Hi there
currently sail a Swanson Dart daysailer 22 in Melbourne, though grew up sailing a Bluebird and have sailed other larger keelboats.
One of the factors in choosing a keel boat as the next step is headroom - tricky when I'm 6'5" / 195 cm. Not after a new boat - more in the 30 foot +/- range and perhaps $20 k to $30k.
Suggestions would be welcome!
cheers
Richard
A phantom 32 or 33 might suit. Head room is pretty good and sail nicely. Not sure if would quite be 6.5. Columbia 34 has huge headroom. More like 7 foot. It gives them an appearance that may not appeal to all. I haven't sailed one . Actual 30 footers won't have won't have clear headroom for 6.5 but tall people still own them. Something like a defiance may still appeal. The dart sounds like fun. My boat is a Swanson of a sort.
Phantom 32 has about 6'2" or 6'3" and carries the headroom well forward. I am 6'3" and am quite comfortable moving about in my Phantom 32. I think the Phantom 33 is even better with 6'4" of headroom.
I'm 6'6" so I understand perfectly your issue.
I own a Cavalier 32 bought simply because I could stand at the bottom of the companionway and under the butterfly hatch mid saloon.
Luckily she turned out to be a lovely sailboat.
I recently spent a month bareboat chartering in Greece. Although it was a very new Jenneau 469, I couldn't stand straight anywhere on board, even under the Bimini! As you'd expect by mid week 3 my back gave out and I was lying flat in my bunk unable to do a bloody thing!!
pills and a back brace sort of got me moving but I will NEVER spend cash on a boat I can't stand up in.
Looks like if I upgrade I'll need a Catalina. The Americans build a tall yacht.
Good luck in your search
Cheers
shortened
