Dana 24, Orion, Nor'sea

[Companero]

Hi,
We've been looking at used Danas, Orions, and Nor'sea 27s and hopefully plan to buy one this year. Any and all opinions are welcome, including of course any leads to boats. We'll be doing mostly 1 day trips out of Homer AK, but want a good sturdy traditional-styled boat that could take us on longer trips down the road.
Thanks,
Mike

[jknight611]

I own a Orion, so you can tell my bias, the Dana is a little short on the water line, if you plan any extended crossings that may be a factor. Both the Orion and the Norsea are 27 feet, waterlines are close enough not to be a factor for this conversation, the Norsea sails fine, but is tight in the cabin. The Orion has better engine access, really nice chart table, good tankage, main salon is larger, also has circumnavigated, and I have a goose neck trailer for mine, so it is also trailerable but is a major project with the permits for a wide load. But the real test is which one "boils" your water. All 3 are very fine boats and a guy could be very proud to own any one of them!!
Dats it from the 3rd coast!
Jay

[pelantz]

It's been a long time, but my family lived aboard a Nor'Sea for six years Southern California. Apart from the headroom, always a compromise, it was more than adequate. Cruised to Acapulco in '85. One of the first hull, #007, which we finished from a hull, deck and engine. Used the old Lyle Hess rig with short mast and 5' bowsprit - cutter rig. Cruised for 6 months with two little kids, 7 and 3, with no problems at all - carried plenty of stores. Good times. If you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to reply. Overall, the Nor'Sea was an excellent boat, and we miss her (sold her for a house, old story, the kids are still mad...)

Good luck,
Phil and Gay

Would love any info about the boat: Nor'Sea #007, BEAR, originally dark green with red trim, distinctive built-up cockpit, wood stick and bowsprit, cutter rig. Sold in the Bay area in 1987 or so.

[Alocus]

Hi,
I bought an Orion just over a year ago. It is a 1979. It is very comfortable sailer. You might try to get the later version with smaller head (bigger V berth) more ports and maybe a few other enhancements. My scuppers are in the stern and let in water in a following sea. Beam is 9'3", I believe the Nor'Sea is only 8'. I am looking to replace the yanmar 2qm15 - with something larger. Right now I use a 15hp outboard. I would also like to install a heater. I have the A plan, and not sure where the best place to install. I am in BC, I am sure it is colder where you are. Anyway these are my concerns. Happy Hunting! ~Ross

[LittleWingCA]

Hi:
I too am a little biased since I own a Orion 27, but when I was looking for my Pacific Seacraft sailboat I checked out used Flickas, Dana24s, and PS31s. I am a big guy and the Orion 27 fit the best. The Flicka lacked 6'+ headroom, and the Head in the Dana24 and PS31 was small, and the doorway narrow. The galley was small as well. The layout of the Orion 27 offered plenty of headroom, a Head I could manuvere in and a galley that is stretched out with plenty of room. I also liked the fact that the table could be dropped and a cushion added to make a nice double berth in addition to the v-berth. Can't do that on a Dana24 or PS31.