Neilk 0 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 I've narrowed my choice down to these two boats. Budget $20k or less !! Advice please. Does either have an obvious edge? Link to post Share on other sites
Deep Purple 512 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Birdsall "gulf" 30 is an awesome little bit of kit, dunno anything about lidgard. Link to post Share on other sites
Fish 0 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 You can't beat a quality Birdsall But then I am a little biased Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 I'm going with the Birdsall Gulf 30 also. The old man built one years ago and she was a very nice vessel. Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Pope 243 Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 The gulf 30 is a great boat. Link to post Share on other sites
Neilk 0 Posted June 27, 2013 Author Share Posted June 27, 2013 There must be something good to say about Lidgard 31. My brother (experienced gulf sailor) says he sailed a Lidgard 31 and it went like stink. Link to post Share on other sites
Murky 1 Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Yes come on NZ, get voting if you want to keep the Lidgards in the contest A couple of comments from my perspective: - the quality and condition of the individual examples that you end up looking at is going to be a factor. If your budget is less than $20k and one needs a repower...at probably $16-18k by the time it's all wrapped up... A couple of new sails is going to cost (guesstimate) $6-7k. Things like furlers and autohelms can also set you back a bit if you need to add them after the purchase - sadly the resale market for what I would have considered the "famous" NZ designs seems to be pretty limited. Personally I would have expected that the Lidgard name would have been slightly better known (particularly with a couple of generations in there) but the earlier comments in this thread would suggest I am incorrect in that view. I have close friends that have owned a bigger Birdsall for many years and love it. One thing that I have noticed - certainly with the bigger ones - is that there is no "standard" look to them, which I think may be a bit disconcerting to future prospective buyers who are more used to thinking along class lines. No idea if that applies to the smaller designs. - Davo 28s not on your list? or a bit pricey? In that price range, you are getting a lot of bang for your buck BUT if you end up needing to pay for any work to be done, the equation can very quickly go upside-down. So I would say that getting out on the water could be as important as identifying the "right" design, but equally, making sure you minimise the tidy-ups or add-ons that need to be done after your purchase. Link to post Share on other sites
ab1974 1 Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 I agree Murky. While there are pros and cons of both, buying a 30' boat for less than $20k, my advice wouldn't be to buy the one you can find in the best condition. Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Pope 243 Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 My reason for voting the Birdsall is that I havn't sailed a Lidguard 31 or a Whiting 29, but ask me on Monday it could be a different story. Link to post Share on other sites
Neilk 0 Posted July 10, 2013 Author Share Posted July 10, 2013 I couldn't face the uncertainty of a GOT boat. So I bought a cheap GRP H28. Link to post Share on other sites
Neilk 0 Posted August 26, 2013 Author Share Posted August 26, 2013 For anyone vaguely interested in the (satisfactory) end of my quest: I swallowed humble pie and bought an H28 -- fibreglass of course. I'd been nuts on the Shoalcraft (dubious condition, no engine), and intrigued by the Birdsall and the Lidgard -- both timber. The $12k H28 has turned out to be just the right boat, with some work. And oh the glorious chug chug of that Yanmar 12hp. It all shows what perseverance -- and humble pie -- can achieve. Thanks for your comments. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 Well done!!! Link to post Share on other sites
banaari 27 Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 Excellent - now the fun begins And the photos (hint, hint)... Link to post Share on other sites
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