[Suggestions for Budget keeler 25-32 ft]

We have sailed a Davidson 28 for 5 days, there was a charter company in Bay Of Islands which used to have one... We did it with 4 adults and felt more roomy than a Cav32.

Sailed well, good cockpit layout and they often have a duckboard too. There are a few layouts with the Galley... The one we Chartered had the Galley on the Starboard side like the one shared in the last post for 10k....   We looked at purchasing one 5 years ago and actually ended up with a Davidson 31.

Now there are some rough examples out there... But that one listed for 10K doesn't look bad at all. Much better condition than some we physically viewed which were list at 18K.

Osmosis is common.. But I feel like people often get a little too caught up with that. These are thick hulls, Osmosis can be dealt with... its not the end of the world. a 2-3mm deep blister on a 20mm-25mm thick hull is not as big of a deal as it's made out (in my opinion). Just deal with it when you can be bothered to be honest.

These are good boats, perfect multi day coastal cruising comfortably with 4 adults. Day trips with 6 adults.  Perfect family yacht. We love our Davidson 31, We've been caught out in 40 knot gusts and she's felt safe. They're solid.

Funny that is Laurie Davidson was an accountant for decades and only later became a yacht designer....  he only had 3 or 4 years professional experience before designing the Davidson 28 and Davidson 31.. and almost 50 years later there are still hundreds sailing out there!!

They're not too slow either. Fin keel. The D31 is a Skeg hung rudder. We can get 6.5knts close hauled  in 20knots without any tidal influence.  beam reach up to 7.2 knts. The odd time downwind with tide and sat at 8knts for a couple of hours  haha 

 

 

 

 

[WANTED: Davidson 31 (or simiar)]

Did you end up finding yourself a Davidson 31?

 

We have one... it's not really for sale.. we are refitting it. We've had it for almost 4 years now. Would love to hear how you got on. Follow us on instagram at @Sailingflamenco

 

See attached image... Still got that blue dodger here  will be going all black canvas. I was suprised to hear from a sail maker that black is the least likely to fade because the material is not dyed... Same as white... also not dyed.  So the coloured fabric fades due to the dye... I wouldn't have chosen black before hearing that because I thought it would fade the worst!!!! 

 

We are currently fixing gelcoat voids, cracks, and re painting the deck. Will do topsides in November. possibly repower it with a Beta 25 within the next 2 years as long as we use her enough to make it worth while haha