nor'sea 27 vs shannon 28

dennies · #1 (**permalink**) 11-27-2010

Hello to all! This is my first time asking a question and I hope you can help me. I have narrowed my search for the boat of my dreams down to the Nor'sea 27 and the Shannon 28. I'm sure either will more than meet my needs, but was wondering if there is any major reason I should pick one over the other. Mainly I would like to know if the decks have any problems with delamination. The Nor'sea has a plywood core and the Shannon, a balsa core. I have read nothing but great things about these boats but, I want the one with the least possible problems. Thanks a lot, Dennie

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 11-27-2010

While both character boats, they seem quite different to me.

The Norsea is, I believe, trailerable so that's an advantage in a tough moorage market providing you have the right vehicle (and a trailer...) but with an aft cabin in a 27 footer, the cockpit will be quite tiny compared to the Shannon.

While they both definitely have the 'look', to me the Shannon is a more classically beautiful boat, and would probably win the 'row away' test.

I was surprised to see the price ranges on YW to be quite similar, from lows in the 30K to highs 60K+. With the Shannon, there seems to be quite a range of layouts and finishes - I think they were semi-custom builds in many cases.

Overall, with glass work and leakage issues otherwise equal, a balsa core should be less problematic than plywood.

Oh - and welcome to Sailnet!

mitiempo · #3 (**permalink**) 11-27-2010

While I think balsa makes a better core than plywood, it would depend more on the individual boat, maintenance over the years, any leaks at hardware attachment points and how quickly they were attended to. I think they are both well designed and built boats.
I agree with Faster the Shannon is a prettier boat with a better cockpit. All Shannons have had custom interiors since 1975 according to their advertising.

dennies · #4 (**permalink**) 11-27-2010

Thankyou very much for the quick an excellent answer. Thankyou also for the welcome! Dennie

SeaQwest · #5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2010

Dennie,

I can't add a whole lot other than to say I share a similar dilemma. I have been looking at the Shannon 28 and the Pacific Seacraft Orion 27. Both are great boats and if the right one comes along, I plan on pulling the trigger!

I have heard the Nor'sea is a great boat as well. The 8' beam versus the 9'6" beam of the Shannon is a significant difference. If you seek the flexibility of trailering the boat to other ports, the Nor'sea has the edge. If roominess and storage is high on your priority list, then, I think, the Shannon has the edge.

The Shannon was an expensive-built boat and there are only about 50 of them out there. I would think most owners could afford to spent the necessary amounts to keep their custom boats ship shape. I have heard the Nor'sea was well built also, but an issue might be that many were sold as "kit" boats for owner completion.

If you are like me, you will know the right boat for you as soon as you see it. The survey will tell you if you should buy it. Have fun looking!

Jim
SeaQwest

dennies · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2010

Jim, Thanks for the input! It's nice to know others share my dilema. I like the Orion too. I don't think either of us can go wrong with our choices as long as, like you said , the survey is good. Thanks again, Dennie

LeftCoast · #7 (**permalink**) 12-02-2010

A friend of mine had a Shannon 28. This is back in '92? From what I recall it had really bad blistering problems. I'd look close at the hull laminate over that issue. Other than that, it remember it being really pretty.

Wow! Long time ago. I wonder if he still has that machine?

-jim lee

Sapperwhite · #8 (**permalink**) 12-02-2010

Not all Norsea 27 are center cockpit. the more sought after and rarer is the aft cockpit version.

CapTim · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010

I know a fellow who is refinishing his norsea 27 and wants to sell it... I'll have him stop over. He's got a mountain of pictures and such... pm me and I'll give you his number, if you'd like

tom3215 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011

.....both boats are excellent ! You can parse details all day long. Most important buy a boat that was/is LOVED by it owner versus sailed only by its owner.

Secondly, just like buying a motorcycle, get on both and buy the one that really makes you excited just sitting in it, touching it and looking at it. Forget the math equation, let your heart do the talking this time. 2 years from now, you forget the 5k that you overpaid with devaluing dollars

Happy sailing

tom3215