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Gran Turismo 32

Flyer 9 Spacedeck

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XO Defender 9

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250-500 HP Outboard

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250-350 HP Outboard

WEEKENDER 9

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Surfhunter 32

Used Yachts For Sale Below 40 Feet

Listed below are used yachts for sale worldwide below 40 feet. Use the search tools to narrow your exploration. SYS Yacht Sales offers a wide range of used yachts for sale, including motor yachts, center consoles, trawlers, express cruisers, sportfish yachts, sailboats and everything in between. Search top brands like Riviera, Boston Whaler, Tiara, Yellowfin, Beneteau and much more. Need assistance? Contact our experienced yacht brokers. We look forward to helping you find the yacht that's right for you.

Robbins Chesapeake Bay 40 Sport Fish Deadrise

Selene Kiwi Sedan

World Cat 400 DC-X

Diesel Duck 40

Sea Ray 400 Sundancer

Sabre 40 Sedan

Sea Ray Sundancer 400

Barker Boatworks 40 High Performance Cat

MJM 40z Downeast

Pacific Seacraft 40

Lucy Isabel

Sunseeker Superhawk 40

Hinckley Bermuda 40 MK III Yawl

Hinckley Sport Boats Sport Boat 40x

Azimut Verve

Rinker 400 Express Cruiser

Nautitech 40 Open

Nauti by nature.

Catalina 400

Floeth Yachts Blue water cruiser

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419

Pied piper ii.

Island Packet 40

Yankee last ii.

Sea Ray 40 Motor Yacht

Hatteras 40 Motor Yacht

Evolve 400 HT

Its all shampain.

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MOONLIGHT II

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PLANET NINE

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SILVER EDGE

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• VIRTUS XP NB110 HULL 02
• WIND100' SAILING CATAMARAN
• WIND130' SAILING CATAMARAN
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30 Ft Boats for sale

1-15 of 2,685

1984 Intrepid 30

Miami, Florida

Make Intrepid

Category Center Consoles

Posted 3 Weeks Ago

The Intrepid has been well maintained for her age. Overall, she is in good condition, with no visible flaws. The seller has performed all recommended maintenance. Everything on boat works. It comes with trailer. Stock #350777 This is a beautiful 1984 30ft cuddy intrepid. new tanks put in roughly 7 years ago, brand new 5.7 vortex long block Looking for a true offshore fishing machine? Look at this beautifully maintained beautiful 1984 Intrepid 30ft cuddy. The Intrepid is powered by brand new 5.7 vortex long block. Fully equipped with one Garmin GPS-fishfingers, live wells, rod lockers, and lots of storage. The boat is equipped with new tanks put in roughly 7 years ago, Dual axle trailer is 100% new with axles, bearings, wheels, tires, bearings, and bunks. Great for offshore fishing or just family fun! Call today to schedule a showing.

2005 Custom Built 71ft x 24ft x 6ft

Houma, Louisiana

Make Custom Built

Model 71ft X 24ft X 6ft

Category Houseboats

This vessel is in excellent condition. Per the seller, everything onboard is in working order. The seller maintains a logbook to document the dates that he has run/exercised all the various equipment on board. This includes the main engines, the two generators, the spuds, as well as all the various other equipment. Stock #244332 71ft x 24ft x 6ft Custom Built House boat powered by twin, 8V71 Detroit Diesel main engines! ********************** CERTIFIED SINGLE OWNER ********************** This 2005 Custom Built 71ft x 24ft x 6ft Houseboat is one of a kind. The seller custom-built it from the 1/4" steel hull to the beautiful interior finish work that features natural cypress. It is powered by two Detroit Diesel 8V71 engines, a 2:1 gear, driving 2" Stainless Steel shafts equipped with 30" 4-blade bronze props. The electric plant consists of a 20 KW Delco generator driven by a Detriot Diesel 8V71 engine, a 23 KW generator driven by an Isuzu 4LE1 engine, as well as shore power. It features three levels with spiral staircases to traverse the levels. The lower level includes 4 private berths, a full head with a shower, and a large galley and dining table. Move up the spiral staircase to the mid-level. It features three bunks, two large sofa's, and a TV with DRV. Go through the glass sliding doors to the utility room to access the full-size stackable washer & dryer, a 500 lb/day icemaker, and a full bathroom with a shower. Walk through the sliding glass door to the outside deck. Moving up the second spiral staircase brings you to the pilothouse. It features a bunk, two stainless steel chart tables, as well as all the navigation equipment to safely pilot the boat. Controls include a Kobelt Full Follow-up tiller, a Kobelt Electronic Throttle Control (with station select, Station Lock, Throttle Override, and Synchronizer). Gages for the Port and Starboard engines, switches, and spud controls are all mounted on stainless steel panels. This houseboat is wired and has light fixtures for both 120 VAC and 12 VDC. This houseboat has a USCG Certified Type II Marine Sanitation Device (sewerage treatment plant). It also has an Ademco Electronic Security System. Reason for selling is no longer using.

