Schoechl Sunbeam 34

Tuca · #1 01-26-2013

I am looking at a Sunbeam 34 and like what I see so far. I am interested to hear feedback / pros and cons from others who have owned a Sunbeam. This one has teak decks which I love, but can be costly. Thanks!

Faster · #2 01-26-2013

Welcome to Sailnet!

Certainly plenty of pictures on the YW listing!... Interesting boat. Two things came to notice right off... the upholstery looks like it's seen better days, and I'd get the galley chef to check the footing in the galley area.. the sole there ramps up quickly and there may be some uncomfortable footing there.

The transom extension looks well done, cosmetically at least, but bears a closer look on survey. Plenty of warmth and wood below. Can't tell for sure from the pics but it looks like a mostly bonded teak deck that's been allowed to 'silver' except for the cockpit area, so the maintenance issue will be minimized. If there are not screw/bung holes throughout the teak deck that augers better for that aspect.

Perhaps a somewhat overpriced for a not-so-well known brand in the US, other than the current owner I wonder how many were imported? Perhaps a Euro owner will chime in.

Didn't know about this one..thanks.

Tuca · #3 01-26-2013

Thanks for the quick reply! Did notice the galley sole as well. Current owner sailed the boat in Croatia and ended up bringing it over to the east coast. Would be great to hear from anyone in Europe.

Faster · #4 01-26-2013

I see on the web they were still in business in '09.. that SB34 is a nice boat!

mistral855 · #5 02-01-2013

Got to like the look of this boat but my personal opinion is to stay well clear of teak decks unless you have $50-60K to spend on replacement. Once water has penetrated through amount of damage is very hard to ascertain until its too late. On the other hand if this boat was priced right it might be worth. The upholstery is also very time warped but some may like that coffin like puffy padding

Tuca · #6 02-02-2013

Yes - my wife is specifically looking for a coffin-like experience! :-) Thank you for the input. The decks are a definite concern. Are you making that comment based on personal experience?

PCP · #7 02-02-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuca

Thanks for the quick reply! Did notice the galley sole as well. Current owner sailed the boat in Croatia and ended up bringing it over to the east coast. Would be great to hear from anyone in Europe.

Sunbeam is making yachts for the last 50 years. Nobody, specially on the high competitive European market, can make and sell boats for 50 years if they don't make good boats. Sunbeam were always expensive boats and that makes their success even more relevant because nobody buys expensive boats if they are not better than less expensive one.

http://www.sunbeam.at/

I have been inside several Sundbeams and they are well built and solid. The older ones a bit too dark for my taste. The old ones looked like Bavarias but they were better built (and much more expensive).

Regarding the teak Deck, expensive brands used better quality and more thick wood than mass production boats. I have seen 20 year's old Contest and HR with the original teak and in good condition. Speak with a specialized professional regarding the condition of the teak on the deck of that boat and about the costs to make it as new (if needed).

Regards

Paulo

mistral855 · #8 02-04-2013

There's a good reason why the same boat but without a teak deck will actually cost more on the used market--- a 20-yr old boat with teak deck is in my opinion a caveat emptor proposition. Check out any Swan or Baltic from this time period and you are most likely looking at a $50-80K replacement. Of course you could just hope that water has not yet penetrated to the fibreglass but don't expect the surveyor to find a comprimised subdeck---the moisture meter can't get readings under the teak. And talk to any broker...it's much much harder to sell a boat with a teak deck, but very easy to buy one. Sorry if you found the "coffin" metaphor objectionable, i just think that kind of puffy look is very dated.

Tuca · #9 02-06-2013

Thanks and I did not find the reference objectionable. I was laughing as the coffin reference has been a running joke with my wife since long before your post.

14gigi · #10 02-19-2013

I'm interested in the Sunbeam too...think a 34 with extended swim platform. I check yachtworld and most come with teak but 1 or 2 have had it removed. As the boat was built in 1989-1992? the teal must be at the end of their useful life...would love to hear from anybody who are owned/sailed one of these. I saw one in Italy but plugs were paperthin and some coming out, teak at this point was only 3 mils so didn't buy. Does anyone know what it cost to rip up the boards and replace with glass....not using a boatyard but maybe individual shop good with fiberglass and then add non-skid