"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.

any further info welcomed

cheers

david

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.

"david" wrote in message
news:1097887825.615205@webserver...

"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.

any further info welcomed

cheers

david

If you're going long distance cruising single handed save some money to get
a seriously strong wind operated self steering (don't rely on electric ones
for that sort of use) - preferably with a separate mini-rudder, and a good
high output wind generator and some solar panels too. And don't forget
spares & manuals for them. They'll be working all the time in all conditions
and will allow you not to, which is essential, because no-one can keep going
for ever.

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.

"david" wrote in message
news:1097887825.615205@webserver...

other suggestions
morris - nice
mac - have not seen any


I'm a carpenter for Morris. The pride in workmanship is obvious throughout.
Good luck with your selection.
-Kevin-

had a client with a morris 45 (?)
believe he has done the newport-bermuda several times
a very nice boat.
gf

ps: keep up the good work (need any help up there in maine?)


"sportsfan" wrote in message
...
I'm a carpenter for Morris. The pride in workmanship is obvious
throughout.
Good luck with your selection.
-Kevin-

"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
had a client with a morris 45 (?)
believe he has done the newport-bermuda several times
a very nice boat.
gf

ps: keep up the good work (need any help up there in maine?)

The 45 is traditionally a very light, fast design. All lightweight
materials. I know the boats, not the customers. Remember the name of the
boat?
Actually we could use some help. We've had great response to the new 36'
daysailor, a Sparkmans and Stevens design. Started the line last winter,
we've two in the water and another half dozen already sold. Also underway
are a 45, a 48, and just started a 42. Here's the website,
http://www.morrisyachts.com/
We've picked up a few craftsmen from Hinckley's. They're across the street
and the new owners have dropped the quality quite a bit to make more money?
Real craftmen have pride. Come on up, it's beautiful country.

Me, I have 1977 North American 23' ... not a Morris but it gets me on the
water.
My best,
-Kevin-

Duncan Heenan wrote:

If you're going long distance cruising single handed save some money
to get a seriously strong wind operated self steering (don't rely on
electric ones for that sort of use) - preferably with a separate
mini-rudder, and a good high output wind generator and some solar
panels too. And don't forget spares & manuals for them. They'll be
working all the time in all conditions and will allow you not to,
which is essential, because no-one can keep going for ever.

Yup, I think a vane is the way to go for crossing oceans short-handed. So it
would be good to get a boat that works with one -- some don't, while others will
hold a course for ages, all by themselves.

Matt O.

jspeer wrote:

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.

That's an appealing idea. I saw some interesting stuff (in the Gudgeon Bros.
book?) on fatigue for WEST-type boats, and it looks really good -- better than
just about anything but steel. Also, a strip planked inner layer makes for some
really nice interior trim!

But now that people are talking Morrises, if I had that kind of money I'd
probably just order up one of those...

My preference would
be Jack Giles Virtue, or his slightly larger similar boat.

I just Googled it -- never heard of it, and it looks interesting -- at least as
interesting as a Bristol Channel Cutter. BTW, the Canadian built BCC is
practically the same boat as the Sam Morse one, for a lot less money. I just
saw one on boats.com for under $70k.

However, I'm more in the "speed is safety" school -- I'd hate to be slopping
around in the Gulf Stream in a 5 knot boat. So within the realm of proven
seaworthy designs, I'd go as big as budget allows. I think the budget mentioned
allows a pretty nice 35-40'+. But maybe that's my lack of real bluewater
experience showing. :-)

Matt O.

"Duncan Heenan" wrote in message ...

If you're going long distance cruising single handed save some money to get
a seriously strong wind operated self steering

Agree. I came across one of there for the first time this weekend.
Cracking bits of kit if you have the cash. As good as an extra crew
member [1] 90 per cent of the time.

(don't rely on electric ones
for that sort of use)

I don't think people do! ;-)


[1] One that doesn't take up space or bring kit or eat food.