1973 Egg Harbor 30 Sport fisher

Edgartown, Massachusetts

Make Egg Harbor

Model 30 Sport Fisher

Category Sportfish/Convertibles

A local rep has not visited this listing. The limited information has been provided by the seller. The seller reports the vessel is in average condition and currently on the hard. Seller states several items have been recently completed Stock #208093 1973 Egg Harbor. All new electronics last year Garmin GPS Garmin radar ship to shore radio 3-D fish finder a lot of electrical work. 1983 Twin 360's. 1973 Egg Harbor 30 Ft Sport Fisher Seller reports new Garmin (radar/sonar/and fish-finder) electronics last season Seller has complete a few electrical upgrades Decking was replaced 3 seasons ago and new glass 4 seasons ago. The boat is reported to need some plumbing upgrades, but the seller has most of the items that any buyer will need to complete the project. Seller also has the new ceiling, just not installed at this time. The seller reports this vessel was used last season and can be put back into running condition Reason for selling is not going to use this upcoming season.

15ft Aluminum boat Grumman Johnson 30hp center console

Westwood, New Jersey

Make 15ft Aluminum Grumman Boat

Length 15.0

Posted Over 1 Month

Great boat starts and runs really well. Exceptionally well taken care of! Garage kept. I have the engine professionally serviced twice a year. Im selling because I need something bigger. If you want I can send you a video of the engine running. This boat was used lightly about once a week during the summer. It has a Semi-V hull. Ive had it for almost 4 years and have had no problems with it. When I got it I totally refurbished the interior. The floor is new the carpet is new the seats are new and the battery and water pump are new as well. Either paypal or cash upon pickup, either is fine. Call me or text me if you have any questions. Only call after 5pm. 201-739-4747 -Chris

30 FT CLASSIC MORGAN SLOOP

Salt Lake City, Utah

Make Morgan

Category Sloop Sailboats

Length 30.0

30 FT CLASSIC MORGAN SLOOP In great condition: Full GalleyLarge V-Berth Head (Toilet)2 Quarter Berths In-board Atomic -4 EngineElectronics/Radio/Stereo Roller Furling2 Anchors All Mahogany Wood, recently refinished.Location/Price: Marathon - $8,500

Sailboat Pearson 30 ft

South Portland, Maine

Make Pearson

Category Sailboats

Here is a rare opportunity to purchase a vessel with extensive upgrades for a fraction of cost. "Dancer" was purchased by the current owner in 2013, who replaced major systems and components with the intention of keeping her for many years. Over $30,000 was invested in the first year, however a sudden change of plans forces "Dancer" to go up for sale. All mechanical invoices are available for review. Upgrades include:New engine 2014New exhaust system 2013Cutlas bearing 2013Shaft and strut 2013Bilge pump 2013Propane system 2014New wheel 2014Sails---main and jib 2012 Please contact Eric Fortier at cell number 207-590-1360 (Toll-free 877-241-2594) where boat is locatedAt South Port Marine, 14 Ocean Street, South Portland, Maine 04106, USA (If you need additional information, call owner John Salo at 617-590-2244)

2011 30 ft Luhrs

St. Augustine, Florida

This is an Awesome Boat Priced to Sell, She is in Pristine ConditionThe Luhrs 30 Open Is very economical to operate, she burns 1 gallon per hour at 7 knots, can you imagine going fishing an burning only 10 gallons of fuel or $50 all day!She Has an Air Conditioned Cabin For the Wife and Kids To Get Out of the Heat or Weather As Well as a Large Head with Shower with Sleeping Space and If That Is Not Enough She Has a Galley With a Stovetop and Microwave and Sink She Gets Better Than A Mile Per Gallon at 22 knot Cruise with 300 Gallons She Has A 319 Mile Range and at Trolling Speed She Gets 7.6 Miles per Gallon and An Incredible Range Of 2052 Miles!She is 31' 10" Loa with 11'6" beamShe is Like New, Loaded With All The Extra's an Awesome Electronics Package with 110 Hours on Her Yanmars She Is Barely Broke In!Fresh Bottom Paint and New Zincs 9/14 Light Blue Hull, Twin Yanmar Diesels, Half tower, a 6 kW Kohler Generator, A/C, Automatic Trim Tabs, Epirb, USCG Safety Package, Microwave, Head, Shower, Enclosure, Sirius Sat Radio Raymarine E-120W GPS/ Chart Plotter/ Radar/ Sounder/Stealth Battery Charging System RayMarine ST70 Auto Pilot, Electric Windlass, Remote Spotlight, Autopilot Cell 561-405-5155 Email [email protected]

30 ft pontoon boat

Amherst, Ohio

30 ft pontoon boat very nice 150 mercury it has a bathroom and a kitchensink stove queen size bed a full size bed and a cal king size bed no holes in the seats coveing is about 4 years old motor is an 06 runs great the make is sun dancer party hut 30 and it comes with a trailer trailer tires are 4 years old the trailer is in great shape

30ft Aluminum Workboat Trawler

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Make McKay Cormack Ltd Victoria

Model Trawler

Category Trawler Boats

30ft Aluminum Trawler. Strong 4-53 GM diesel in very good condition. Dry exhaust. Heavy commercial construction. Equipped with VHF, searchlight, hyd steering, etc. New starter, batteries only 2 years old. Spartan workboat interior. No microwave, no fridge, no toilet, no shower, no autopilot, no current survey available, no hot little blonde suntanning on the foredeck. This is a proper small trawler style work boat that is simple and reliable, will go safely everywhere on the coast. Currently located in my back yard Yellow Point just south of Nanaimo. Estimated fuel consumption 2.4GPH at hull speed 7 knots. Builder McKay Cormack Ltd Victoria. Date unknown. No engine or service history available, hours unknown but your inspection will prove in very good condition. Very little smoke upon startup and then within a few seconds no smoke is clear. Your survey and mech insp welcomed. Serious inquires only. This is not a boat that would appeal to the yacht club types. Ready to go back into the water now with new zincs fitted, new cutlass bearing, new shaft packing, hull and prop cleaned, etc. Does need the top coating of antifouling immediately prior to launch. Will cost $300 for boat mover to put back into the water. This boat has outstanding seakeeping characteristics, a smooth graceful ride in rough weather with fantastic balance. Will deliver by licensed Master Mariner to your location under separate agreement. Would very much like to deliver from Canada to San Diego or Alaska for example. Canadian Registry Number C20246BC Look it up yourself for more info on this boat. http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/4/vrqs-srib/eng/vessel-registrations/details/C20246BC Sold strictly on "As is Where is" basis. No warranties, claims, guarantees of any kind.

morage anorcortus Wa. 30ft.

