Seeking advice on a newer sturdy boat

[Christopher]

I'm new to this forum, and a relative newcomer to sailing.  I've been sailing for about 5 years now in Lake Michigan.  I want to get a boat within the next two years and I want it to be sturdy and sea worthy.  I recently sailed the Queen's Cup (Lake Crossing) on a '76 Hunter 27 and found it to be much less of a joy to sail than the Pearson Ensigns I'm most familiar with.  I sail these in coastal areas, but have been in 6 - 8 footers in both.  My wife enjoys sailing as well, but is not a huge fan of roughing it.  She likes the newer boats with a few luxuries and doesn't like "old" boats.  The plan is to eventually make an Atlantic crossing and tour the Mediterranean for awhile, but this is a long way off as I have much experience to gain. 

So this is what I'm looking for:
Late 80's or newer
28 foot is the smallest I'd like to go, 30 or larger would be ideal
The most stable and responsive boat I can find for offshore cruising
Something I can singlehand or sail with little help
Roomy cockpit and cabin
Sturdy

I've chatted a bit with James Baldwin from atomvoyages and he strongly recommends the Alberg Design boats.  I've sailed primarily on Catalinas and Hunters in the bigger cruising boats and don't really have any basis for comparison except the ensigns which really aren't a fair comparison. 
Are there any newer boats that use this classic design?  I was thinking about a Catalina 30 as they are roomy and pretty modernized, but I've gotten a lot of negative feedback with regards to distance cruising.  Thoughts?  Any information or advice is MUCH appreciated.  I want to get out there and sail everything I can before I buy...

[Frank]

There are a few 'Alberg 29's' on the market now and then.One of his last designs and about as modern as the ole Swede got.Great motion,slightly beamier and a bit flatter run aft (a bit) ..they are a bit faster than the 30's and somewhat larger below....might keep both of you happy ;D   

Alberg 29

Specifications:

L.O.A.: 29' 3" (8.92 m)
L.W.L.: 22' 3" (6.78 m)
Beam: 9' 2" (2.81 m)
Draft: 4' 7" (1.40 m)

Displacement: 9000 lbs. (4082 kg.)
Ballast: 4000 lbs. (1814 kg.)
Sail area: 416 sq. ft. (38.65 m²)

Motor: 15 hp diesel
Headroom: 6' 2" (1.9 m)
Berths: 4 to 5
Rating  (PHRF-LO) : 222

Price range: $35,000 to $38,000  (edit to 20-35000)




In many ways, the Alberg 29 is the refinement and culmination of the concept behind the original Alberg 30. It has a slightly more modern look about it. Like the older Alberg 30, this boat has a full keel and places a high priority on seaworthiness. The cleats, portholes, and other equipment are robust and indicate that the Alberg 29 was designed for bluewater cruising. Despite its full keel design, owners report that when the wind picks up, the Alberg 29 can point quite high and has a good turn of speed. Below decks, the Alberg 29 offer 6' 2" (1.9 m) of headroom, but with its emphasis on seaworthiness, it does not have quite as much interior space as some other beamier 29 and 30 footers.

by Michael McGoldrick.
[ Copyright & Disclaimer ]






Alberg 29 1982
Volvo diesel 18hp. Autopilot, depth sounder, VHF, stereo, shorepower, stove, BBQ, wheel, winter cover, cockpit cushions, compass, dodger, ice box, sea water pump, epoxy and painted the bottom and installed new toilet. Anchor Yacht Sales. 
CDN $34,900 
(905) 891-0191 office
Web: www.anchoryachtsales.com


Alberg 29 1983
Original owner, full keel,. Traditional classic line, Yanmar 15hp diesel, furling, dodger, six opening bronze ports, wheel, steel cradle, dinghy with O/B, Marine survey in March 2006, Toronto location registered 
CDN $35,000 
(416) 493-2118
E-mail: woodmandoug@sympatico.ca

[Christopher]

Looks like a nice boat.  The wife will still likely think it's "too old" though.  I've certainly thought of just getting an old Pearson and "remodeling", but I just want to explore options.  Are there any modern boats out there that are not of Alberg design that anyone would consider in that class of seaworthiness? 

[Godot]

There are some more modern boats that might work for you.  I don't know what your budget is; but if you are looking for more recent examples with a classic hull form you might check out Bristol Channel Cutters (Lyle Hess) ...


Some of the Pacific Seacraft models (following picture of the PSC31)


Or, maybe one of the Island Packets (IP29 below).

[Auspicious]

I agree with Adam that one of the two-digit IPs might be a good fit.

Don't turn your nose up at a Catalina 30 too quickly. One that is a few years old has done about as much depreciating as it is going to do, and if you decide to really cross oceans you can sell it for most of what you buy it for and find another boat from the position of greater knowledge and experience. The C-30 is a great boat for learning in. Sensitive enough to let you know how you are doing and forgiving enough to keep you safe while you learn. The C-30 is also more likely be be appealing to your wife and that in itself is of great value.

I have friends who sailed the US East Coast from Maine to Virginia on a Catalina 30. They had a great time. In the end they boat a bigger boat, but they learned a heck of a lot about what was really important to *them* and not just what others thought they should do.

Bluewater boats don't have to have full keels, and you'll both be happier around docks and in marinas--at least early on--with something a bit more maneuverable.

I can back a full keeled Cape Dory or Allied Chance straight down a narrow fairway, but I'm old and cranky and covered in scar tissue. Be gentle with yourself and learn gracefully. You will learn faster and be a better sailor and boater as a result.

It wouldn't hurt to keep a little room in your budget for taking your wife to the BVI for a week aboard a Beneteau 36 in those beautiful cruising grounds. We call that approach to getting spousal buy-in "cheating" but all is fair in love, war, and sailing.

sail fast, dave

[Christopher]

Definitely like the BVI idea!  That just might win her over!  I got her to take a class this year at the sailing center in Milwaukee.  My hope is to get her enough knowledge so that she can pick me up if I fall out of the boat, but not so much that she tries to tell me what to do ;)

The IP boats look very nice and I'm not real sure what my price range is either.  I have two bonuses at work between now and Spring of 2010 when I plan to buy.  I'd like to stay under 30K, but might be able to stretch a bit for the right boat.

I like your comments on the Catalina 30.  I haven't written it off by any means.  I've just heard a lot of bad press on it from those who have sailed out on the oceans with them.  I like that they are inexpensive and readily available.  It may be something like you say, just a trial boat to get some experience going.  I do have some desire to buy a fixer-upper and do the work myself for the experience. 

All of your comments and advice are very VERY much appreciated.  I'm trying to gather up and learn as much as I can and still get out on the water between work, school, and a very full time wife.  Thanks much!

[AdriftAtSea]

You might also want to look at the Hallberg Rassy Rasmus or Monsun.  These are older HR designs, but very seaworthy. The Monsun is 31' LOA or so, the Rasmus 35' or so. They also made a 29' model, which is relatively rare on this side of the Atlantic. You can read more about the boats here