What boats might fit these criteria?

[brownoarsman]

Not to overcomplicate things, but if you are still interested in a cat and the exposed helm of the FPs is the barrier, for the Helia, and I believe for the Mahe, they do make a hard topped helm station with isenglass surrounds. That also means they have to raise the boom though, so you sacrifice sail area and ease of access to the stack pack. I wouldn't recommend it, but just wanted you to have full info in case it was of interest.

Happy hunting!

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[D.R.D.]

Thanks Ann. Point well taken!

[D.R.D.]

Thanks fur the info about the FPs. I'm pretty clear already on my cat choices, so I'm just gonna stick to discussing monohulls in thread. Cheers.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by D.R.D.

Ok, great! So, here's my narrowing list. On it, there are a few not discussed, and some that don't completely fit my original specs, but I'm still interested in looking at. Some have several models listed since they are all appealing, and I understand that there may be several variations within each boatyard. Pros and cons of all listed are welcome!

Amel <50
Benateau 41.1
Brewer Orca 45
Bristol 45.5 aft cockpit / ketch
Catalina 400 MkII
Dufour? 382 / 412/ 460
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 Deck Salon
Moody 45 aft cockpit
Nauticat 385
Passport 40 / 43 / 45
Swan <48
Tartan 4300

To me a lot of those are pretty different. Just what is it about them that YOU like because that is all that is important.

[D.R.D.]

Yes, I hear you. I've already begun narrowing the list:


Benateau Oceanis 41.1
Bristol 45.5 aft cockpit
Catalina 400 MkII
Dufour Grande Large 382 / 412
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 Deck Saloon
Passport 40 / 43
Swan 44

Biggest points of interest:
Space on board, cockpit layout, cabin layout, keel options, price, and some of the original features I mentioned at the beginning of the thread.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by D.R.D.

Biggest points of interest:
Space on board, cockpit layout, cabin layout, keel options, price, and some of the original features I mentioned at the beginning of the thread.

So my impression is that livability is really the most important thing for you. Nothing wrong with that and that is how I ended up with my boat. Since boats are always a compromise my recommendation is to not get over caught up in the "noise" of other factors. There will always be someone on a forum more interested in talking about a few failures at the extreme than the 1,000s and 1,000s of general successes of a design.

In the end get the boat you and your partner likes, not what a bunch of book writers and forum posters like.

[D.R.D.]

Good points as well. Thank you. I'll look into the ones I listed and post more specific questions if needed. Happy sailing!

[Ericson38]

Originally Posted by D.R.D.

Yes, I hear you. I've already begun narrowing the list:


Benateau Oceanis 41.1
Bristol 45.5 aft cockpit
Catalina 400 MkII
Dufour Grande Large 382 / 412
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 Deck Saloon
Passport 40 / 43
Swan 44

Biggest points of interest:
Space on board, cockpit layout, cabin layout, keel options, price, and some of the original features I mentioned at the beginning of the thread.

I have good friends with Cat 400 Mk II and Bristol 45.5. I looked hard at a 47.7 aft cockpit. The Bristol has hard corners in the seats, and too much teak for us. The Cat 400 is too lightly built. Also look at Saber 42.

[D.R.D.]

I've been on some Sabres. Definitely a beefier build. Not bad, but I really find the use of space on their layouts are not optimal for my needs. The larger models are a bit better, but pricey.

[sainted]

If you want a boat that is fast, well built and ready to go, here you go:

Home

[D.R.D.]

Thanks, I'll check it out