Snohomish, Washington

30 ft slip at Skyline Marinea Ancortus Wa.  For sale  $ 60,000 or lease $ 360.00 per month Call 425-334-5266 ask for Clark

CARVER 30FT - GREAT DEAL!

Wantagh, New York

Model CARVER

Category Aft Cabin

Length 30 FT

HUGE! SLEEPS 8+, BACK AFT CABIN HAS TWO BEDS WITH DRESSER AND MIRROR, CLOSET, MAIN AREA HAS A QUEEN SIZE SLEEPER SOFA, TV AND BAR COMPARTMENT KITCHEN HAS MINI FRIDGERATOR, MICROWAVE, DOUBLE SINK, ALCOHOL/ELECTRIC STOVE V-BIRTH HAS TRIANGE SHAPE BED / SLEEPS 2-3 , DRAWS AND CLOSET AND BELOW CABINETS FOR MORE STORAGE DUAL STEERING - OUTSIDE TOP / INSIDE GALLY WINDLESS ACHOR AM/FM RADIO, DEPTH FINDER AND GADGES TOP CANOPY COVER FULL BATHROOM WITH STAND UP SHOWER/ HOT WATER / TOILET AND SINK WITH VANITY FULL MIRROR SHE MIGHT BE OLD BUT ONLY HAS 800HRS/ ENGINES START RIGHT UP BUT HAVENT TAKEN HER OUT IN 2 YEARS, LOW PRICE SELL AS IS CLEAN AND WELL KEPT BUT SUGGEST NEW CARPETING AND NEEDS SOME TLC, GREAT WINTER PROJECT TO SPRUCE HER UP! Just don't have time to use it anymore, kids all grown up, owned it for about 12 years. Great boat, lots of room and even great to live on board like previous owner did. Looking for a local sale within NY area. Presently locked in Bellmore, NY

30 FT Jet Boat Project

Marco Island, Florida

Make Trojan Hull

Model Cabin Cruiser

Category Downeast Boats

Length 35.0

Built in 1998, twin diesel jet boat cabin cruiser. Everything operational, needs top coat paint job. Over $30k in spare parts for the engine and jets. - Twin commercial saber diesels, 212 HP Each with 500 hours. - Turbo-charged after-cooled. Stainless steel exhaust and headers. - Dowty Jets - Bow Thruster $15k takes it all Located in Marco Island, FL

72'Trogan Express 30ft

Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey

Make Trogan

Model Express

Category Express Cruiser Boats

I'll start by saying this is a good project Boat, both engines are in excellent condition,!!but thay have not ben ran last two seasons it will need some T.L.C for the fly Deck other thin that its a good boat its worth the money. all so if needed ill send more photo's ask and ill send more detail of it and the engines and hull. all so I accept cash in person boat is 30'feet long and 10'Beam feet

Tracker 30ft pontoon boat

Birchwood, Tennessee

tracker pontoon boat 120 hp mercury outboard, has cabin,15 passenger cap. custom built trailer,good clean freash water paint

2011 30Ft Luhrs Open

West Palm Beach, Florida

Length 32.0

This is an Awesome Boat Priced to SellGo To www.Palm-Beach-Yachts.com For More InfoThe Luhrs 30 Open Is very economical to operate, she burns 1 gallon per hour at 7 knots, can you imagine going fishing an burning only 10 gallons of fuel or $50 all day!She Has an Air Conditioned Cabin For the Wife and Kids To Get Out of the Heat or Weather As Well as a Large Head with Shower with Sleeping Space and If That Is Not Enough She Has a Galley With a Stovetop and Microwave and Sink She Gets Better Than A Mile Per Gallon at 22 knot Cruise with 300 Gallons She Has A 319 Mile Range and at Trolling Speed She Gets 7.6 Miles per Gallon and An Incredible Range Of 2052 Miles!She is 31' 10" Loa with 11'6" beamShe is Like New, Loaded With All The Extra's an Awesome Electronics Package with 175 Hours on Her Yanmars She Is Barely Broke In!Fresh Bottom Paint in 9/14 and New Zincs in 4/15 Light Blue Hull, Twin Yanmar Diesels, Half tower, a 6 kW Kohler Generator, A/C, Automatic Trim Tabs, Epirb, USCG Safety Package, Microwave, Head, Shower, Enclosure, Sirius Sat Radio Raymarine E-120W & E-90W GPS/Chart Plotters/ Radar/ Sounder/Stealth Battery Charging System RayMarine ST70 Auto Pilot, VHF's/Electric Windlass, Remote Spotlight, Autopilot Contact James VanderVliet at Palm Beach Yacht Sales for additional information or to schedule a viewing. Cell number is (201) 280-0029 or email is [email protected] . Boat is located on Singer Island.

