35ft GRP CLASSICS
Want a boat with classic good looks that has stood the test of time? We pick our favourites
Terry and Margaret admit to being a bit old school when it comes to their choice of cruising yacht. In the past they’ve had a SCOD, Shrimper, Crabber, Nicholson 32 and an Ohlson 38, but they sold up after the 2008 recession to cut their outgoings and to help their son and daughter get onto the housing market.
Now they are both retired, the family are all settled into good jobs and they also have young grandchildren, they want to buy another yacht that has all the traditional good looks but enough room to have their expanding family on board for at least a long weekend. They also want a seaworthy boat that will allow them to cruise safely and comfortably as a couple throughout the Channel, across to Ireland and up to the west coast of Scotland, which is their favourite cruising area.
Their budget is £50K all in, and they’re looking for something that is ready to go with a reasonable existing inventory. Arthritic wrists mean Terry would like to avoid a boat with a heavy helm and, aware the boats they like will have big genoas if sloop-rigged, he’d either prefer to find a cutter version or one that can be easily retrofitted with electric primary winches. They’d also like an electric anchor windlass as they prefer to anchor when cruising.
Both want a cosy interior with plenty of solid wood in the saloon, a decent size galley for family trips, a separate heads compartment with a shower and plenty of easy-access locker stowage.