Howdy All,
Seriously looking at yachts again, previously had a Compass 28, raced on a Bene 36, went cruising on a 46 Cat.... you see the theme...yes I enjoyed the extra space....anyway off topic
So again looking at the usual suspects, S&S 30, NS33, Cav32 etc etc and came across 2 boats that I really like the layouts and looks....but no idea what they sail like.
Those 2 are the Phantom 32 or Bounty 35...
Not many Bounty's around, and a few Phantoms of mixed conditions
So, I'll check out a few Phantoms, however thought I'd put it out there to everyone to see if there's any feedback about them, Google searching isn't reveling much at all....good or bad...apart from a previous SeaBreeze one liner saying they were bad without supporting the comment.
So out to all for feedback or other options to look at
Use: 90% Sydney Harbour leisure cruising with 1-2 nights sleeping, 10% small coastal- Pittwater, Lake Macquarie....I don't expect to leave the coast to be honest....save Bluewater cruising for my dream 45foot Cat one day
Crew, generally short handed or single handed....new GF has never sailed before.
Must's: Steering Helm, i'm to lazy for a tiller, big comfy berth....will prefer to convert saloon to big bed, head that I can fit in...i'm 6foot and chunky, medium speed...6-7 is Ok, some possibility of resale in the future, Comfy cockpit for enjoying being there, and the finally discussion point....traveler not in the cockpit....yes I know if it's in the way, it's in the right spot....
Likes: all the normal stuff...sugar scoop, ability for davits, hot women serving drinks...etc etc
Budget: 30-50....was goona be higher but as a part time toy, don't want to over capitalize
Really like the Catalina 32...however they just hold there value really well...
So, there it is, Open to recommendations, or feed back with comments on the Phantoms and Bounty's
Cheers
Check out the Radford 10.6 - it is a brilliant alum boat - on yachthub right on your budget.
( If l don't buy it ahead of you
) ![]()
Check out the Radford 10.6 - it is a brilliant alum boat - on yachthub right on your budget.
( If l don't buy it ahead of you
) ![]()
.... that's a great looking boat, if I could only get it 20k cheaper to allow moving the traveler, installing a steering helm... and of course the saloon conversion to a decent berth....bugger it, I'll weld on some davits at the same time...haha
I raced a Bounty (Cole) including a couple of WestCoasters back in the eighties.
A big 35 foot boat ,lots of room below ,can handle anything chucked at it. Mast head. Well balanced under sail with right headsail up.
Very very dry boat.
Being IOR great on the wind can get a bit rolly downwind with kite up.
Flush deck makes it easy moving around.
From my point of view the big downside for cruising is the high freeboard. It would be a pita getting on and off from a tender and fractional probably easier.
Would I have one again ,absolutely ....if I were younger
I have a phantom 33 and love it. I have lived aboard for 2 years. She has heaps of room and ticks all the boxes on your list.
The phantoms sail well and are quite a seaworthy boat. One has circumnavigated, several have done Asia and there are numerous doing the cruising thing up and down the coast.
Mine might be coming up for sale in the near future if your interested.
Those 2 are the Phantom 32 or Bounty 35...
Not many Bounty's around, and a few Phantoms of mixed conditions
I have never seen a Phantom 32 but Bounty 35's seem very common around here and in Sydney. I would own any of the Cole 31's, Nantucket 31's, Cole 32, Cole 34 [one offs] Bountys and Pawtuckets. I always thought the 35s would be too big for me but after spending a fair bit of time on my mates alloy Cole 42 I've changed my mind.
Cheers for the feed back, just continuing my search and saw the Arends 33, nice looking yacht as well.
To answer your original question about the Phantom 32...
About 80 Phantom 32s were built in Sydney. All but the first couple had hand laid hulls to Loyd's and USL code. They are solid grp, seaworthy yachts that sail (and point) well. I have had a late Mk11 Phantom 32 (with a 33 layout below and with the bigger double spreader racing rig) for four years and have now sailed outside in a pretty wide range of conditions. The Phantom is dryer in the cockpit than an S and S 34 and roomier below but they do not sail quite as well. They do get up to hull speed easily and, while the big cockpit initially worried me, I have come to appreciate it when I have a crowd on board. I believe the later mk11 versions with the swept back rudder have much less weather helm than the earlier models. Phantom's have been regular visitors to Lord Howe Is, have crossed the Tasman and at least one has circumnavigated. They have pretty good tankage and storage and make capable cruising yachts.
Last year we sailed down to the watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart from the Central Coast and back in a day. The best run I have had to date between Barrenjoey and North Head (16nm) in the Phantom was 2 hours 10 minutes.
I have not heard of any serious osmosis problems and I like the way solid fiberglass elbows rather that timber bulkheads are used to attach the chain plates. I also like the 6'3" head room. Overall, Phantom 32s are reliable, roomy, safe and seaworthy yachts that are pretty easy to sail. Not rocket ships but if well set up they sail pretty well (by displacement hull standards).
Ok, I just may have put a deposit on a Cole Bounty 35, yes the one already under offer...sea test this weekend. What to look for?
