Shard wrote:Not really an age thing for the boat; Shard is over 40 years old but ideal for sailing conditions conditions on the west coast. More of a comfort/age thing for us so we have have been looking at a Vancouver 34P. The attraction is the evenings in the early and late part of the season where we can sit in some warmth and comfort and enjoy the views instead of having to go below and not see a lot. The 2015 weather did have can impact though, and being cooped up down below for a couple days while sitting out crappy conditions is not good for the soul, IMHO.
Re the Vancouver, the comfort is attractive (proper berths, wow! - we presently sleep in the saloon), and I like the cutter sail plan and the long keel. The Vancouver would also be more family friendly; good stowage space and better accommodation for grandchildren etc. Also, the full cockpit tent would suit Scottish summers.
The other boat that interested us was this one - http://www.devalk.nl/en/yachtbrokerage/ ... ER-43.html. Bit pricier but worth considering when the pound/euro was attractive. Bit bigger than we'd wanted though but she looks good value if you want a big go-anywhere boat.
Bob & Lesley had a V34P - lovely boat. They kept her in Tarbert but have sold her now and moved back to Kip.
I must have got things wrong. I am in my 6th decade and have just bought a fairly sporty 18 footer - 8.2 metre mast on a 5.5 metre hull that weighs about the same as a cornflake packet. No creature comforts - like a cooker or toilet although I do carry a bucket:)