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best 30 foot boats: Seaworthy British cruisers available for under £30k

• Peter Poland
• June 15, 2022

Peter Poland shares his expertise on British-built second-hand yachts costing less than £30,000, which are comfortable and seaworthy...

You might think £30,000 sounds like a lot of money for a ‘starter boat’. But tracking down a comfortable and seaworthy yacht that’s 30 foot long, less than around 40 years old and capable of taking a crew on coastal cruising trips costing less than £30,000 on the second-hand market can be a challenging project.

It’s stating the obvious, but sailors who are happy with smaller yachts have far more to choose from. In the days before the ‘smallest’ new starter boat became a costly 30-plus footer, many builders used to offer popular ranges stretching from 20ft to 32ft.

But if you are looking for the best 30 foot boats within a £30,000 budget, you will have to start delving into the realms of older yachts.

14 of the best 30 foot boats

The Westerly Centaur White Lady

Westerly Centaur

Those looking for smaller GRP starter boats – myself included – often settled on the ground-breaking 26ft Westerly Centaur. Between 1969 and the early 1980s, 2,444 were built; outselling any other British production cruiser.

To a large degree its success stemmed from the exceptional space, headroom and comfort that it offered in its day. Three layout options were available and – more by luck than judgement – I bought the most popular.

It had a twin berth forepeak, enclosed heads compartment, L-shaped saloon settee with drop-down table, linear galley to starboard and twin quarter berths aft. Thanks to designer Laurent Giles’s thorough tank testing, the Centaur’s twin keels also broke new ground.

The Westerly Centaur Viento Seco

These tests showed a substantial loss in efficiency when keels were aligned exactly fore and aft. So the LG team settled on splayed and identical (as opposed to asymmetric) keels with a 2° toe-in.

I bought my second-hand Centaur as a floating cottage from which to follow and photograph the successes of our Hunter Sonata and Impala 28 One Design classes in the late 1970s.

The Centaur did a great job. It sailed adequately, motored well and provided excellent overnight accommodation. And it still will today; especially if you find a tidy example with refurbished headlining panels and a recent engine.

A Nicholson 32 beating through the Sound of Mull, Inner Hebrides. Photo: Genevieve Leaper/Alamy

Nicholson 32

Going back to 1963, the evergreen Nicholson 32 is another candidate for a seaworthy and comfortable cruiser that just keeps going. Peter Nicholson sketched out his ideas for an all GRP Camper & Nicholsons fast cruiser that he hoped would become the new ‘people’s boat’.

He envisaged a quick and seaworthy hull, a distinctive two level coachroof (featuring a raised doghouse aft) and a spacious and nicely fitted out interior.

His father, CE Nicholson, drew the lines and Halmatic was signed up to mould the boat. Peter Nicholson planned the marketing and prepared the brochure: which was probably the first GRP yacht brochure produced in the UK. Jeremy Lines took on the day to day running of the project and the Nicholson 32 hit the sailing scene in 1963.

Success was instant. The Mark 1 version sold at £4,900. This may not sound much, but apply about 60 years worth of inflation and this comes to around £109,000 (+VAT) in today’s money. Which was a lot for a 32-footer.

Article continues below…

Coming of age: the 1970s yacht designs that have stood the test of time

Sailing in the 1970s was characterised by innovation, enthusiasm, mass participation and home boatbuilding. Rupert Holmes reports

Best cruising boats under 30 feet: Is this the ideal size for a yacht?

Cruising boats of around 30ft can often become a ‘boat for life’. Having graduated from dinghies to small cruisers, many…

But it’s as one would expect for a high quality yacht with a lead keel. Interestingly, the LWL had been fixed at 24ft – the holy grail for offshore racers – because this was the minimum permitted length for RORC events.

The first 32 produced, aptly named Forerunner, did well in Solent racing with Charles and Peter Nicholson on board. Then the young Claire Francis made the headlines by sailing her Nicholson 32 Gulliver single-handed across the Atlantic .

And the success story just ran and ran. Jeremy Lines continued to mastermind sales, control changes and liaise with Halmatic until the final couple of years, when Halmatic took over the whole project with the Mark X and Xl versions.

From 1963 to 1981, the 32 was in continuous production and including a few built under licence in Australia, around 400 were built. Peter Nicholson summed up the 32’s success by saying: “I think the most important thing about the 32 was that owners felt very safe in her in really bad weather.

“We had numerous letters and comments about this from people who had been caught out.”

Nicholson 32 Mark X and Mark XI

Over the years no fewer than eleven new ‘Marks’ of the 32 were introduced, incorporating numerous changes. Many of these related to small details but some were more significant, such as scrapping the pilot berth and pushing the saloon settees further out to make space for an occasional double berth.

The Mark X (introduced in 1972) and Mark Xl featured an all-new deck moulding and raised hull topsides, resulting in major changes and a completely new look. With extra headroom and space provided by the raised topsides, the ‘dog-house’ part of the coachroof became longer and lower.

At the same time the cockpit changed dramatically (it could now accommodate a wheel) and the companionway moved from its unusual but practical offset position to the centreline.

Down below, the galley and chart table changed sides, the chart table changed orientation, the saloon became more spacious and the amidships heads area got a bit bigger. While many liked the new Mark X look, others preferred the more traditional profile of earlier models. You pays your money (usually more for a Mark X or XI) and you takes your choice.

