DSK wrote:
Nice troll, but also an interesting avenuse for discussion
(as always): "what is the BEST boat?"

Carcharias wrote:
I should have been more specific. I'm interested in a racer cruiser.
More interested in speed than comfort. I can rough it. Ocean capable
is a requirement. Fin keel, no narrow transom boats.

What characteristics do you associate "narrow transoms" with?

Squirmy downwind. No interior space. Lack of form stability.

.... I'd like to
start single handing, and I'm getting a bit older and not as physical
as I was formerly. I've been looking around for a while. I'd prefer a
big cat, but can't afford that now.

Why not? Lots of multis coming on the market for less money
now. If that's what you want, it makes more sense to shop
for a bargain in that market than to get a monohull.

You may be right. I don't need space and I'm very interested in speed.
Perhaps I can find an older racing cat or tri. I've sailed the F-27
and loved it, but felt it was dangerous for offshore sailing. My only
other cat expe4rience is on Hobie's.


Also, I'd like to have two sea-berths and a comfortable at anchor
double for cozy nights with my lady.


Easily do-able in a 35 footer. But I guess if you're ruling
out multis one the basis of price, you're not looking at a
Sydney 36 either? The new X-35OD?

I'll check these out when I have some time to research. What would be
your first few choices. Would I be better off going a bit smaller and
lighter and put my money into self steering and an autopilot. I have
zero experience with that stuff.

Some boats to look at:
Thomas 35
Frers 36 F3
Morgan 365 (Nelson/Marek)
J-35
Dehler 34 or DB-2
Omega 36
New York 36
Express 35
Abott 33 or 36
Soverel 36
Sweden 34
Scanmar 35
Baltic 35 (a bit pricey)
Olson 34
Ericson 34
CS 36
Sabre 34, 35, or 36

If shallow draft is among your considerations, I'd also
recommend a look at
Nightwind 35
Clearwater 35
Southerly 110

Benetoad? You have got to be kidding! I would not touch a piece of
crap like that! Every one I've sailed has been too light in the keel,
and too tender as a result. The rig is weak, the factory sails are
horrible, and every thing seems to break.

Hmm this is beginning to look more & more like a troll! But
while it's true that Beneteaus are mass-produced boats, the
market tends to force them into a QA level that is no worse
than other mass-produced boats of their size/price level.

I know they are not ocean rated. Everyone I've talked to seems to say
bad things about them. I did like the big one I sailed years ago. And
there seem to be plenty up for sale.

If you feel so strongly about a Beneteau then I won't
suggest looking at any Hunters, even though for the dollar
they are roomier & faster.

I've sailed a few Hunters. They don't seem ocean capable to me. and
they seem to fall apart like the benetoads.

I can deal with a light boat and, love them, but I would not trust my
life in cheaply built Benetoad, however, it woud be my first choice to
putting my ex-wife in one--during hurricane season.


Is your ex-wife named Isabelle or Ellen by any chance?

No. Janet. Why? Do you plan to copy my idea?

C-T