Tell me about Bayfields

[Baysailor34]

I own a 1983 Hunter 34 now (shoal draft). I will be doing my first coastal sailing as a captain in that boat in 04. As I cruise the net looking at other boats I came accross the Bayfields, specificaly the 29C. Anyone know anything about these Ted Gozzard designed boats and thier offshore capabilities?

[Sailmc]

I owned a Bayfield 25'' for a couple of years. They are pretty boats if you like that look. Lot''s of teak to take care of too! They are of average production boat build quality. They are not the greatest sailing boats. They go to weather poorly and develope vicious weather helm easily. Your Hunter 34 would sail circles around the Bayfield 29'' with little effort. But they are both equally tender. You need to reef early and often on both. They have the look of a sturdy passage maker but really are just coastal cruisers. If you are in love with the look try a Cabo Rico. those are the real deal for that type of boat.