Ross, I'm only 5'9" and 195 and although I love my 27' I am really weary of
the bending and twisting involved with any activities done below. I'd ask
myself how much time I would spend single handing the boat. If you would
usually have someone to help crew (wife?) then I'd enthusiastically recommend
the 30. The 27' inboard is very difficult to work on. Slide into the port
side cockpit locker and see if you have a prayer of a chance to inspect the
transmission fluid. Every time I get in there I spend 2 days of bed rest
because of a back operation. Sleeping is not comfortable to me but again it
may be due to the back.
In short, I'd get a very used 30' and improve it as budget restraints
allow. It will be much more enjoyable for the wife (extremely important, I
can't emphasize this critical point enough) and your enjoyment will be enhanced
also. It's amazing what some fiberglass work and paint will do to make a
tired looking boat look nearly new......
As Ralph so accurately pointed out the head routine is not to be
underestimated. The 30 is basically just a more enjoyable boat. Put your
money in improvements on the right size boat so as not to lose the work you put
into your first boat. It's sad to see all that labor and money go to the next
owners wallet. Bargains are out there so just be patient.
Hope I haven't angered to many 27 lovers because for it's size, it's the
best........
Ross Aresco <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi All,
I'd appreciate some advice here. I've been researching diligently for the
best first boat for my wife and me (no kids just yet) and have had my heart set
for a while on a C30. However, with trying to save up for starting a family,
etc. I'm thinking that it may be the best decision financially to start with a
more typical (and cheaper) "starter boat" and then move up in a few years,
versus spending at least $10-20K more for a C30 and moving right to the boat
that we could grow into. Yes, I know that if you amortize that over a number
of years it doesn't add up to much, but it does right now.
How do you like your C27s? I've never sailed one - but they're clearly super
popular and can handle a variety of conditions. For the same accoutrements
that we'd like (newer sail inventory, well maintained engine, pressure hot/cold
water, generally well maintained boat) you can land a C27 for so much less than
a C30, I'm thinking that this makes more and more sense.
Part of my apprehension, however, is that I'm 6'3" 260lbs and I'm a bit
worried about feeling like Will Ferrell in Elf while onboard! We're in Erie,
PA so we'd ideally like to do a lot of day/evening sailing, some weekly club
racing and ideally do some weekend trips west past Cleveland and north to
Canada.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
~Ross
Change your thinking, change your life. We are guided, we are guarded, we are
healed, we are blessed.....
