Having viewed over a dozen boats in Europe over the past two months (plus another two dozens or so the years before in Australia), I now know exactly what blue water cruiser I want. One with:
The integrity of a Hallberg-Rassy; the price of a Bavaria; the speed of a racing boat; the space and stability of a cat; the aft cabin and separate shower of an Oceanis CC; the deep, safe and spacious cockpit, as well as the amount of storage space, of an Amel Maramu; the many separate cabins and clever use of space of a Moody 425; the shiny teak deck of one of our favourites, a well maintained Westerley Oceanlord in the UK, but the low maintenance of a non-teak deck Moody 41 in Spain owned by the same Aussie guy for the past 30 years; and last but not least of course the most up-to-date electronics and safety gear – like that of a Contest 41 we’ve seen that has just come back from the Caribbean after a major upgrade in Antigua.
In other words, whatever boat we will end up with, it will be a compromise, just like any voyage, relationship, dish… anything in life really. Today we are looking at another Hallberg-Rassy 382 which has gotten our hopes up for a while. Will keep you posted. Fair winds, happy sailing – and please do share any thoughts that might help us make the decision on our blue-water cruiser. Thanks.
So interesting and so totally timely. I had an article about racier boats for cruising posting probably around the same time you posted this! http://sv-totem.blogspot.com/2013/09/what-makes-good-cruising-boat.html
Good luck with your dream boat- it’s out there! You nailed the most important thing: EVERY BOAT IS A COMPROMISE. 🙂
My Dad said go to Italy for boats!
Italy??? UK seems to be full of them. If we don’t pick one up here or in France, were thinking about heading back there. xo