Hi there,
I learned to sail three years ago on my 30 foot Clansman, I'm not sure if I am ready but I sold the Clansman and am looking at a 1979 Cavalier 32, (a lot more boat than that Clansman).
I thought I'd ask from the Knowledge base, I'm not sure if this yacht might be too much for me as a single hander who is not a miss fix it...but I give it a go.
I'm wanting something more comfortable for coastal sailing and staying over night, than moving on to trips up the East Coast.
Looked at this one yesterday: Its on Boatsales called Manolin, NSW for $25,000

Maybe I might be better with a Compass? 28-29

The Cavalier is a great boat. The Compasses aren't really a step up from the Clansman.

At 32' the Cav isn't too big to singlehand; in fact offshore it could be easier than the Clansman because it has more room, more speed and is much drier. As a 1979 build that one would probably have the tallest rig of the three put into Cavs; it could be interesting to replace that standard dacron #1 or #2 size headsail with a modern short-overlap headsail that would have less area but be more efficient.

Cavalier would be a great improvement over a Clansman - low,narrow,and wet .
Just ensure you can manage the rig from the cockpit ,and as Chris implies,,that the sails are not too big to handle .
Mason

As above a great boat. Some notes which are hopefully helpful;
1 In the boatsales advert photos the prop is 2 blade not 3 as per the advert text. Better for speed under sail as the 2 blades hide behind the skeg. Has the prop been changed since the photos?
2 Are you happy with the tiller steering - it will be heavier than a wheel - I am aware that Cav32s had both. Seems like Clansman30s had mainly tiller steering so you are probably familiar. Both boats will balance differently as different underwater profiles.
3 Unusual to have no diesel photos - does it look ok visually? - of course only so much can be concluded. What was done at the last service?
4 40l only may be light on for fuel tank - of course no big deal.
5 What are the sail conditions?
6 What does the survey report state? Obviously a top shelf surveyor acting for you (not the seller or owner) will outline it all - you need your insurer to accept the survey for 3rd party. See many prior posts on this forum re insurance. It is not a big deal but needs to be done right. Don't answer this question unless you want to.

Select to expand quote

Chris 249 said..
The Cavalier is a great boat. The Compasses aren't really a step up from the Clansman.

At 32' the Cav isn't too big to singlehand; in fact offshore it could be easier than the Clansman because it has more room, more speed and is much drier. As a 1979 build that one would probably have the tallest rig of the three put into Cavs; it could be interesting to replace that standard dacron #1 or #2 size headsail with a modern short-overlap headsail that would have less area but be more efficient.

Thanks Chris, I'll look into the size of the rig, I'm going sailing on it next Saturday. So I'll know pretty quickly if its beyond me at this stage or ever for that matter.

Select to expand quote

PLanter4 said..
Cavalier would be a great improvement over a Clansman - low,narrow,and wet .
Just ensure you can manage the rig from the cockpit ,and as Chris implies,,that the sails are not too big to handle .
Mason

Thanks Mason, good to know, I can see its in a new league, but as you say may be a reach for single handed and not very experienced, I'll see next Saturday.

Select to expand quote

r13 said..
As above a great boat. Some notes which are hopefully helpful;
1 In the boatsales advert photos the prop is 2 blade not 3 as per the advert text. Better for speed under sail as the 2 blades hide behind the skeg. Has the prop been changed since the photos?
2 Are you happy with the tiller steering - it will be heavier than a wheel - I am aware that Cav32s had both. Seems like Clansman30s had mainly tiller steering so you are probably familiar. Both boats will balance differently as different underwater profiles.
3 Unusual to have no diesel photos - does it look ok visually? - of course only so much can be concluded. What was done at the last service?
4 40l only may be light on for fuel tank - of course no big deal.
5 What are the sail conditions?
6 What does the survey report state? Obviously a top shelf surveyor acting for you (not the seller or owner) will outline it all - you need your insurer to accept the survey for 3rd party. See many prior posts on this forum re insurance. It is not a big deal but needs to be done right. Don't answer this question unless you want to.

Thanks for all of that R13,

The sails are good and the engine looks and sounds good, but as you say who knows. Yes I would say the prop has been changed, also these are old photos, she's a little more tired now.

The survey looks fair and generally good but yes the sellers surveyer not mine.

Another question that confuses me is the draft, it says 5.6 feet or 1.60 metres. But 5.6 is 1.67 metres and the height of the rig the sellers were unsure of, my other concern was the water from the mast from rain, but I guess a horizontal bilge pump may get rid of it quick as the electric bilge they have is not low enough. Petty but I don't like the water.

