Seeking Ocean 38\40\42

[divevac]

New to this forum and actively searching for a cruise-equipped Bavaria CC for an adventure to begin in 2018. These boats are extremely rare in North America and thus we are expanding our sights to the EU and beyond.

Any insight or direction would be much appreciated from a knowledgeable owner's forum.

cheers
Dave & Dawn Elise
Lake Ontario Canada
 

[Symphony]

38 Oceans are fairly common, 40s and 42s less so. There are at least 4 38s for sale in the UK with asking prices between £50-60k, also one in holland and one in greece. No doubt there are more in holland and germany where they were popular.

You don't say where you are starting from but it is probably not worth shipping to N America as you are looking at £8-10k  shipping costs. Be aware also that these boats are getting old and have often led a hard life so will likely need quite a lot spent on them. Forum member yngmar is in the final stages of a refit on his 38 and worth looking at his posts on here, or contacting him direct. He lives in Brighton.

[Yngmar]

Forum member yngmar is in the final stages of a refit on his 38 and worth looking at his posts on here, or contacting him direct. He lives in Brighton.

We've finally finished the refit and left Brighton in early June. We've been to France and back and are now in Falmouth preparing for the hop across Biscay. The boat is doing well apart from the usual issues that crop up during cruising. I'm very glad I bought her. No, she's not for sale ;-)

In general, for any older used boat, all depends on how well it was maintained. This is usually reflected in price - a perfectly maintained one in sail-away condition with all the cruising gear fitted may well cost £30 - 40k more than a neglected one with little gear. If you're willing to put in the work yourself, you may end up saving some money at the cost of enourmous time and effort if you buy the neglected one. That's how I did it. It was way more work than I imagined though!

[divevac]

Thank you both you for a timely response!

A little more detail may help. We have all but given up trying find a Moody, HR, Bavaria or decent Amel in N America-thus the change of lens to the Euro market where these boats are more common.

If a boat is purchased beyond the Great Lakes basin (EU, Texas), our intent would be to make that geo location our start point. Like most new to cruising, our plans are vast, vague and fluid (Med & Caribbean over 7-10 years). We are happy to consider beginning in the EU as the first TransAt would be by air. Nothing like starting your life adventure with a 2200 nm transit to the Azores!

As a dinghy and cat racer of a few of decades, we disposed of our Stiletto 23 and acquired an inexpensive 42 year old keelboat - to stimulate the routine of maintenance, local sailing and maintenance. In this respect, our adventure has begun. I certainly can appreciate a well-maintained and -equipped boat commands a premium. This is the type of vessel we are seeking and are fortunate to have the budget to support our plans.

I note that boats are considerably less expensive in Turkey and Greece. Is this a function of their collective economies, are these all ex-charter or is something else at play?

[Symphony]

Boats in Turkey are usually cheaper because they are not EU VAT paid and buyers often want to use them in EU waters so have to pay the tax to import them. Of course that does not matter to you as a non EU resident. Generally speaking boats for sale in the Med are often in poor condition because owners have done their big project and are often retiring from sailing or giving up because they can't face the work required to maintain their boats. The centre cockpit boats are unlikely to be used for charter as aft cockpit boats are much more suitable for the Med. Also the Ocean range was about 20% more expensive when new.

You will probably get better value buying in UK or Holland as you are more likely to find boats in better condition and both countries have good facilities to do any work required. In the UK you will also find a good choice of centre cockpit Moodys and Westerlys from the 1990s in a similar price range as well as HRs (at higher prices - 36s command around £100k+). In Holland you will also find HRs and Contests.

A word of warning. No matter how good these boats may look in the broker's description, be prepared to spend £20-30k on work post purchase. Many of us here have looked at buying this type of boat and been disillusioned by the amount of work needed - as Yngmar describes. If you DIY it is time consuming and frustrating, if you pay professionals be prepared for big bills.

Suggest you contact jryachts.com a specialist broker for bluewater cruising yachts. John is an excellent source of knowledge on suitable boats and refitting them - he has just refitted a Contest.

[jwleblanc]

There is a 40 available in New Orleans. Have you looked at that one?

[canuck]

There is an Ocean 47 for sale in New Zealand. He is advertising half share, but I am sure could be persuaded to part with her.  What a great place to start your travels here in New Zealand
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-marine/yachts/keeler/auction-1313967398.htm
Happy hunting !

[spikeatc]

I have a 38 Ocean that has only been in the open air a few weeks each year a total of 2 years 5 months otherwise kept in a climate control shed in Holland. Just about a new yacht as you will get. No gel coat fading no wear on the. teak decks. Fully equipped with new main and in boom roller last year. A host of new equipment and a wash basin in the forward cabin.
Seriously equipped and fantastic sailing boat.
More info on request
Robert