FANTAISA 35 HELP

[swami maximus]

Hello,
After the last few years of looking, my wife and I have found the Fantasia 35. It seems to fit what we are looking for, but I would love to know what many of you think, know, about this boat. Problems to expect, performance, seaworthyness-kindlyness, etc. Any thing you have to share on the topic would be supurbly appreciated. Irrational things we like in boats. Double enders, aft cabins, smaller than 40 to avoid "industrial" sized problems, non-teak decks, full keels, sweet sexy traditional lines, bowsprits, solid glass construction. Where would it rank among say tayana 37's, alajuela 38's, baba 35's, westsail 32's, Island Trader 41's. We are a young married couple looking for somethign to live on, raise some kids (ergo foreward birth and aft birth), and after school untie and go. You know the cliche.
Mahalo nui,
Teddius...

[Euro Cruiser]

SM:

Adventure Yachts was founded by a few Los Angeles lawyers and an airline captain (Dave Halprin, who married a Taiwanese lady and flew that route). Bruce Bingham did the design, the Taiwan yard ignored the details and built the boat the way they built their other boats, and regrettably Bruce also placed the rudder at the wrong station, so steering has not been as responsive on F35's as it could have been.

You'll find a set of recordings done by Bruce on the Fantasia owners' group wherein he talks about the design and build history of the boat and also the many mods he made when owning one. (He extended the keel and relocated the rudder on his own boat, not for the faint of heart). I would think the recordings would be a 'must' if you are serious about the boat.

The boat appeals because there is so much room inside for its LOA - and even its own standup workshop - but it pays for this in several significant ways: no sea berths other than an angled aft double, a galley not especially functional at sea, and a LOT of displacement and also wetted surface for its sail area. It's a good choice IMO as a liveaboard candidate and when cruising involves mostly day passages or overnights. Don't underestimate the anchor gear needed, either - significant windage and displacement will make a typical anchor mfgr's recommendation too conservative. And finally, don't ignore the reality of buying an older Taiwan boat not built at a quality Taiwan yard. Lots of 'cheap' in the boat (wiring is a good example) and much of the joinerwork put together with rice glue.

Jack

[GordMay]

Fantasia 35 Owners Association: Fantasia 35 - Bruce Bingham designed Cruising Sailboat - fantasia35

Fantasia 35 Usefull Information
Fantasia 35 Usefull Information

[swami maximus]

Im well acquainted with the fantasia owners site. Thanks for the thought.