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I've been researching a first cruiser for the last few months and am narrowing in on a few. The P35 and P33 (10M) as well as the Mariner 31/32 are making the short list. I have never sailed any of these and, given that I live in the middle of the US, I am trying to gain as much knowledge on some final selections as I can before spending the money to check them out.
The ideal cruising plan (time and money allowing) is to spend several months to a year cruising the east coast of the US, the Caribbean, and possibly through the canal. Then heading off to the south pacific. So I am looking for something that is mostly fit for comfortable coastal cruising but that is capable of making bluewater passages. I don't want to buy two boats (one now for coastal and one later for bluewater). I'm 6'3" so headroom is a necessity.
Some of the things I am curious about are sailing characteristics of these boats, fitness for my intended purposes, and trouble spots. While there is a lot of information on the P35, I haven't found much on the P33 and would love any insight on the differences/benefits of the two. I think I like the centerboard option, but having never sailed one (only bulb/full keel experience) I would be curious to hear people's opinions. Also, any thoughts on the wooden spars as an issue on the Mariner would be appreciated.
Thanks!
The ideal cruising plan (time and money allowing) is to spend several months to a year cruising the east coast of the US, the Caribbean, and possibly through the canal. Then heading off to the south pacific. So I am looking for something that is mostly fit for comfortable coastal cruising but that is capable of making bluewater passages. I don't want to buy two boats (one now for coastal and one later for bluewater). I'm 6'3" so headroom is a necessity.
Some of the things I am curious about are sailing characteristics of these boats, fitness for my intended purposes, and trouble spots. While there is a lot of information on the P35, I haven't found much on the P33 and would love any insight on the differences/benefits of the two. I think I like the centerboard option, but having never sailed one (only bulb/full keel experience) I would be curious to hear people's opinions. Also, any thoughts on the wooden spars as an issue on the Mariner would be appreciated.
Thanks!
