We don’t have more than the name. However, we already know pretty much what we expect from our Colette.
The list is relatively short:
- She should be fast. 1X knots on Downwind courses should be possible in good winds.
- It has to be well made.
- Keel mountings and bolts must be flawless.
- A large cockpit with sensible ergonomics for 2 active sailors and 2 Guest.
- Oversized, proper autopilot.
- The cockpit should be open to the rear or at least relatively accessible.
- Anything between 36 and 40 feet is possible.
- Two steering wheels or one big wheel.
- 2 cabins and a wet area aft instead of the 3rd cabin would be the optimal layout for < 40 feet.
- Engine doesn’t matter, it’s coming out anyway and will be replaced by an electric motor.
- We have a dog, so the deck should be covered with something to walk safely. Teak Fake!
- The rig should not have too steeply swept spreaders.
- A cutter stay would be ideal, at least retrofittable should be possible.
- Classic battened main. Furling Mast – I still think about it.
- Bowsprit and proper anchor gear with possibly a 2nd anchor.
- Sail load locker or good storage for sails.
- The galley and the complete boat should have sufficient ventilation.
- Cushion in at least L-shape.
- Bright interior.
The Candidates
I have currently reduced or changed the list. You always learn something new when you have sailed the boats.
The candidates who have been shortlisted so far are (in order of desire):
JPK – 38/39 FCRM Yachts – RM 1180- ELAN E5
- Salona 380
More 40- Cantiere del Pardo – Grand Soleil 39/40
- Jeanneau 380
- Hanse 360
- Hanse 400
- Hanse 418
- ELAN 40.1
Yep, the list has changed a bit—getting a touch more realistic!
There’s barely any RM or JPK out on the used market. Even other, faster boats are ridiculously rare, and if you do find one, it’s either wildly overpriced or tucked away somewhere on the other side of the planet.
Plus, we’ve got a dog again, and he’s coming along. So yeah, I’ve softened the requirements a bit—our budget has had to adjust to the times, too. But no worries—I’ve sailed or at least checked out quite a few boats by now, and I’m not shy about looking at production boats either. Sure, they might need a bit of pimping, but honestly, I enjoy that part.
Hanse is a great example. I’ve always liked the look of their boats, but the interior finish has always been a sticking point for me. Took a closer look at how to improve it, and it’s really not a huge deal. With solid hardware and good sails, a Hanse can actually be a lot of fun.
RM Yachts
Out because of no used availablility around 200K.
JPK Yachts
Out because of no used availablility.
ELAN Yachts
Elan builds stable and fast cruisers. Not quite the class of an RM or JPK, but for a price that would possibly, at least with the E4, also allow a new purchase.
The shipyard in Slovenia has a long experience, thanks to its many products besides sailing yachts. Material professionals through and through. The E series are the fast boats with somewhat reduced equipment. And fast means that you can easily sail over the waves at 24 knots with a good wind.
At the same time, the E5 look relatively harmless.
A real advantage is the keel construction and its attachment. No material has been spared here – falling off? Never!
Unfortunately, Elan has raised the prices enormously, which kicks the E5 out of the race with a new price of over €360,000 (with some equipment)!
But, with our slightly changed requirements, the Impression 40.1 has moved into our picture.
More Yachts
Out because of no used availablility.
Why Hanse?
The short answer: I like the design of the hull and the layout in general. Why “the others” changed to “no sailor” layouts, Hanse always remained true to a relatively practical layout. Relatively! I like the older ones more, especially the 415 seem to be perfect to our plans.
Yes and I know that the Hanse Interior built quality isn´t that good. The plan is, send a carpenter for one week in the boat and let him do his job. I think you can make huge improvements with a relistic financial effort.
Also the new Hanse 360 looks very interesting. Faster, spacy and still stays with the concept of a working Cockpit Layout. I will check het at the Düsseldorf Boatshow in 2 weeks. The price tempt to buy a new one? I assume that there will be e ton of 360 sold in the next years. Maybe a 1 year old for 25% less? We will see.
Cantiere del Pardo – Grand Soleil 39
The Grand Soleil 39 is a mistery. An insanely exciting boat. Top workmanship and very fast in its class but hardly any boats were sold. Maybe once a year a used 39 appears in the boat markets, but it disappears or is sold just as quickly.
The pictures certainly speak for themselves, a beautiful, valuable boat.
Cantiere del Pardo is one of the few manufacturers to offer polar diagrams for its boats. And in the case of the 39, they speak a clear language.
And last but not least …..
Maré Haute Django 9.80
Not longer on our list but still a beauty. Not enough space and no used boats on the market.
We visited the shipyard and got an idea of the people who build the boats. It was very clear to us that the Djangos are a first choice.
The boats from Maré Haute are all trimmed for single-handed suitability.
When we sold our Etap 21i the Django 7.70 was in the selection of successors. In the end, the width of 3 meters for a trailer boat was the exclusion criterion. Very sad, because the 7.70 is also a great boat.
The 9.80 has enough space, is equipped inside a bit spartanic, especially the wet cell is now no oasis of well-being but you can change everything. If you buy it new, which would be quite an alternative at the price of the 9.80, you can have everything designed as desired. A nice option especially since the 9.80 is an absolute offshore racer.
Unfortunately, there is no such breathtaking video of the 9.80 as of the 7.70. But the 7.70 video from Lisa Yo (Berger) shows the why 🙂
Salona 380
Another fast Cruiser from Slovenia. I compare the Salona 380 to the Elan E5 Yes, the Elan´s Interieur is quite better and in some points the Salona needs an Update But the Boat is available on the used market for reasonable pricing. A good experienced comunity do know the drawbacls and all of them are easily soaped out in a DIY matter.
And so we are faced with a choice. It will be a while before we get into the active boat search. Until then, maybe one or the other candidate will make it into the list, you’ll see.