Sailing Gentlyvideo
Why did I buy this boat?
April 6, 2026 · 26 min · 22K views · Caribbean
Red-hulled ketch Southern Chancer heels hard under sail
What this video covers
A sailor with experience owning eight different vessels evaluates the performance, build quality, and liveability of various cruising boats, including the Galion 22, Jaguar 25, Elizabethan 31, Goldenhine 39, Moody 36, Prout Quest 33, Westerly Marine Ltd. Ocean 43, and Beneteau 323.5:12 The author emphasizes that boat selection should prioritize build quality and comfort over price or racing performance, noting that vessels built to a price, such as the Jaguar 25, often suffer from structural failures like rudder breakage in heavy weather.8:11 Steel boats, while once considered essential for offshore cruising, proved maintenance-intensive due to persistent rust, while the ketch rig on the 39-foot Goldenhine offered poor performance compared to a single-mast configuration.11:59 The Moody 36 and Westerly Marine Ltd. Ocean 43 stand out as the most capable and comfortable cruisers for long-distance sailing, offering superior handling and interior space compared to catamarans of similar size.20:39 The author concludes that a boat’s ability to be handled single-handedly and its long-term comfort are the most critical factors for successful cruising.
Boats in this video
More from Sailing Gently
From Sailing Gently — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.