Yesterday I drove down to Annapolis and met Frank Gary at Bristol
Yachts. I told him I was at step one of the buying process and that I
may not be buying until the Fall. We spent over 90 minutes together
talking about what I am looking for. Granted, I also visited Bristol
because the Bristol 31.1 and 35.5 are on my short list. Frank drove me
to see a 31.1. A bit tight inside - no quarter-birth. This boat is now
off my list, as it is almost as expensive as an Island Packet 31, which
seems to have more room than many 34' boats. Interior space is not the
leading variable driving my choice, but the 31.1 felt a bit too
cramped.I subsequently crossed off my list the smaller Pacific
Seacraft, which is similar to the Bristol.
I want to say that I appreciated your long discussion pertaining to
your boat selection. If one is shopping in the mid-Atlantic states
there are boats spread out all over the place and finding the right
broker seems to be essential. Many of the issues you presented, I now
confront. Yesterday: 2 hour drive each way; 3 hours total in Annapolis;
saw one boat. But it was a valuable trip. I can at least cross off an
option.
As a 'newbie', I can see why Beneteau et. al do so well. Man those
interiors, given the same LOA, are spacious. But then I pinch myself
and say. No, in all likelihood it's going to be just me single-handing
this thing most of the time. Perhaps twice a month my wife and two
teenagers will be with me. I want a boat that can take some knocks with
the deck and that I will feel comfortable with in a squall or a bumpy
ride up or down the coast. Though this is my first boat (have been club
sailing 23'), I am not interested in buying my 'first boat'. That is,
given my age, I am buying the boat that I think I will want 5 years
from now. I know of the adage; one always buys the wrong boat the first
time. But I know myself. I am a master's level athlete who has learned
many new 'crafts' over the last 20 years (including kyak racing), so I
hope to prove the exception to this rule. Some boats on my list (some
may go for more than my 70k ceiling) - Yes, they differ quite a bit on
LOA, though less on LWL.
-bristol channel cutter (but too $$$, even for mid-80's
model)
-IP 29/31
-Wauquiez 33/35 (if can find CB - unlikely)
-Bristol 35.5 (less open space and quite heavy, thogh not as
'wet' as the IP)
-Pearson 34-36 (good value)
I may also conclude that all of the above are just too damn
heavy for the Chesapeake, where 90% of my sailing time will be spent.
On another list is:
-Tartan33/35 (perhaps even 37) - woory about hull, etc.
-Beneteau First in the 34-35' range - worry about the side of
the boat after touching the dock in a way it does not like to be
touched
-Sabre 32-34
-C&C Landfall 35 worry about hull, etc.
-Ericson 32-35