Insurance I'll look into, or if I go ahead see if I could take it over....

It is your money,but one for $59k more than twice as good ,if you can live with the colour ?
Has all newish systems,with great access to engine,although may need insulation !?
Might have to do a Masters in Rope Management,but easier/cheaper to remove,than install.
Also $25k boat looks very original,and only suitable for close coastal travels ?
Mason

It seems to be good value. Easy boat to sail. Well set up with a headsail furler, stackpack and a decent set of winches on the rear of the cabin for reefing. Some lines are missing but the basics are all there. Plastic cleats will be needed aft of the winches to hold after those jammers start to slip. Tiller steering on Cav's are better and all you need now is a good wind vane steering to go on the stern and it would make a good coastal cruiser. It will be interesting to see what diesel this has. It might come down to the diesel whether you buy or not.
For this era yacht boats up to 35 feet are ideal for single-handers. Once they get larger the loads get a bit much as you get older!

Why is 59k boat more than twice as good? Have you inspected both?

Select to expand quote

Planter said..
It is your money,but one for $59k more than twice as good ,if you can live with the colour ?
Has all newish systems,with great access to engine,although may need insulation !?
Might have to do a Masters in Rope Management,but easier/cheaper to remove,than install.
Also $25k boat looks very original,and only suitable for close coastal travels ?
Mason

At that age either could be landfill, 25k boat most likely to have a realistic vendor.

Mando,
I've had a Cav for 15 years, I'm a bit biased. Cav 32's are a good boat, not the fastest around but a very reasonable sea boat. In the hands of a good skipper with a reasonable set of sails they can move along well. You can sail them one up no worries, helps if you have an autohelm though, obviously.
They seem to sell reasonably quickly, if priced correctly. So that suggests to me they have a good reputation.
I cant comment on Compass 28/29's never sailed one, but there's lots around so they must have been doing something right.
Going by the photos Manolin looks to be in good condition. Check the rig age, 2017?? Maybe a mast pull and rerig will be required for insurance, Bryce at Infinity Rigging did mine a few years back, nice bloke, easy to work with.
There is a facebook site for Cavs, so I'm told, might be worth a look.
Mike

You've probably seen these; with tiller steering the boat could be NZ built

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Sailing/General/Cavalier-32-Or-Similar-1St-Boat?page=1

crew.org.nz/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/21290-cavalier-32-difference%E2%80%99s/

Draft 1.62m here. Don't know what Laurie Davidson had to do with the design but of course may be valid

sailboatdata.com/sailboat/cavalier-32/

Usually insurance can't be "taken over" - they want to start again.

Select to expand quote

Ramona said..
It seems to be good value. Easy boat to sail. Well set up with a headsail furler, stackpack and a decent set of winches on the rear of the cabin for reefing. Some lines are missing but the basics are all there. Plastic cleats will be needed aft of the winches to hold after those jammers start to slip. Tiller steering on Cav's are better and all you need now is a good wind vane steering to go on the stern and it would make a good coastal cruiser. It will be interesting to see what diesel this has. It might come down to the diesel whether you buy or not.
For this era yacht boats up to 35 feet are ideal for single-handers. Once they get larger the loads get a bit much as you get older!

Thanks very much for the advice Romano, she needs tlc for sure
the engine is original, worth getting an expert to look at it I guess, also they are not sure of the height of the rig, I'm hoping it's the shorter version

Select to expand quote

r13 said..
You've probably seen these; with tiller steering the boat could be NZ built

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Sailing/General/Cavalier-32-Or-Similar-1St-Boat?page=1

crew.org.nz/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/21290-cavalier-32-difference%E2%80%99s/

Draft 1.62m here. Don't know what Laurie Davidson had to do with the design but of course may be valid

sailboatdata.com/sailboat/cavalier-32/

Usually insurance can't be "taken over" - they want to start again.

Thank you, hopefully it's the shorter rig, and yes I don't mind starting again

yes I have seen those but thank you, the budget doesn't stretch

Select to expand quote

Magpiemike said..
Mando,
I've had a Cav for 15 years, I'm a bit biased. Cav 32's are a good boat, not the fastest around but a very reasonable sea boat. In the hands of a good skipper with a reasonable set of sails they can move along well. You can sail them one up no worries, helps if you have an autohelm though, obviously.
They seem to sell reasonably quickly, if priced correctly. So that suggests to me they have a good reputation.
I cant comment on Compass 28/29's never sailed one, but there's lots around so they must have been doing something right.
Going by the photos Manolin looks to be in good condition. Check the rig age, 2017?? Maybe a mast pull and rerig will be required for insurance, Bryce at Infinity Rigging did mine a few years back, nice bloke, easy to work with.
There is a facebook site for Cavs, so I'm told, might be worth a look.
Mike

Thanks so much Mike, yes I'm quite keen and going for a sail with current owners next weekend. But I'm also eyeing a Compass 28 new rigging, new engine now etc etc , nothing to spend and a safe choice for me for only $18,000.