‘The evergreen Nicholson 32 is a seaworthy and comfortable cruiser that just keeps going’

From a personal perspective, I like the Raymond Wall designed deck and coachroof on the Mark X and Xl. But I’ve always admired Wall’s designs, especially such beauties as the Nicholson 35, 43 and 55. And after an enjoyable test aboard a 1969 Mark 8 version, I concluded that: “A ‘classic’ such as a Nicholson 32 will not suit everyone.

But if you want a boat with character, a boat that will look after you, a boat that just feels so good (whether sailing or relaxing down below) and a boat that will turn heads wherever she goes, then take a look. A Nicholson 32 is not just a boat; it is more a love affair and a way of life.”

To give an idea of prices today, I came across a couple of Mk 8 versions (1971 and 1972) asking £9,000 and £9,500 and two Mk Xs (1972 and 1974) asking £12,950 and £24,500.

Prices vary a lot depending on condition, spec and engine age etc, and a professional survey is advisable – as is the case when considering the purchase of any elderly boat. A visit to the Nicholson 32 website and becoming an associate member (£15) also gives access to a prodigious amount of information.

The restored Contessa 32 Bugler of Hor (PBO, December 2018)

Contessa 32

As the 1960s slid into the 70s, a new British-designed and built 32ft contender – the Contessa 32 – hit the market in 1972. And, like the Nicholson, it has become a popular classic.

However, having been launched eight years later, several new design features gave this 32-footer a very different look. The 1970s ushered in a new generation of yacht design.

The most obvious changes are beneath the waterline. Instead of a traditional long keel, the Contessa followed the new trend of fin keel (albeit a long one by modern standards) and separate skeg-hung rudder.

From a performance point of view, drag is reduced and manoeuvrability increases. But the Contessa’s vital statistics are surprisingly similar to the Nicholson’s, with the same LWL (that magical RORC minimum of 24ft again) and 5ft 6in draught. And her beam is only 3in more.

But when it comes to weight, there’s a substantial drop from the Nicholson’s hefty 6,198kg to 4,309kg. Yet the ballast ratio remains around 50%.

The Contessa’s finer ends and reduced underwater body explain the overall reduction in weight and mean that she is smaller down below – and quicker that the Nicholson. The 1972-designed Contessa 32 soon became a top seller with a reputation for seaworthiness, performance and classic good looks.

‘Synonymous with the word “safe”, many Contessa 32s have girdled the globe’

Around 700 Contessa 32s were built and she’s still in demand today. Photo: Carolyn Jenkins/Alamy

Around 700 were built and she’s still in demand today. Prices range from £14,000 (a 1972 example with original engine) to £27,000 (with newer engine) to £36,000 (a later example with newer engine) to ‘six figures’ for a recent boat. Jeremy Rogers Ltd still builds new 32s.

The word ‘safe’ has become synonymous with the Contessa 32. Many have girdled the globe. Others have raced across the Atlantic, a recent example being Amelie of Dart built by Jeremy Rogers’s new company.

Stephen Gratton entered her in the 2005 Amateur Single Handed Transatlantic race and raised over £50,000 for an MS charity. Jeremy Rogers told me: “He took 30 days to do the crossing, which was an extremely rough and testing one.”

But perhaps the most famous Contessa 32 is Willy Ker’s Assent . She shot to fame as the smallest yacht to complete the storm-tossed 1979 Fastnet Race , when many larger yachts had to retire.

Then Ker took to the ice and Assent completed successful cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic oceans. Contessa 32s, it seems, can take their crews anywhere.

The Contessa 32’s layout is similar to the earlier Nicholson 32 design, albeit slightly less voluminous. In the saloon, the main U-shaped settee converts into a double berth, thanks to a slide out panel.

The chart table is full sized and forward facing, with a secure quarter berth aft. The galley is a seagoing wrap-around U-shape that provides plenty of work-surface.

Contessa 32 Class racing during Cowes Week in the Solent, off the Isle of Wight. Photo: Peter Titmuss/Alamy

“Cooking and navigating at sea are safe and simple”, one owner told me; “You don’t get thrown around too much if it gets rough. She has a gentle motion at sea. She doesn’t bounce around and catch you off balance.”

Like the Nicholson 32 and other cruisers of this era, the Contessa’s heads compartment is amidships, between the saloon and the forepeak.

This isn’t as palatial as the aft heads compartments on beamy contemporary cruisers but when the heads are forward, valuable saloon space aft at the widest part of the yacht is not sacrificed.

Andrew Gardener’s Rival 32’s comfortable cockpit, wide side decks and moderate width bow and stern. Photo: Andrew Gardener

Rival 32 and Rival 34

At much the same time, the Rival 32 (1971: 200 built) and Rival 34 (1972: 174 built) hit the scene and also made their names as reliable and capable offshore cruisers. Designed By Peter Brett, the Rival 34 was an extended version of the already successful Rival 32, having a slightly deeper afterbody and longer overhangs to give steadiness in a seaway.

There were two basic hull versions, one with a deep keel at 5ft 10in and a shallow one with 4ft 8in draught. The Rival 34’s prowess in offshore sailing was soon put to the test. Four Rivals (a 31, two 32s and the first 34) entered the inaugural AZAB race (Azores and back – around 2,500 miles).

Then Brett lent his own deep keel Rival 34 Wild Rival to a young naval officer, Geoff Hales, to enter the 1976 OSTAR (Observer single-handed transatlantic race). Hales told me that it was one of the roughest OSTARs ever. “Out of 126 entries, only 76 finished. Wild Rival took it all in her stride and we finished 23rd… and we won overall on handicap.”

