If you want just 'fast', check out http://www.phrfne.org/page/567 and
look for low ratings numbers. Just remember that FAST (by the
numbers) doesnt mean the same thing when fully loaded with cruising
gear and the boat sits in the water well below her sailing lines; nor,
does it mean that a fast boat will be a 'dream' when sailing in very
rough weather, especiallly single handed. Fast, these days, means
relatively light weight, knuckle bow, flat bilges, fast/quick roll
period, etc. which 'pounds' to weather in heavy going, easily tires you
out and leaves you exhausted -- you may get there 'fast' but may take
several days to 'recover'.
;-)



In article , Jere Lull
wrote:

In article ,
(Kelly Wright) wrote:

Am looking for a fast monohull around 32-35 ft for singlehanded
cruising. Know about J-Boats already, but wonder about all the
Jeanneaus and Hanse-boats and the million others to pick from. Price
is no great concern. Prefer some nice accomodations below, with wood,
and headroom for someone 6'1".

Appreciate any thoughtful response.

A little more info is needed. For instance, where are you going to
cruise? How long? (days, weeks, or months.) How civilized do you want?
Do you normally have someone else onboard? (I singlehand Xan all the
time, but Pat's along almost always.) Do you want KISS, or lots of
systems to maintain? New? Old? Classic?

Personally, we decide what our immediate needs/wants are, then walk the
docks and try boats on for size -- literally. The second thing we do is
jump in the "V" and imagine using it overnight and on rainy weekends.
After that are "her" concerns: galley & head. After that, I get to
choose the undercarriage and sails.

The difference between a fast and slow cruising boat aren't that great.
Generally, the slow boats are arriving as the fast boats get their
anchor down.

Personally, we found a single Hunter in that size range that was
wonderful -- but it didn't hold up and needed significant work after
only 10-15 years. A couple of Beneteaus interested us precisely because
they're built for the charter trade: Simple, yet tough enough to take
charterers' misuse. (Owners' version, of course.)

But your mileage will undoubtedly vary. What's important to us may not
be to you.