First Boat for SF Bay

[bwechsler]

Intrested in soliciting thoughts regarding the relative merits of following boats for SF Bay. Parameters include a (1) smallish cruiser suitable for the occasional beercan race (2) comfortable for two for a weekend, and (3) under $10,000.

My current candidates:

Catalina 27
Ericson 27
Newport 28
Albin Vega 27
Islander 28

[ha.taylor]

I owned a Catalina 27 for a number of years, had a friend with an Ericson 27, and had looked seriously at an Albin Vega. The Catalina had a roomier interior and was a bit faster. For the Bay, get the standard rig, avoid the tall rig. The Vega could take you around the world, I never sailed on it and can''t comment on its qualities as a daysailer. Can''t speak to the others on your list

[msl]

...of your picks, Newport 30, instead of 28 and Islander 28 would be very nice. The Islander 28 is a Robert Perry design. The Newport 30 is a real honey of an interior. I''m looking at one now. ...haven''t sailed one though.
Mark L.

[JDAM]

No contest for SF Bay, the Albin 28 is far and away the best.

[bwechsler]

Anyone have thoughts also about the Columbia 28?

[bwechsler]

Anyone have thoughts also about the Columbia 28?

[Jeff_H]

A couple quick thoughts, Columbia made three 28 foot models, the 1960''s era Columbia 28 (and the Defender, which was a raised deck version of the 28), the 8.7 and the 299.

All three are pretty old boats that started life with a so-so build quality. The 1960''s era 28''s sail Okay for their day but there day has long passed. Although slightly faster boats, I would think that the sailing characteristics of the 8.7 and the 299 would not be very suitable to SF Bay.

Jeff

[bwechsler]

Thanks for the feedback. I think i''m going to go with the Catalina 27. Not the ideal boat for SF Bay, but found one with extensive recent upgrades and maintenance at a very reasonable price. If it works, hopefully I''ll upgrade in a couple years. Thanks again,
Ben