Thinking of trading my 32-year old in for a 16-year old

[flyingwelshman]

I am presently sailing a Nash 26' (1979) she's my first boat and I like her a lot.

I am going to look at a Beneteau Oceanis 281 (1995) on Saturday. She is quite a bit newer and a little bigger.

Does anyone have an opinion on the Beneteau?

I sail on Georgian Bay. Last summer I practically lived on my boat (I was only home 8 nights all summer.) The Nash was very comfortable, so the increased size is not the main issue (but it won't hurt).

[killarney_sailor]

I think you will enjoy the extra space and will sail a lot faster which will give you more range. If the loonies allow it - go for it. Not sure about a 16 year old - barely legal to drive.

[tdw]

Chalk and cheese. I'm not knocking the Nash but if the money side is doable then you would be silly not to trade up. The B281 has to be in every way a step up.

[Lake Superior Sailor]

Oh yes; Now your cheating on thr old girl ! Whats this water coming to? You know you will miss the reliability of her, the knowledge, and the security> If you trade your supposed to get two! --Dale

[capttb]

In 1985 I tried to reform myself and quit sailing, in 1994 I weakened and went sailing for a week to help a friend deliver a new Bene. In that time the inboard diesel, self tailing winches, reliable furlers, wheel steering, GPS etc. etc. had been discovered. I couldn't resist and had bought another boat within 6 months, my theory now is bigger and newer is probably a good thing in most cases.

[Faster]

We've done over a thousand miles on an early 2000s Bene 36.7 island hopping in the Caribbean...this will be a higher performance boat that what you're looking at but I've always been impressed by the fit and finish below (lots of standard parts with all models)

Even in the 25 knot winds and big swells off St Vincent and in Bequia channel there were no creaks and groans... the boat seems solid. Of course in those conditions the 36.7 goes like a BOOH!!

This boat travels the chain for 6 months out of every year and now, 10 years on is holding up really well and has had no major issues at all.

[bljones]

She appears to be a good looking, well equipped boat. I'm not a big fan of the microwave, I'd rather have a stove, but there's little else for me to quibble about.

[flyingwelshman]

Originally Posted by bljones

She appears to be a good looking, well equipped boat. I'm not a big fan of the microwave, I'd rather have a stove, but there's little else for me to quibble about.

Yeah, the microwave will be heading ashore PDQ. I spoke with the seller and he still has the gimballed fitting for the stove (but no stove).
I'm going for a looksee on Saturday.
So far it seems as though this could be a good fit.
We'll see...

[rikhall]

I read the title and though "He bloody well better be talking about boats and not kids!"

Rik

[flyingwelshman]

Originally Posted by rikhall

I read the title and though "He bloody well better be talking about boats and not kids!"

Rik

or wives I suppose.