Bayfield Question

[PaddyoRiley]

Hello,
We have been planning our move down to Ft. Lauderdale onto a boat for some time now and it seems we cannot decide on a boat. Currently, we are looking at wider beamed boats with more room and stronger shroud lines. We have little concern for speed but mainly want something with somewhat of a shoal draft, a brawny build, and a full or modified full keel.
We are looking at the Bayfield 29 and 32c. I know the bowsprits on these boats seem a little excessive and ill-planned but we love the layout of these boats.

Does anyone have any experience with these boats? Do they heel okay? Any major problems?

Our budget is a little over $30,000; if you have any suggestions of boats with similar builds we would love to hear them.


Thanks!

-Patrick

[GordMay]

Bayfield 29 reviews:

Bayfield 29 - Used Sailboat Market in Canada

Canadian Yachting - Bayfield 29

Dave Bieman: Bayfield 29

Bayfield 32 reviews:

Bayfield 32 - Used Sailboat Market in Canada

http://www.boatus.com/jackhornor/sail/Bayfield32.asp

CFSA Vancouver - Review of Bayfield 32

[SVDistantStar]

I cant speak for the 29c or 32, but i can speak for the 25. I had one for a wile and loved it. It didnt sail as fast as my Pearson 36, but i did expect it to. The bowsprits are built into the boat and i liked the one on the 25.

These pictures were taken with 10-15kt winds. I had full main and the working jib out. Can't say how fast she was going, no GPS.




As for living aboard, we lived aboard the 25 for awile. We are a family of 4. Space was a little tight, but ok.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by PaddyoRiley

Hello,

Does anyone have any experience with these boats? Do they heel okay? Any major problems?


-Patrick

Good boats overall for those that like this type of cruising boat. Main problems I've seen is rotting in the bowsprit and those wooden pieces at the side of the bow (don't know what they're called). Also some have had problems with the engine beds.

[PaddyoRiley]

Thanks for the replies,
I am feeling much more confident about these boats and think they will fit us well. We really liked the wider beam and the shoal draft, but I've been reading about the same problems you mentioned above: Rotting Bowsprits and bad fuel tanks.

Just 2 months away and I'll hopefully be able to move onto one of these boats,

Thanks!

[Sailormann]

They are great boats and their SAD ratio is good for Caribbean wind. In lighter airs they are slow when compared to a lot of other brands. I don't think I have ever talked to anyone who owned one that regretted their purchase. Good Luck

[perchance]

Trail boards

[svHyLyte]

This link may be of interest/value to you:

A truly spoiled Bayfield Yacht...

FWIW...

s/v HyLyte

[PaddyoRiley]

I appreciate your response, I had the chance to get a closer look at a bayfield 32 and changed my opinion a little; ended up going with a CSY 33 - a little more boat for the money.

Thanks,

pat