Hi,

Has anyone heard of or sailed an Allmand 31 tri-cabin sloop? I'm looking at one to purchase and am wondering if I'm making a poor selection. It seems to be quite heavily made and should be seaworthy.

I would appreciate and and all opinions. I'm new to sailing and obviously this would be my first boat.

Thanks

Harold

You need to do plently of research before buying this boat. I recently salvaged one of these on a Coast Guard debris removal, and it literally fell apart! The hull below the waterline was less than 1/4 in thick in places. Check it out thoroughly.

thats the best advice anyone can offer, sorry about your luck

Hi,
I'm also looking at a 32' O'Day. Would that be a better choice?

Harold

Harold...is it an older Oday 32cc or the later aft cockpit 32? I owned the 32cc for a while and it was a fine family cruiser for the Chesapeake. I know the other boat as well and though it is more modern and a better sailing boat, the construction standards are the same. I would classify both as modestly built production cruisers suitable for sheltered waters and fair weather coastal cruising. We enjoyed ours and there were many things we liked about her as a boat for 3 kids and parents and weekends and vacations aboard...and the price is right...but I do not kid myself about the sailing qualities or the seaworthiness of the boat.
Exactly what is your budget and what are your plans and needs with a new boat?

Harold,
Good Old Boat reviewed this in the July/Aug 07 magazine.

I spent a couple of days on an Allmand 31 this summer. It was of 1979 vintage, and recently refurbished. It was a pleasant and roomy boat, with a nice cockpit layout similar to that of a powerboat of similar size. the traveler is ahead of the cockpit-- a good thing, in my humble opinion. Decent Layout down below too, with the head forward near the v-berth, and a port side entry to the aft cabin. I have heard that they don't do well in light air.
NO experience with the O'day.