It needs a new rig....any advise appreciated...where? Thought of doing myself, get rig from the place in northern beach, after replacing, get it tuned.
Though mast/boom could do with a paint as well....so might have to pay someone to drop the mast, and paint it....won't fit on my roofrack...so advise on a standing rig, and mast/boom paint
Motors old however seems strong
Topsides need a paint...going of do myself....again advise appreciated...thoughts are sand it back...wire brush and sander, undercoat/ topcoat x 2, International Undercoat and Topcoat.
As for sailing test, check the sail out, functions of everything, what else to check???
Anyway, you guys sold me on a Cole, good design, nice fit out, compromises on the traveler.... still might change it to couch roof...was super keen a some Eastcoast's, However when a 35 comes along...you know the story...better condition...same price.....
Bloody deep cockpit though, also needs a platform over the emergency tiller connection....trip hazard!! And maybe some cockpit fabrication work to give better access to help..flat inserts, better steps..
Overall, I believe in the yacht, needs some tlc and coin, but great bones to start with...
#ColeBountySailLife....
??
With most older Cole's, check the timber work below the floor, such as the forward bulkhead and around the sink / battery area.
Some of the stainless through deck fittings may be corroding internally, such as the mooring cleat, rear cleats (rather prone to breaking the bolts) and check if the side stay's leak which may affect the timber underneath.
If an older engine (earlier models tended to be Buhk's), check the prop shaft for water leakage and rusting bolts.
When you do the sail test, go to windward in 12-15 knots with the wheel locked 5 degrees down and playing the traveller, headsail just off the side stay and boom on the centreline and a small amount of twist in the main, a fistful of outhaul and lightly tensioned cunningham. The boat should sail a straight line, not round up and should be light on the rudder. In a stronger breeze (15-18), drop the traveller before adjusting the main. Dont put the toe rails in the water, they sail better when upright.
They are a very strong, well built boats. Also, if you intend sailing short handed, leave the traveller where it is rather than move it to the coach top.
Plenty of riggers on Northern Beach's, but only 1 I would recommend. But he is the most expensive around. PM me for his name if you need it it.
Ok, I just may have put a deposit on a Cole Bounty 35, yes the one already under offer...sea test this weekend. What to look for?
It needs a new rig....any advise appreciated...where? Thought of doing myself, get rig from the place in northern beach, after replacing, get it tuned.
Though mast/boom could do with a paint as well....so might have to pay someone to drop the mast, and paint it....won't fit on my roofrack...so advise on a standing rig, and mast/boom paint
Motors old however seems strong
Topsides need a paint...going of do myself....again advise appreciated...thoughts are sand it back...wire brush and sander, undercoat/ topcoat x 2, International Undercoat and Topcoat.
As for sailing test, check the sail out, functions of everything, what else to check???
Anyway, you guys sold me on a Cole, good design, nice fit out, compromises on the traveler.... still might change it to couch roof...was super keen a some Eastcoast's, However when a 35 comes along...you know the story...better condition...same price.....
Bloody deep cockpit though, also needs a platform over the emergency tiller connection....trip hazard!! And maybe some cockpit fabrication work to give better access to help..flat inserts, better steps..
Overall, I believe in the yacht, needs some tlc and coin, but great bones to start with...
#ColeBountySailLife....
??
I'm jealous. Am sure you will enjoy.
With most older Cole's, check the timber work below the floor, such as the forward bulkhead and around the sink / battery area.
Some of the stainless through deck fittings may be corroding internally, such as the mooring cleat, rear cleats (rather prone to breaking the bolts) and check if the side stay's leak which may affect the timber underneath.
If an older engine (earlier models tended to be Buhk's), check the prop shaft for water leakage and rusting bolts.
When you do the sail test, go to windward in 12-15 knots with the wheel locked 5 degrees down and playing the traveller, headsail just off the side stay and boom on the centreline and a small amount of twist in the main, a fistful of outhaul and lightly tensioned cunningham. The boat should sail a straight line, not round up and should be light on the rudder. In a stronger breeze (15-18), drop the traveller before adjusting the main. Dont put the toe rails in the water, they sail better when upright.
They are a very strong, well built boats. Also, if you intend sailing short handed, leave the traveller where it is rather than move it to the coach top.
Plenty of riggers on Northern Beach's, but only 1 I would recommend. But he is the most expensive around. PM me for his name if you need it it.
Boy , you know your Bounty's.
Thanks all, sea trials went well, eBen better after I found a near new main under the 1/4 berth that the owner didn't know about!! And the emergency tiller he also didn't know about ...wtf... these go with a good laminate #2, a good 150% Genoa, and another head sail that confuses me.... it's got another set of Tack/Clew points on it... looks like you reef the same as a main??? Any ideas?? Never seen before.
Also some items that I thought weren't working are now all good... who would thought that the speed log had to be in the through hull to work ??
Anyway, deal done... now to get her rigging and mast/boom painted.
Mine also came with a (very used) #2 with 2 cringles and reefing points but 1 clew. It had hank style attachment but the forestay had been changed to a twin track.
Congrats on the purchase.