Production Sailing Hulls To Steer Clear Of?

Question

Not a Potter simply because it is slow but rather inferior

design coupled with less than happy customer history.

What about a water ballasted and twin rudder hull thingy?

Tell me of another?

Answer 1

Look up the Small Craft Advisor magazine on the web. They have done lots of boat reviews I am sure the are other boat reviews out there too. I do remember a review on a hunter boat once. They had concerns about how far the spacing on the bolts to hold the top deck to the hull.

Could always talk to a marine surveyor who does boats in the size you are looking to purchase.

Answer 2

Best go to the marinas and ask the skippers> They like to talk about boats>

Answer 3

I have not heard extreme negatives about any particular brand or model. My opinion, for what it is worth, is to look for what you need in terms of performance and comforts. Small lakes, Great Lakes, coastal, or blue water environment provide prudent parameters in the choice of a boat, equipment, and livability. Similarly, the amount of time you spend aboard as well as the basic question of race and/or cruise is important. Will you have a working crew or single-hand?

There is an emotional aspect to sailing but a boat is really a tool to do a job. The floating condo at the dock need not be all that seaworthy. If you plan a trans-Atlantic. . . .

I have talked to and watched people who commission new production boats. Almost all find problems from the factory. Used boats will, of course, also have problems but have a track record for what they are asked to do. I suggest you determine what you want a boat to do and what you can afford, then do an Internet (or other) search for what is available. Then research each model. Take the short list and a good book on inspecting a boat and start crawling around on them. Make the list shorter. Hand this shorter list to a good marine surveyor (who knows sailboats!). This effort should save you money and headaches. Good Luck.