Geoff Middleton•8 Jan 2016

NEWS

Now yachting is even more affordable: Feature

Gone are the days when yacht ownership was the preserve of the rich and famous. You can now get one for the price of a family car!

Yachting has always carried the stigma of being a sport or pastime of the wealthy. I suppose it all began back in the 19th century when the English aristocracy flaunted their wealth by racing huge yachts like the J-boats.

That rubbed off to the Americans and to us here in Australia where custom-built wooden yachts plied the bays and harbours with crews immaculately turned out in white and ladies sipping tea on the decks.

But all that changed with the advent of fibreglass, giving rise to production yachts which could be built en masse, similar to the way cars were built. Subsequently, prices fell and yachting could be reached by more than just the privileged few.

Fast forward to the 21th century and yachts are imported from Europe, America and now Asia and we find that the price of a luxury yacht can be less than a holiday house. New and inexpensive yachts have flooded our market putting downward pressure on the prices of second-hand yachts.

Then came the GFC. Many people found themselves financially exposed as stock prices plummeted and finances became tight. Many had to sell things to regain stability, and the first things to go were the luxuries, so lots of boats came on the market at ridiculous bargain prices.

Although second-hand boat prices might have recovered since then, it all adds up to yachting being now more affordable than ever.

Whether you’re looking at a family cruiser, a flat-out racer or a renovator’s delight, it’s easy to get into yachting for under $100K – hell, the prudent buyer can even into get a decent yacht for half that!

Add to that the fact that many yacht clubs are struggling and screaming for members and offering good deals on memberships and berthing and you have never-before seen yachting affordability.

At the time of writing, our sites had more than 1700 second-hand yachts for sale with prices starting from just a few thousand dollars.

The yachts imported 10 or 20 years ago and now coming onto the market at bargain prices, while Aussie-built favourites are also surprisingly inexpensive.

Here are a few examples of some of our favourites:

UNDER $100K

Northshore

What Aussie sailor can’t remember the perennial Northshore 38? A boat that became a favourite for racers and cruisers all over the country.

Competing in both inshore and offshore races, the Northshore 38 gained a fearsome reputation. And it can still hold its own on handicap today.

Northshore 38s evolved into the NSX which were a stripped down, more powerful racer that can be bought today for under $100K.

But Northshore also built some really nice smaller yachts like the Northshore 33 which morphed into the 34 and these can be readily found on the market as well.

Beneteau

Beneteaus have been imported into this country since the 1980s and there are plenty on the second-hand market. The Oceanis range are Beneteau’s cruising yachts which are good, safe comfortable yachts. Examples like the Oceanis 320 or even the 351 can be found in this category.

Beneteau’s more race-oriented boats are the First series which vary in size up from 27 feet. Older models of the First Series were not generally stripped-out racers but carried a bit of comfort as well, so these, if found in good condition can make excellent fast cruisers.

Mottle

The Mottle 33 is another locally-built favourite. These pocket cruisers have sailed up and down the east coast of Australia for decades and still make great family cruisers. They have a centre-cockpit, aft-cabin layout and many have all the comforts of more modern yachts. Designed by Joe Adams, they are fairly quick for their size and shape and are sea kindly as well – the ‘high-sided’ versions especially so.

Sparkman and Stevens

This design house needs no introduction as it is one of the most famous on the planet. The legendary S&S 34 has been one of the most popular designs since Sir Edmund Heath won the Sydney to Hobart race in one in 1969. In fact, your humble scribe owned and raced one for around 10 years after I purchased her from round-the-world yachtsman Jesse Martin.

So enduring are these yachts that one participated in the 2015 Sydney to Hobart and nearly won it outright, finally finishing third overall and first in ORCi and Corinthian divisions.

But don’t overlook the S&S39 which is another great ocean boat that you can get for under $100K.

Farr

Another world renowned yacht designer is Bruce Farr, and if you’re looking for a good racer/cruiser you would well advised to look up this name.

There are few good designs to look at here. Try the Far 11.6 and the 1020 for great examples of comfortable race boats that also make good cruisers.

Then there is the Farr 37 that has proven itself in the ocean as both a racer and cruiser.

And who could forget the Farr 1104 which really made a splash on the racing scene when Piccolo won the Sydney to Hobart in 1976. Good examples of 1104s are still around and are very good value.

UNDER 50K

Compass Yachts

Back in the 1970s the Compass 28 was one of the most popular production yachts in Australia. Still sought after today as a cheap family cruiser the 28 was a sedate performer but safe and cheap for the Aussie entry-level sailor.

The 28 was followed in 1974 by the Compass 29 (although the 28 was still being made), the upgraded 29 offered more room inside, including full headroom, and wheel steering. Many people used Compasses as pocket cruisers and some examples are extremely well equipped.

Good Compass 29s are ever popular and don’t stay on the market too long.

East Coast 31

Here’s another enduring design that has stood the test of time. The East Coast 31 was one of Peter Cole’s more successful designs. This flush-deck cruiser can show a good turn of speed and hassle some of the better boats around the cans on twilights.

Comfortable below with a full galley, dining for four or more, an enclosed head, forward cabin and more, they also make a great weekender.

Hereschoff H28

Ah, we’re getting nostalgic now! What great little boats these are. If you want to catch the eye of everyone on the water crack the sails of an H28 ketch. Built of wood from around 1960 these boats still charm the enthusiasts. And they sail well too. Early models lacked a bit of headroom below but were still equipped with a galley and bunks for four.

Later, Compass NZ made a fibreglass version in sloop or ketch form and these were highly regarded as cruisers. They feature higher freeboard than the older versions and have full headroom below, and they’re easily sailed by a couple.

Trailerables

Of course, trailersailers have been popular for decades and seem to be making a bit of a comeback in the sports boat arena. But if you’re not after a flatout racer, there are good options in the comfortable trailerboat market.

Try the Sonatas for example, great little sailboats with swing keels and fitout below. The Sonata 7 in good nick is a cheap and comfortable way to get into sailing – take it to the Whitsundays and use it as a caravan along the way!

But if you really want thrills, the sportsboats are the way to go. Things like the Thompson 7 can really give you a bang for your yachting buck.

Renovator’s delights

Of course, just like real estate, you can always pick up bargain that needs a bit of TLC. If you have the time and a bit of hands-on skill, then why not take on a project that will bear the fruits of your labour. There are plenty of boats out there that have been run down or just left unattended. Many of these have sound hulls and engines but just need some upgrading.

The bargains are certainly out there but one word of warning: If you don’t know what you’re doing, get a professional to check out the boat before you buy.

Don’t take the word of the seller, an independent marine surveyor could save you a lot of money and heartache.

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Now yachting is even more affordable: Feature

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