But the Cav is a much more substantial boat, and the rigging was replace 2017 with a lot of other upgrades. The decider will be the engine, as the survey they have done looks pretty good.

I may need to find a mechanic to have a good look at the engine, as that's a deciding factor.

Cheers

That looks like a NZ built cavalier 32. I used to own one from about 1979 also.
the water down the mast. Check under the mast boot around the mast. Where the mast goes through the deck there is a fibreglass lip that the boot tightens to. On mine this was about 2mm thick and had cracked and needed reglassing when the mast was out. Wasn't a big job and could have been done with the mast in. Could not the source of the water though.
check the engine. A new one will cost you about 12k plus at least 5k installation.
as others have said. If you have gone from a clansman you are obviously hooked. I would go and spend 50k or even 35k on a nicer boat that you can sail sail sail

Best to sail,sail,sail,than get a fixer-upper,as the COSTS/time/commitment can easily get away,and dissolution sets in = abandonment.
There are bays full of failed dreams,especially since covid,that are slowly sinking,with the constant rain .
Have only been back on a mooring for 2 years,after a series of Trailer Sailers,and even in that time,have seen projects stall,as the enthusiasm wanes,especially if the scale is intimidating .
-A Mottle 33 was basically given away - new owners rushed in - motor gone - now going green/birdsnest - waiting for the next dreamer.
One needs a clear purpose/deep pockets just to purchase,and the at least a floating fund of $10k,to maintain the dream .
Have Fun !!
Mason

Agree with above. Get a going concern rather than a fixer upper. Most important thing is the diesel motor. Easy to chew up 10k or more on these.
Lack of use is the biggest killer of boats.

Select to expand quote

Mando29 said..

Magpiemike said..
Mando,
I've had a Cav for 15 years, I'm a bit biased. Cav 32's are a good boat, not the fastest around but a very reasonable sea boat. In the hands of a good skipper with a reasonable set of sails they can move along well. You can sail them one up no worries, helps if you have an autohelm though, obviously.
They seem to sell reasonably quickly, if priced correctly. So that suggests to me they have a good reputation.
I cant comment on Compass 28/29's never sailed one, but there's lots around so they must have been doing something right.
Going by the photos Manolin looks to be in good condition. Check the rig age, 2017?? Maybe a mast pull and rerig will be required for insurance, Bryce at Infinity Rigging did mine a few years back, nice bloke, easy to work with.
There is a facebook site for Cavs, so I'm told, might be worth a look.
Mike

Thanks so much Mike, yes I'm quite keen and going for a sail with current owners next weekend. But I'm also eyeing a Compass 28 new rigging, new engine now etc etc , nothing to spend and a safe choice for me for only $18,000.

But the Cav is a much more substantial boat, and the rigging was replace 2017 with a lot of other upgrades. The decider will be the engine, as the survey they have done looks pretty good.

I may need to find a mechanic to have a good look at the engine, as that's a deciding factor.

Cheers

Compass 28's sold in large numbers because they were available in kit form and they were good value. Older design with a cramped interior and they are not all that great to windward in fresh breezes. The Cav is a big step up.

Select to expand quote

jbarnes85 said..
That looks like a NZ built cavalier 32. I used to own one from about 1979 also.
the water down the mast. Check under the mast boot around the mast. Where the mast goes through the deck there is a fibreglass lip that the boot tightens to. On mine this was about 2mm thick and had cracked and needed reglassing when the mast was out. Wasn't a big job and could have been done with the mast in. Could not the source of the water though.
check the engine. A new one will cost you about 12k plus at least 5k installation.
as others have said. If you have gone from a clansman you are obviously hooked. I would go and spend 50k or even 35k on a nicer boat that you can sail sail sail

Thank you for your thoughts, I'm really mulling it over. Yes the engine may be an issue, it sounds fine but who knows...

Select to expand quote

Ramona said..

Mando29 said..

