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Post by alcal2006 on Jul 27, 2015 11:18:34 GMT
We are looking to purchase either a Sun Odyssey 34.2 or a Sun Dance 36. As we are new to Sailing being Ex Power boaters, we would appreciate any pointers what to look for when viewing. Thank you in anticipation for any advice.
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Post by vasko on Jul 27, 2015 12:09:33 GMT
if you are considering the 34-36 size and happy with older models like Sun Dance - then you can consider Sun Liberty 34 too - I have one and I'm extremely happy with it...
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Post by vasko on Jul 27, 2015 18:14:50 GMT
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Post by Don Reaves on Jul 27, 2015 19:17:41 GMT
Where will you be using the boat? Is shallow water going to be an issue? This will determine whether you need a shallow keel or you can use a deep keel. The deep keel will generally give better performance.
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Post by alcal2006 on Jul 28, 2015 9:10:06 GMT
We are intending sailing the South and West Side of the UK plus West Scotland. Thank you both for the excellent information. Really appreciated.
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Post by so40gtb on Aug 5, 2015 4:15:44 GMT
We had our '01 SO34.2 for 5 years. It was a good "starter" boat.
Pluses: a. That nice big aft berth (more headroom than the even larger berth on our SO40) b. Sturdy and reliable in rough weather c. Traditional construction, no hull liner d. Ease of general maintenance and quality of fit/finish e. Lazarette volume f. Spacious head 7. Stowage space
Minuses: 1. Only two winches - ugh! 2. The side galley - can't brace oneself when preparing food while heeled over, underway 3. The intolerance of the Yanmar 3GM30F engine to any air in its fuel lines 4. Cast iron keel - annual rust removal & spot re-priming issue 5. Shoal draft keel - sideslips readily, seldom tacked in less than 120° actual course 6. Rounds up easily in brisk, fresh winds - you must anticipate this to avoid it 7. That awful Amiot traveler
Additions & Modifications: i. A microwave oven atop the galley hanging locker and baskets inside it, for a nifty pantry locker ii. Kiwi feather prop, no prop walk and substantial power in reverse iii. Traveler line modification (see Hints 'n Tips article); better yet, replace that awful thing iv. New instrument pod with space for medium-sized chartplotter etc. v. Raymarine wheel pilot vi. Jib fairlead cars adjustable from cockpit
What to look for, in no particular order: a. Condition of primary fuel filter b. Age & condition of batteries (water level) c. Condition of gooseneck (wear due to insufficient lubrication; pin and/or washer renewal may be necessary) d. Cleanliness of traveler and freedom of its movement; wear on its lines e. Rust on keel (inevitable, but it should have been serviced at each haul out) f. Apparent age of all lines & halyards g. Smooth operation of jib furler h. Actual keel depth (agent may misrepresent it) i. Condition of inside of hull, especially below floorboards & saloon seating, as this gives one a good idea of prior owner's attention to maintenance & cleaning j. Functionality of head pump/valves (replace with the Jabsco locking handle assembly) k VHF radio transmit functionality (antenna may be worn or feed line damaged by lightning) l. Instrument functionality (both depth sounder & waterspeed sensor failed in our boat; easily replaced) m. Holding tank condition - stainless steel doesn't survive urine forever
If I had it to do all over again, would I have bought this boat? No, due to winch deficiency, shallow keel, and galley configuration issue.
--Karl
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Post by MalcolmP on Aug 5, 2015 14:13:28 GMT
Yes would support all of Karl's comments on the 34.2. We had a shoal draft one for 7 seasons and cruised her extensively from the UK up to the Baltic and many crossings to France etc. Quality of build and finish better than our newer 39i, but we never got on with the linear galley and the sailing performance was at best adequate, although always felt safe even in harsh conditions, provided you kept the main reefed in good time.
Don't know the Sun Dance, but build quality should be good, look for osmosis issues and other obvious issues like mechanical and cosmetic quality. Model specific spares for both may now be getting harder for an Non generic parts
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caoimhin
Full Member
Posts: 26
Country: Ireland
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Post by caoimhin on Aug 5, 2015 17:35:59 GMT
I recently purchased a Sundance 36 which was built in 1989> I have just refurbished the boat. The hull was in excellent condition no blisters etc. The build is far superior to newer models,stainless fuel tank etc. The location of the engine is in the saloon and is very easy to work on. I am very happy with it.
Caoimhin
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