[john61ct]

I'll take out the need for trailer-bility as I think it'll limit the size to 26 feet

Nor Sea 27

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303266

 

[john61ct]

And should also be trailerable without getting special permits.

Too small for a (close) couple to live aboard?

 

[john61ct]

Oop wrong thread

 

[john61ct]

An Ericson 33 just sold in my area for about 23K... You ought to look around for a similar one.
An Ericson 32-2 would do everything you need and has a stronger hull-to-deck joint than many of the other production boats of that era or any other.

On your budget, a later model E-30+ would be a fine choice also.

Are you familiar with the earlier 30's?

Apparently there may have been a short-run 8'6" beam version, possibly explicitly designed for offshore passage making.

I'm not interested in the 9'3" beam version.

 

[john61ct]

No, specifically looking for a 30' from the very beginning, apparently a 8'6" beam, maybe not even put into production, certainly not officially listed anywhere.

There's a derelict one for sale a couple hours from me, I'll have a look when I get the chance.

 

[john61ct]

Those are generally called the E-30 mk1. There is actually one in our YC, fully rebuilt and restored. Early Bruce King design. While it's a decent design for its era, I see no advantage over the later models.
Your money, your choices.

OK, great. Can you confirm it has actually got a 8'6" beam, not larger? That's much narrower than his other designs, and is (for me) its advantage.

I understand the later models were designed for coastal cruising more than offshore, perhaps a bit less robust construction?

 

[john61ct]

OK that's a pity then I guess someone doesn't know what they've got.

I'm limiting myself to 8'6" beam, and even if they were super stout I can't see going all the way down to 25'.

 

[john61ct]

How does the Pearson Ariel fit in that regard?

I'm keeping to beam 8.5' or lower, so Alberg 30 is 3" too wide, and even Pearson 27 is out.

 

[john61ct]

Thanks for those details

What I don't understand is why you are limiting the beam to 8'-6". That makes no sense to me at all. Its too wide to trailer without a wide trailer permit in many states

My understanding is 8'6" or under requires no permit in any state.

 

[john61ct]

How does it "fit" in what regard? The Ariel is really the "Triton Jr", a scaled down version of her big sister. I've never heard of a west coast version of the Ariel.

Opinions on build quality, relative seaworthiness among these being discussed, and in general cruising boats with less than 8'6" beam.

 

[john61ct]

If I had to pick a small boat from the 1960's that I was going to take offshore I would try to find one designed around the MORC rule rather than the CCA rule.

Excellent points, thanks.

What smaller seaworthy boats were designed for safety, comfort, liveability, all those things and **no** consideration for racing rules at all?

 

[john61ct]

Westerlies, Norseas, G26s

By that last you mean Grampian? I haven't gotten that far in my notes consolidation.

And thanks I'll check out Wharram, but I certainly won't be looking for anything new, never bought a new car even.

And PS I'm not OP here, sorry if this is a derail?