Rival 34 Wild Rival competing in a Round the Île de Bréhat Race in the Classic Channel Regatta. Photo: Peter Poland

Hales said that the 34 was so well balanced that she often sailed herself (with the Aries self-steering disconnected) and that the high bow proved its worth in the heavy head seas.

The only damage was a split mainsail, caused by a knock down when Wild Rival was hit by a rogue wave during a storm when winds touched 60 knots. “Needless to say,” Hales added, “ Wild Rival was straight back on her feet!” What’s more Wild Rival is still racing today and a regular competitor in The Classic Channel Regatta.

I’ve crewed on a Twister twice in this splendid event and admired Wild Rival racing round the Île de Bréhat … and she’s already entered for 2022. To get a professional opinion on how the Rival 34 has stood the test of time, I contacted Scottish yacht designer and surveyor Ian Nicolson.

When I heard he’d changed his championship winning Sigma 33 for a Rival 34, I was keen to hear his opinions on his latest and less sporty steed.

Ian said: “Restoration of my Rival 34 was a middle of the road job. I worked on her over three and a half winters and now she’s more comfortable, but these boats tend to be basically safe and not a lot was needed structurally. I’m pleased with the new book-case which has a traditional teak grating front!”

‘The most obvious changes of the 1970s’ new era of yacht design are beneath the waterline’

And what about her handling and performance? Ian added: “When I get our Rival into a tight marina berth with half a gale on the beam, I wish she had the short keel of the Sigma 3 for swift, tight turning.

“But when I am out alone and have not linked up the autohelm, the Rival’s steady plod in one predetermined direction is an asset. In squally conditions the Sigma needed firm handling and we won races by keeping the boat on its feet, while others were broaching.

“There is none of this problem with the Rival. If I had a choice for Scotland I would go for the deep draught version.”

Many other Rivals have gone on to cruise long distances. The design has a distinctive sheerline, and the interior, although smaller than some modern 34-footers, is particularly well fitted out for serious seagoing. On the second-hand market, I found 1978 and 1979 32s on offer at £16,000 and £17,500 (with a replacement Beta 25) and a 34 at £29,000.

The more modern Sadler profile is perhaps more functional than the Contessa’s classic look. But the Sadler 32 will be a dryer boat to sail as a result of this. Photo: Tim Woodcock/Alamy

The Sadler 32 is also worth considering. Designed by David Sadler, around 300 were built between 1979 and 1989. It’s interesting to compare dimensions with Sadler’s previous Contessa 32 design. At 31ft 6in overall the Sadler 32 is slightly shorter.

But her LWL is the same: namely the old RORC minimum 24ft for offshore races. Fin keel draught is also the same at 5ft 6in (shoal draught and twin keels were also offered), but beam is a foot broader at 10ft 6in.

Displacement is similar at 4,309kg but the ballast ratio is a slightly lower 44.2%. However the Sadler’s extra beam and form stability compensate for this. The Sadler’s masthead rig is also a similar size to the Contessa’s.

The Sadler 32 is a more spacious boat than the Contessa 32. Photo: Adrian Muttitt/Alamy

So what does this all add up to? Being a more modern design, the Sadler’s increased beam, higher freeboard, cambered side decks and straightened sheer definitely pay dividends down below.

The Sadler is a more spacious boat than the Contessa. Her fin keel is also a bit shorter, so there’s a small saving on wetted surface. This was borne out by early successes on the IOR racing scene.

I recall Cowes Week dices in our Impala 28 against the Sadler 32. We tended to edge ahead when off the wind (especially in a blow) but were hard pressed to hang on to the Sadler beating to windward in a stiff breeze.

Martin Sadler also sailed a 32 in the 1979 Fastnet and came through it with flying colours. Unlike the Contessa 32 Assent that completed the course, Martin decided to rest his crew and retire to Cork after surviving the ferocious front unscathed.

When it comes to looks, you enter the realms of personal taste. The more modern Sadler profile is perhaps marginally more functional than the Contessa’s sweeping and classic look.

But the Sadler 32 will be a dryer boat to sail as a result of this. Typical asking prices vary from £15,000 to £24,000 subject to boat and engine age.

Westerly Longbow and Westerly Renown

In 1972, Westerly asked Laurent Giles for a new 31-footer. And in its various guises, this makes a very popular first cruiser. It started life with a fin keel, as opposed to the ubiquitous and successful twin keels that had helped establish the Westerly brand.

The Westerly Longbow is a powerful performer, especially in a breeze. Photo: SailingScenes.com

So in 1972 the Westerly Longbow hit the scene, to be followed a year later by its ketch rigged centre cockpit sister, the Westerly Renown.

These two models have the Centaur’s signature knuckle in the bow and small ‘step’ in the roof line; but the extra five feet in length gives a generally sleeker appearance. They also took performance to a higher level.

The Longbow in particular is a powerful performer. She can surprise more modern cruisers in club handicap races – especially in a breeze – after which her crew can lie back and relax in traditional Westerly comfort.

The Longbow’s accommodation is spacious, featuring an L-shaped saloon settee arranged around a table to port. Two alternative galley positions were offered; one forward in the saloon and one aft. And a decent sized heads is amidships.

All in all, it’s an extremely practical and pleasing sea-going interior with plenty of wood to enhance the ambience. The centre cockpit, with wheel steering and optional ketch rig, Renown added a separate twin berth stern cabin to the equation.

Of course this is small compared to the palatial pads found in the wide sterns of many of today’s broad beam cruisers, but it is genuinely ‘separate’ and accessed via its own companionway at the back of the cockpit.

