Me, I'd have a custom, one-off boat built strip planked with glass
(West-like) over according to proven design. She's be small, but all the
mistakes would be yours, not someone else's. My preference would be Jack
Giles Virtue, or his slightly larger similar boat.

Jim Speer
(who actually sails a cape Dory Typhoon)


On 10/16/04 1:48 AM, in article , "Matt
O'Toole" wrote:

david wrote:

"NoName" wrote in message
...

david wrote in message
news:1097817919.838717@webserver...


interested in the collective thoughts of the group re latest
thoughts
on ---
for the blue water cruiser
snip

This site might be of interest

http://www.windpilot.com/en/Se/Yacht/detailen.html

Nigel


thanks for input - given me some ideas and info

i am going to sell up and go sailing - hence blue water designs and
issues.

i need something that is comfortable for me solo - and maybe some
crew or friends later.

it has raised issues of work, finance, repairs, maintenance, running
expenses etc etc

i do not have a lot of cash, but should be able to get into something
for up to AU$200K.

the beneteau thing came about as they are so much cheaper in USA than
in australia.- will check out listings in gibraltar and canaries.

they have some nice configurations 2 and 3 cabins with ensuits, centre
cockpit, cutter rig, 38 - 50 feet etc etc

other suggestions
morris - nice
mac - have not seen any

another option is to syndicate and go racing for a while - there are
some nice race boats on the market that could be fun.- but i am not
as young as i used to be.

Have a look at one of my favorites -- the Kelly-Peterson 44:

http://www.kp44.org/

They have a proven bluewater record, two cabins with ensuite heads, a dry
center
cockpit that's easily coverable, a real engine compartment, and adequate
storage
and tankage. The latter is very important in a long-range cruising boat, and
often overlooked. Most Petersons are selling for $70-130k US. The nicer ones
have usually been completely refitted, to where they're as good or better than
most newer boats. The later ones seem roomier, with slightly better
interiors.

OK, now that I've spilled the beans, everyone will want one, and I'll never be
able to afford one...

Some others to look at:

Similar to the Peterson, but much, much roomier, is a Maple Leaf 42. If
you're
lucky, you might even find a nice 48 for cheap.

If you're OK with a small boat, try a Bristol Channel Cutter:

http://www.samlmorse.com/Index-2.htm

I see used ones in the $80-90k US range. They're funky pirate ships, but
actually sail really well, have tons of storage, and are built like tanks. I
saw a magazine article not too long ago about sailing one around Cape Horn.
Many have actually done it.

Pacific Seacraft boats are also built like tanks, check out the 37 and 40
footers.

Contessas have been mentioned. They definately have a proven bluewater
record,
but are so dinky inside you'll go crazy. That BCC I just mentioned is
actually
a bigger boat inside than a Contessa 32.

Whatever your budget is, don't forget to add *a lot* over the cost of the boat
for fitting out, tweaking, and provisioning.

Getting back to your original question, there's no "best" construction. There
are good and bad boats made from every material and technique. Go with a
proven
design and make. Dealing with a known quantity is safer, easier, cheaper to
get
stuff for, and you'll have better resale value when you're done. In that
sense
a Beneteau might not be a bad choice. The Oceanis models seem to be a bit
heavier, more displacement for all your stuff and tankage.

Finally, if you want a fixer-upper, I bet there are plenty in Florida these
days!

Matt O.