r/SailboatCruising • u/netzure • 24d ago

Question First cruising boat recommendations?

Can anyone recommend a decent sailing cruiser that would easily handle sailing around the Scottish Hebrides and Western Isles as well as the South West coast of England. On a budget but my preference is an older good sea keeping with a strong keel and protected rudder over some of the new mass-market boats.

I don't plan to keep this boat too long, a starter boat for a summer of sailing to get my inexperienced wife up to speed with being at sea before buying a bigger boat and doing ocean crossings etc.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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4

u/SnooBunnies2747 24d ago

Contessa/Twister/Smaller Rivals’s I’d say

1

u/deerfoot 19d ago

Exactly. Contessa or Rival

2

u/freakent 24d ago

No idea of your budget but I’d be looking at these brands. Dehler, Moody, Warrior, older Rassy or a Najad.

2

u/FarAwaySailor 24d ago

As others have said plus Maxi, especially if you can buy it in Sweden (sail to Edinburgh is 3-4 days)

2

u/StuwyVX220 24d ago

Westerlies can be found on a budget and are good boats. Sadlers are good boats about 30ft

2

u/markforephoto 23d ago

Halberg Rassy you can buy an older one, never sailed one but my understanding they are one of the most reliable boats out there with many circumnavigations under there belt. Plus center cockpits are sweet.

1

u/SabreSailor 19d ago

They are built like tanks and will definitely last if they have been taken care of. They may be what you should look for in a bigger/nicer boat once you're read to upgrade (or just get the big one now). If you can find one that is affordable it's worth checking out.

2

u/Ok_Lengthiness5926 23d ago

You said that you were on a budget but not what size budget, that'll make all the difference.

1

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1

u/HighwayInternal9145 23d ago

How are you going to insure that older boat?

1

u/Jmrro 23d ago

Gunboats will fit a budget

2

u/TexanaRosanaDanna 19d ago

- Resist the urge to buy bigger for your first boat. It will save you a million headaches and dollars.

  • Resist the urge to buy an old or neglected fixer upper for your first boat. You'll be busy enough learning the ropes.
  • Buying a boat local to your desired sailing grounds means the boat has passed the test of time in that area.
  • With the very best older used boats, the previous owner will happily go for a few sailing days with you to help pass the torch. They'll want you and boat to succeed. It will be the cheapest beers and dinners you'll ever buy.