C&C 37+ (was beneteau first 38s5)

[ktum6]

Upon a second visit to both boats (c&c 37+ and beneteau 38s5), the pendulum is swinging again. The c&c 37+ is looking better and better. For one thing I saw a lot of wear and tear on a 35s5 and I''m worried that the 38s5 is going to age faster than the c&c. (the 38s5 is a 1992 and the 37+ is an 89, though it would be hard to tell which is newer.)

And Jeff, if you happen to see this, you had commented (on an earlier thread) that you like c&cs in general but not the 37+. Is the construction of the 37+ subpar? From what I''ve seen it offers a good deal: a good all around boat with decent performance, good comfort and serious coastal cruising potential. I remember comments that there were better cruisers at that price range than the c&c 37+. Would you mind suggesting a few alternative boats you would think would be better all around boats than the 1989 c&c 37+ at about similar prices?

Thanks,

kt.

[Jeff_H]

I went through a very similar search myself two years ago except that I had a lower budget (I am assuming that you have a budget around $90K), I wanted a boat that had a proven record of being single-handed offshore, and perhaps I was a little bit more performance oriented. My short list is below. Some of these boats are a little more spartan than the C&C 37+ and some like the Sabre 38 and, to a lesser extent, the J-37 are a little more cruising oriented.

If I were buying a boat that size in your area, my first choice would be to try to find one of the later Express 37''s in decent shape. They featured a combination of very good build quality and speed. They have a simple but comfortable interior layout. They seem to have a reasonably easy time sailing to their rating and their S.F. one design status seems to hold their value up.

I also was extremely impressed with the Oyster Lightwave 395 which is a bigger version of the Express 37. Unfortunately they are a bit rare in the States.

I ended up buying a Farr 11.6 and I am very pleased with the boat in all ways. On the West Coast you are likely to find a New Zealand built 11.6, which are supposedly a little nicer finished than the South African boats. I am more in love with my 11.6 than any human being should be with an inanimate object. That said, they are not a boat for big people as the headroom is a bit scant and the S.A. Boat''s berths are a bit narrow (That varies a bit with country of origin and the individual boat).

Dehler 38
Express 37
Farr 11.6 (Farr 38)
Frers 37
Frers F3 (Hinterhoeler)
IMX 38
J-37
J-39
Oyster Lightwave 395
Sabre 38
Sigma 38
Soverel 39 (Tartan)
Tripp 37
Tripp 38
Wiggers 37
X 402

Regards
Jeff

[ktum6]

Jeff,

Thanks for the advice. You''re pretty much spot on on my budget. I''ll have to do some more homework on some of the boats you suggested. I have however looked at a few already, and I can say that the Sabres are either outside this price range, or significantly older and without an aft cabin. (The aft cabin is not an absolute must, but I would prefer a boat with one.) The other issue of course is one of availability. I can see a few pictures online, but right now there are no dehler 38s, frer 37s, farr 11.6s, express 37s, oysters or many of the other boats in my area.

The search continues... (Hey, this is also part of the fun.)

Thanks again,

kt.