The Renown’s saloon is slightly shorter than in the aft cockpit Longbow, but remains a cosy and welcoming lair, with the galley aft to starboard and chart table to port.

Sales of these two fin keel cruisers level pegged, with the Longbow chalking up 265 compared to the Renown’s 273.

The centre-cockpit Westerly Pentland. Photo: SailingScenes.com

Westerly Berwick and Westerly Pentland

But customer demand for twin keels won out in the end, and a couple of years later Westerly launched the Berwick (aft cockpit) and the Pentland (centre cockpit) sisters.

Their efficient twin keels reduced the draught by around a foot – enabling upwardly mobile Centaur owners to retain their drying moorings and to continue creek crawling as they graduated from 26 to 31ft.

And, like their fin keel sisters, the Berwick and Pentland had sensible seagoing interiors. Sales between aft cockpit and central cockpit versions were also similar, with the aft cockpit Berwick winning at 309 to 241.

As sales continued to boom, the interior layouts of these successful 31-footers were occasionally tweaked. And towards the end of the run – as with other Westerly models nearing their sell by date – the fibreglass furniture mouldings gave way to an attractive (and more costly to build) all wood look.

Interestingly, the final total of these 31-footers built is evenly split between fin and twin keelers at around 540 of each. And that’s a lot of 31-footers. Today’s second-hand prices vary between around £10,000 to £18,000; depending on age and condition of boat and engine.

Excellent Westerly build quality as found in the 33ft Discus. Photo:

Westerly 33/Discus

One of the last classic Laurent Giles cruising yachts designed for the Westerly range was the Westerly 33/Discus, produced between 1977 and 1984.

Many regard this 33ft hull – with its well-proportioned keel (giving a 40% ballast ratio), generous displacement (6,848kg), and sensible beam (providing ample comfortable space below) – to be the best of the lot.

As usual, there are choices of keel (fin or twin), rig (sloop or ketch) and cockpit position (central or aft).

But it is the accumulated experience of thousands of Giles-designed Westerlys that makes these 33-footers a cut above the norm – with desirable small details such as backrests that move to become solid lee cloths for sleeping at sea.

Around 300 were built and asking prices vary from around £20,000 to £25,000.

Westerly Fulmar 32

In 1979, perhaps influenced by the success of racier cruisers imported from France, Westerly decided to step up a gear in the performance stakes and go for a new look and a new designer.

Out went Laurent Giles and in came the young Ed Dubois. It was a bold move, but Westerly pushed ahead in 1980 with a replacement for the popular 31ft Longbow family.

Excellent performance and handling qualities in both fin and twin keel formats from the Westerly Fulmar. Photo: SailingScenes.com

The result was one of Westerly’s most popular and enduring models; the Fulmar 32 (1979 to 1992: 437 built). Like her 26ft sister the Griffon Mk I and Mk ll (1979-1989, 329 built), Dubois’s Fulmar 32 enjoys excellent performance and handling qualities in both fin and twin keel formats.

And, being 6ft longer than the Griffon, she has classier and more elegant lines. Westerly gambled that extra performance would not deter its existing customer base, but rather boost existing brand loyalty while attracting new converts to the marque.

With fin or twin keels, the Fulmar took off. She also became a favourite with sailing schools requiring a spacious, seaworthy and stable floating classroom. The Fulmar’s seagoing interior layout, long cockpit and ability to take heavy weather in her stride make her the ideal workhorse.

With a sail area of around 560ft2, beam of 10ft 11in and ballast ratio of around 42% she offers a fine balance between cruising comfort and good performance.

Despite her long cockpit, the Fulmar’s interior volume is extensive. Her traditional layout – with twin berth forepeak, amidships heads, straight-sided saloon settees, big galley, sensible chart table and aft quarter berth – works well at sea.

It is not dissimilar to the Contessa 32’s accommodation, but more spacious. And many reckon that a well-sailed Fulmar will see off a Contessa 32 under sail in many conditions.

An impressive 437 were built and current prices vary between around £21,000 and £35,000 depending on age, condition and whether they have a replacement engine.

A Moody 27 in Plymouth Sound. Photo: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Best 30 foot Moody boats

Many Moodys can also fit under the £30,000 ceiling, including earlier Primrose designs (Moody 33, 30, 36, 33S, 29, 333) and early Dixon designs (Moody 27, 31, 28). Most of these were offered with fin or twin keels.

There are far too many to go into detail here, but the excellent Moody Owners Association (moodyowners.org) contains information galore.

Best 30 foot boats: Yacht broker favourites

To get an experienced yacht broker’s view, I asked Andy Cunningham of Michael Schmidt and Partner (based at Hamble Point) for his favourite boats selling at under £30,000.

He listed the Westerly Konsort , Sadler 29 , Vancouver 27, as well as the Hunter Channel 27 and Ranger 245 twin-keelers.

He also mentioned the Victoria 30, Westerly Fulmar and Hunter Channel 32 twin-keeler – with the proviso that the last three can sell for more than £30,000 when in top condition.

Sharing Andy’s bias towards David Thomas twin keel designs, I would also mention the Hunter Horizon 232 twin-keeler as owned by 82-year-old Murdoch McGregor who won the British Yachting Awards 2021 Sailor of the Year accolade for his epic solo round Britain trip.

And its later, larger sister the Ranger 245 found almost unprecedented approval from the testers at PBO. David Harding wrote: ‘There was a lot to like about this spirited little ship back in 1996 when she had just been launched as the Ranger 245.’

