Looking for starter boat recommendations UK?
Posted by Intelligent_Buyer_23@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 7 comments
I'm looking for my first yacht, budget tops out around 5-7K, and enough 25-31ft in length.
I was looking macwester 27s, westerly gk's, westerly konsort, dufor 2800.
Any recommendations for solid reliable boats in this similar category, with few known issues and hopefully something with good performance.
Many thanks in advance:)
Firebar@reddit
Something like a First 27.7 might be up your street. Powerful and fast for getting the miles in but easily managed by two people. And with a lift keel to get into shallow spaces. We used to do family holidays along the south coast in one. Rates very high under IRC so tough to race though.
Other popular boats in that sort of size think contessa 32s, Sigma 33s, Laser 28s they all do a lot of JOG racing which means they’re capable distance boats.
TriXandApple@reddit
https://ancasta.com/boats-for-sale/used/sail/melges/ic37/33922/ this should be a good starter boat for you.
genfauk@reddit
There will be loads of options in your budget. Personally I would stay away from anything too old like the boats you suggested.
Try to find the boats that have had the bigger things done, like rigging and sails replaced. Also something that doesn’t have an ancient engine.
Depending on where you sail, there are better boats that will suit your area.
Shopping for boats is a fun thing to do, so start making a list of what you need from the boat.
Intelligent_Buyer_23@reddit (OP)
I'm starting a new job that gives me 2, 3 months leave each year so hopefully something that I could circumnavigate the UK in.
genfauk@reddit
Have a look on Apolloduck, uk.boats.com, etc and visit a few local brokers.
There are always bargains to be had, more so if you are happy to do a few jobs. Just be careful not to bite off more than you can chew.
Personally, I would go for a cruiser over a racer for what your plans are.
I started with a 23’ that I couldn’t stand up down below, it really started hurting my back even doing the washing up. Then went to a 27’ and now a 33’. It’s amazing how much more comfortable in all ways the bigger boat is.
Find some online examples of boats you like and post them in here for people’s experiences, if you like.
oudcedar@reddit
I’ve owned 2 GK24s and they remain my absolute favourite boats. Fast, responsive, very resilient even when we crossed Biscay in unpleasant conditions and super easy to park solo.
They felt like they fitted my hand like a glove and I’ve never felt so in tune with sailing, and would steer itself on a close reach even in choppy waves.
Accommodation wise they are weird - a perfect pocket yacht with comfortable seating and secure quarter berths down below and a very generous forward bunk. But all with 4 foot 9 headroom. I don’t have one now as I wanted much much more living space but miss the immediacy of the sailing.
andrew0891y@reddit
Westerly gks are good, but they are ior raceboats so beware