[SloopJonB]

The Van 27 is a lot more boat. It was designed specifically as a minimum offshore cruiser for 1 or 2 people.

 

[SloopJonB]

Agri, I'm going to go out on a limb with some advice here ... I haven't seen the boats you're looking at, but I'd approach it like this: both the Vega and Vancouver are small boats and should have low refit and maintenance costs. The big costs are likely going to be (a) engine replacement, (b) complete re-rigging and (c) a new suit of sails.

Keep in mind the Van 27 is a BIG 27' - about 10K Lbs, so it's likely to cost more like a typical 32' - 34' as far as gear goes.

 

[SloopJonB]

The Vancouver 27, from a quick search, displaces 8,960 lbs and the Vega 5,148 lbs. They are both small boats and I would expect very similar costs to maintain either. I don't see why the Vancouver would cost as much as a 32ft or 34ft boat. In both the case of the Vancouver and the Vega one would expect simple systems. There just isn't the space to start loading on a lot of complex systems on a boat this size. Another advantage of the Vancouver with its higher displacement is that it is likely able to carry more weight in supplies before its sailing ability is compromised.

The displacement of the Van 27 is nearly double that of the Albin. Boat expenses go up more in relation to displacement than LOA. These days 10K Lbs is pretty typical for 32'-34' boats so I would expect the size of gear needed and so forth to be similar to the Van 27.

 

[SloopJonB]

I see your point John, and normally I would agree. It's just that when you talk about such a small, simple boat I don't think the displacement will make much of a difference in the maintenance costs. The Vancouver may have a bigger anchor, perhaps a new suit of sails will cost a bit more, etc. We're still talking inexpensive boat costs for both boats. Both the Vega and the Vancouver are pretty much perfect pocket cruisers. Our friend Agri is in a win-win decision situation. Personally, I'd go for the Vancouver if it surveyed well as I like the layout better and I believe it's a tougher cruiser (and it was designed specifically as a small offshore cruising boat).

Absolutely - the Van 27 is just a lot more boat. I don't think there's any question that it's the better choice in this instance.

 

[SloopJonB]

Thanks for the help. The Vega and the Van both meet my requirements there is no doubt about that. I'm definitely leaning towards the Van I really prefer the transom mounted rudder and the overall look of the boat. The problem I'm having right now is that in the interest of covering all my bases and checking out every boat in the area that appeared to me might requirments I took a look at a Pacific Seacraft 25. Now while it checks a lot of boxes for me personally, full keel, transom mounted rudder, double ended, compression post under the mast, chain plates on everything ( even the stantions for the life lines have chain plates on the under side which the Vega didn't have) when I sat in the cockpit it didn't seem as if it would be as dry as the above mentioned boats. That said when I close my eyes its the one I'm thinking of. I guess I just need to hurry up and make a decision. The broker for the Van called me today saying that others are showing interest in it so my chance at a good deal may be slipping away there if I don't hurry up and decide.

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The PS25 is a sweetheart - a real little ship that just reeks of quality but for long term cruising it would come up a bit short - pun intended - no standing headroom. It's also nearly 1/2 the size of the Van 27, about the same disp. as the Vega.

 

[SloopJonB]

No question that with a designed SA/D of 14 it's going to want some wind to move. I sure wouldn't want to own one for local cruising but if one is looking for a minimal offshore cruiser, it is in pretty limited company.

 

[SloopJonB]

I'm going to look at another Van 27 today, however I believe this one is sloop rigged. From what I know of the Van 27 design it wouldn't be that hard to change it into a cutter. It's a lot newer then the other one I've looked at but I like the extra sail area of a cutter. Is there any advantage to having a cutter over a sloop on this size of boat? I'm thinking that the extra sail area would help offset the heavy displacement in light winds.

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Less efficient but it gives you some flexibility re: shortening down without going on the foredeck - at least if you have downhauls on the foresails.

A big genoa is better for sailing efficiency than jib & staysail of equivalent area.

 

[SloopJonB]

For all those that are curious, I went with a Vancouver 27. When all is said and done it seemed like the best choice. The inside is nearly completely bare. There are a couple of benches, a head, some slats on the V-berth futon style to put a matteress on. A sink, chart table and, massive stainless steel compression post (This was the feature that sealed the deal over the Vega, all the Vegas I looked at had noticeable sagging under the mast inside the cabin). Other then that everything inside is bare fiberglass. Outside it has the same rigging as a Nor'sea 27 so the mast is a little taller then on a regular Van 27 and it also means the standing rigging is bulkier 5/16 instead of 3/16. This one is sloop rigged and apparantly the last one put out by Seair, hull built 83, but not commissioned until '98.

Right now she is on the hard and the mast is down so the pictures aren't the greatest but I'll post them when I get the chance.

One other thing the current owner never named her so I get that privilege.

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Congrats. Now you get to make it the way you want it. By the way, that rigging should be able to withstand getting rolled or pitchpoled - the rigging was only 9/32 on my Columbia 43.

 

[SloopJonB]

Are you in that yard at the foot of Pemberton, just past the AirCare sniffer station?

 

[SloopJonB]

I don't know Vancouver well so I'm not sure. Its on the hard at the Lionsgate Marina, I do recall seeing something about an aircare facility near there.

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That's the one.