Andrew Simpson, PBO’s associate editor at the time and not one to lavish praise on a boat unless it was well earned, concluded his test in 1997 with the words ‘a cracking little winner if ever I saw one’. The choice is far wider when looking for a small yacht priced under £30,000. So it’s impossible to list all the likely candidates.

Buying a 30 foot boat: Top tips

As a rule of thumb, it’s important to seek out a model with the backing of an active owners association. Rallies and social gatherings are fun and of course there’s extensive valuable information available.

A pre-purchase survey is also important; as are any recent invoices for major items such as engine and standing rigging replacement to show insurers.

Regarding standing rigging some insurers stipulate inspections on change of ownership, further inspections thereafter and rectification of faults found. So it’s sensible to check this with your insurer first.

Navigators & General, which has been insuring yachts since 1921, states on its website: ‘We will generally require surveys on boats greater than 23ft which are over 20 years in age. Once satisfactorily completed we will not ask for another for at least five years.’

Why not subscribe today?

This feature appeared in the July 2022 edition of Practical Boat Owner . For more articles like this, including DIY, money-saving advice, great boat projects, expert tips and ways to improve your boat’s performance, take out a magazine subscription to Britain’s best-selling boating magazine.

Subscribe, or make a gift for someone else, and you’ll always save at least 30% compared to newsstand prices.

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Sail Monohulls 25ft > 30ft | Used Yachts For Sale

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

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Right now, Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows is on sale for only $40 (reg. $499). This deal expires Tuesday. Described as a "fully featured development environment," Visual Studio 2022 is Microsoft's first 64-bit IDE, and it became its best to date at working with complicated workloads and large-scale projects. 

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Dozens of Connecticut rowing club members rescued after boats capsize

WESTPORT, Conn. -- Nearly 30 members of a Connecticut rowing club, including more than two dozen high schoolers, were rescued from the  Long Island Sound  on Wednesday after their boats capsized.

Police said just before 5 p.m., three rowing sculls and one chase boat launched from Saugatuck Rowing Club in  Westport . Each rowing scull carried nine rowers, all males between the ages of 14-18. The chase boat was operated by one coach.

Rowing club releases statement

The Saugatuck Rowing Club released a statement about the rescue, thanking emergency responders.   

"First and foremost, we are grateful that all 29 individuals involved in the incident are safe and accounted for. Two students had hypothermia and were taken to Norwalk Hospital, and they have recovered. Our rower's well-being remains our utmost priority, and we commend the swift and effective response of the authorities involved in ensuring their rescue. As with any outdoor sport, rowing inherently involves certain risks, and our club takes comprehensive measures to prioritize safety. However, despite thorough planning and adherence to safety protocols, unexpected weather changes can occur, as was the case in this instance. We are currently conducting a review of the incident to understand the circumstances fully and to identify any areas where our safety procedures can be further strengthened. In the meantime, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all emergency responders involved: Marine Police, Firefighters, EMTs and The Coast Guard, for their professionalism and dedication in ensuring the safety of our young rowers and coaches. Saugatuck Rowing Club remains dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all members, and we appreciate the continued support of our community during this time."

What led to the rowing accident?

According to police, as the boats reached Cockenoe Island, the weather began to change and they tried to head back to the club, but two of the rowing sculls began to take on water and capsized, throwing 18 students into the water. Some of the students then swam to the chase boat and hung onto the side, which caused the chase boat to sink.

Sixteen-year-old Davis Evans was on one of the boats that capsized and had to be rescued.

"It was really scary. I'm still kinda shaken up," he said. "It was really clean and then really right as we spun, it just, it got windy and the waves were just crashing into our boat and it was just filling up with water. It was really scary."

Watch: Westport officials provide update on water rescue in Long Island Sound

Police say a second coach launched another chase boat from the rowing club and began to shuttle people to Compo Beach Marina as first responders were sent to the scene.

"We had dispatch reports that were coming from 911 calls from the actual incident on the water. So the first calls were actually from someone [who] reported that they were in a capsized boat and in the water," Westport Deputy Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan said.

According to police, the temperature of the water was approximately 44 degrees at the time.

Chaotic scene in water and on shore

"Responding units found a chaotic scene of youths swimming to shore. Some of them were arriving by boat. Some were swimming. Some were still in the water between Compo Beach and Cockenoe Island," Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas said. "First responders immediately began providing care to those individuals who were on shore and coordinating the recovery of people in the water."

"When we finally got back on the beach, we had to run back on the beach towards the trucks and we were, like, falling and stuff. We couldn't really walk. It was rough," Davis said.

The rescues

A total of 27 high school students and two adults were rescued, with at least 12 rowers being pulled out of the water by Westport Marine Police and the Westport Fire Department.

Police say the last victim was recovered from the water around 6 p.m. -- somewhere between 48-52 minutes after the boats capsized.

Two students were taken to a local hospital to be treated for hypothermia. The rest of the victims were treated on the scene.

"Team effort"

"This was truly an incredible team effort by all. By the coaches that were involved from the rowing club and by all the first responders," Koskinas said.

When asked if he'll be back on the water any time soon, Davis said, "Yeah, rowing is my sport. It's what I do."  

We reached out to Saugatuck Rowing Club, but they declined to comment.

The police chief says they're still looking into exactly what happened out on the water. The goal of the investigation is to work with community partners to make sure something like this doesn't happen again.

Electrostal History and Art Museum

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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