Arends 33

[oz_abe]

Hi all, I'm looking to benefit from some of your collective wisdom.

I'm shopping for a cruising boat in the 32 to 35 foot range and the Arends 33 is one of my favourites. My biggest concern though is that most are 35 or more years old now.

I know they were regarded as very well constructed boats back in the day, bulletproof in fact, and there are still quite a few around in amazing condition. They don't seem to change hands very often, and those who own one seem to love them.

But I can't get past the fact that they're old grp boats. Do you think the age is much of a factor for a well maintained hull, or will they just keep on trucking?

[GILow]

They are brilliant.

Swanson hulls, so totally bullet proof, but lacking the usual horrible Swanson fitout.

Buy it. Stop looking.

Edit: Seriously, if you can afford one, and if they have what you want from a boat NOW, it will outlast you and your great-grandchildren.

More edit: I have a huge collection of Aarends interior photos that I am modelling my fitout on. Oh how I wish Swanson's came with that sort of interior finish.

[oz_abe]

Thanks GiLow - that's what I've been telling myself so it's great to hear it from someone else.


I'm not sure I can afford it, but that's never stopped me buying a boat before!

Good luck with your fitout - have you posted pics of the process here?

[Fore and Aft]

I see there are two Arends on the market with new Yanmar diesels. Either of those two would be my pick. The Victorian one appeals to me slightly more because of the solid dodger.
As for the age of the hull I survey plenty of 1980s fibreglass yachts that are still in good shape. I surveyed a 1982 Lotus 10.6 last week that looked like it was almost new. No blisters on the hull and the deck was remarkably stress crack free.
Cheers

[GILow]

Originally Posted by oz_abe

Good luck with your fitout - have you posted pics of the process here?

Nah, not one for blogging stuff, and the one time I posted a photo of some work I was doing I got half a dozen patronising posts on how I was doing it all wrong.

Don’t need that crap in my life, too busy having fun.

[first.contact]

G'day, I've lived aboard my Arends 33 for 10 years now and love every moment of it.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by first.contact

G'day, I've lived aboard my Arends 33 for 10 years now and love every moment of it.

I just checked out your site. Great stuff and I really love those Arends brochures! What a find.

I've bookmarked you for when I get up your way next year, lots of great advice and wisdom packed in there.