are the upkeep costs (maintenance, slip fees, insurance cost, loan payments, etc.) and how much you want to spend on a boat each month.

I have a 30' boat. It fits 90% of the sailing I do. I started to wish for a 35' boat. Then I did a bottom job last summer. After that I started to look at 25' boats.

There are several boats in my marina that the owners never use because they cannot single hand them. They all pine for their previous, smaller boats.
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VAPORIZER REVIEWS

[hellosailor]

Every boat has quirks. Some bendytoys have a rudder that is as deep or deeper than the keel--making rudder damage in a light grounding very easy. I'd look over the quirks on both boats, the cabin layouts, whether there's a proper head (athwartships), whether they are both iron or lead keels, and somewhere the feature set of one or the other will say "Pick me pick me!" to you. Or the sails, by condition and quantity.

Something will speak out to you.

[COOL]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

While others may (or will certainly) disagree, in my view buying the smallest boat that will satisify one's requirements is the wisest course, if for no other reason than that costs increase exponentially with size.

Sage advice.
Many people move up to a larger boat,
only to find that they sail less often, and
do not have any more fun.

[olson34]

Originally Posted by COOL

Sage advice.
Many people move up to a larger boat,
only to find that they sail less often, and
do not have any more fun.

Plus One for that advice.
I recall that back in the early 80's or thereabouts NA Bob Perry wrote an article on finding a boat. He advised (near as I recall) to buy the smallest boat that met your real needs i.e. it should be enough but not more than enough, then within that length buy all the waterline length you could because that determines your speed potential, and finally, when you row away and look back at her you should smile every time.

Still good advice, even if somewhat misremembered.