Annapolis Boat Show/Recommendations

[FritzN]

My wife and I will arrive in Annapolis on October 4th and depart October 10th. I'm very seriously shopping for a boat that I'd like to buy by no later than March 31, 2007. I am particularly interested in the following two boats:

Valiant 42
Caliber 40 LRC

I've had numerous discussions and e-mail correspondence with a Valiant dealer and with one of the owners of Caliber Yachts. Since I've searched and read everything written about these two boats on three bulletin boards (including this one), read all available reviews and carefully reviewed their construction methds, I'm not looking for further input on them (except from owners of these specific models).

What I would appreciate is recommendations on other serious offshore cruisers in this length range with Disp/LWL ratios in the 250 to 280 range (mid to high end of moderate displacement).

I've already excluded Pacific Seacraft and Island Packet, which have higher ratios anyway, from consideration. I'm not interested in these two for very strongly-felt but different reasons, whch I'd rather not explain, because I don't want to offend anyone.

All recommendations will be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Fritz

[camaraderie]

Tayana42...aft or center cockpit...another Perry design with canoe stern like the Valiant. Also like Cabo Rico 42 and Farr 42 though the Farr is on the light side of "medium". I assume the gold platers like Morris, Shannon etc. are out of your range based on the 2 brands you've selected. Good luck with your choice...I have nothing but good things to say about the Valiant and Caliber too!

[Melrna]

Fritz
Great minds think alike. Those are the same two boats that I have narrowed my search down too. I will see you at the show!

Melissa
SV Freedom

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

Tayana42...aft or center cockpit...another Perry design

Perry didn't design these boats. They were designed by Robert Harris. One problem with older 42's was that they were not all built to Harris' specs. I was on one where the coachroof was lifting at the traveller. The owner contacted Harris and found out the settees and lockers and some bulkheads were not tabbed in resulting in a lack of rigidity and strength.

[Sialia]

I love the Shannon Yachts and the group there is top notch. You should stop by and see the Shannon 43. I can't think of a better blue water cruiser.

[camaraderie]

Vasco...thanks for the correction...it has similar lines to the 37 and my own that I assumed it was his. I understand that production quality in the mid-90's was often not up to snuff...is this the period you are talking about?

[FritzN]

I appreciate your input. I've reviewed the Shannon Web site, and was very impressed. Earlier this week, I requested info from them, which they overnighted. They also arranged for us to get special passes for this Thursday. We will definately give them a serious look.

Off to Annapolis tomorrow.

Thanks again.

Fritz

[camaraderie]

If you can afford the Shannon...it is an excellent boat. Check out the Morris as well.