1st time buyer: IP 350's - comparable boats?

[Hygge in MS]

I was in a similar position - wanted a quality boat with an interior that was also nice - not the IKEA - like interiors (just a preference) that many Euro boats have. Speed wasn't overly important. I've owned power boats - if that was an issue I would have bought another one. I narrowed it down to Sabre, Tartan, Caliber and Island Packet in the 34 - 38 ft range. Also looked at Ericson - the later models were actually made by Pacific Seacraft. I love Pacific Seacraft and Cabo Rico, but wanted a private second berth aft. In that size (and price range), the aft berthing is open. Also, something not mentioned here, I wanted a fresh water boat if possible since many of the boats I was considering were approaching 20 yrs old. Fresh water boats are used much less and don't have all corrosion issues. So I looked for several years taking my time. I settled on a fresh water, lightly used IP350 and we love it. It's a quality built boat (yes it's a production boat) and no, I don't win races, but it sails well and I've never regretted the decision. Good luck on your search. Quality used boats are hard to find some times.

[maijipo]

I don't know why so much bad press about IP sailing. Last week we were sailing with light wind and the boat was doing as well as our Tartan.

https://youtu.be/9nxE6kvFwbo

[Ralph71]

Thank you. 6 knots in 10 knots of wind sounds great. Reading this forum, I was beginning to get the impression that IPs don't move at all below 15 kts at least...

[maijipo]

Originally Posted by Ralph71

Thank you. 6 knots in 10 knots of wind sounds great. Reading this forum, I was beginning to get the impression that IPs don't move at all below 15 kts at least...

That is not true. Usually, with 5 kts I am happy to shut down the engine and sail.