Magpiemike said..
Mando,
I've had a Cav for 15 years, I'm a bit biased. Cav 32's are a good boat, not the fastest around but a very reasonable sea boat. In the hands of a good skipper with a reasonable set of sails they can move along well. You can sail them one up no worries, helps if you have an autohelm though, obviously.
They seem to sell reasonably quickly, if priced correctly. So that suggests to me they have a good reputation.
I cant comment on Compass 28/29's never sailed one, but there's lots around so they must have been doing something right.
Going by the photos Manolin looks to be in good condition. Check the rig age, 2017?? Maybe a mast pull and rerig will be required for insurance, Bryce at Infinity Rigging did mine a few years back, nice bloke, easy to work with.
There is a facebook site for Cavs, so I'm told, might be worth a look.
Mike

Thanks so much Mike, yes I'm quite keen and going for a sail with current owners next weekend. But I'm also eyeing a Compass 28 new rigging, new engine now etc etc , nothing to spend and a safe choice for me for only $18,000.

But the Cav is a much more substantial boat, and the rigging was replace 2017 with a lot of other upgrades. The decider will be the engine, as the survey they have done looks pretty good.

I may need to find a mechanic to have a good look at the engine, as that's a deciding factor.

Cheers

Compass 28's sold in large numbers because they were available in kit form and they were good value. Older design with a cramped interior and they are not all that great to windward in fresh breezes. The Cav is a big step up.

Yes, thats why the Cav appeals to me, but as others have said this one is a bit cheap

Select to expand quote

Planter said..
Best to sail,sail,sail,than get a fixer-upper,as the COSTS/time/commitment can easily get away,and dissolution sets in = abandonment.
There are bays full of failed dreams,especially since covid,that are slowly sinking,with the constant rain .
Have only been back on a mooring for 2 years,after a series of Trailer Sailers,and even in that time,have seen projects stall,as the enthusiasm wanes,especially if the scale is intimidating .
-A Mottle 33 was basically given away - new owners rushed in - motor gone - now going green/birdsnest - waiting for the next dreamer.
One needs a clear purpose/deep pockets just to purchase,and the at least a floating fund of $10k,to maintain the dream .
Have Fun !!
Mason

Thanks Mason, very wise words and yes the Compasses are very cramped and not an exciting option.

Select to expand quote

Ramona said..

Mando29 said..

Magpiemike said..
Mando,
I've had a Cav for 15 years, I'm a bit biased. Cav 32's are a good boat, not the fastest around but a very reasonable sea boat. In the hands of a good skipper with a reasonable set of sails they can move along well. You can sail them one up no worries, helps if you have an autohelm though, obviously.
They seem to sell reasonably quickly, if priced correctly. So that suggests to me they have a good reputation.
I cant comment on Compass 28/29's never sailed one, but there's lots around so they must have been doing something right.
Going by the photos Manolin looks to be in good condition. Check the rig age, 2017?? Maybe a mast pull and rerig will be required for insurance, Bryce at Infinity Rigging did mine a few years back, nice bloke, easy to work with.
There is a facebook site for Cavs, so I'm told, might be worth a look.
Mike

Thanks so much Mike, yes I'm quite keen and going for a sail with current owners next weekend. But I'm also eyeing a Compass 28 new rigging, new engine now etc etc , nothing to spend and a safe choice for me for only $18,000.

But the Cav is a much more substantial boat, and the rigging was replace 2017 with a lot of other upgrades. The decider will be the engine, as the survey they have done looks pretty good.

I may need to find a mechanic to have a good look at the engine, as that's a deciding factor.

Cheers

Compass 28's sold in large numbers because they were available in kit form and they were good value. Older design with a cramped interior and they are not all that great to windward in fresh breezes. The Cav is a big step up.

I've sailed both. The Cav is immeasurably better in all respects.

+ Especially,at present ,easy to buy,but hard to sell !
Mason

Select to expand quote

Mando29 said..

Ramona said..

Mando29 said..

M

Yes, thats why the Cav appeals to me, but as others have said this one is a bit cheap

Don't judge a yacht by the asking price. There are some ridiculously over priced yachts for sale and others that are being sold cheap. There maybe other reasons why these vessels are for sale cheap. If you want that particular boat just buy it. It may have problems but they would just as likely be the same as the expensive boats have. There are several cheap yachts for sale I would be perfectly happy to own.

Select to expand quote

Ramona said..

Mando29 said..

Ramona said..

Mando29 said..

Good advice, cheers

Yes, thats why the Cav appeals to me, but as others have said this one is a bit cheap

Don't judge a yacht by the asking price. There are some ridiculously over priced yachts for sale and others that are being sold cheap. There maybe other reasons why these vessels are for sale cheap. If you want that particular boat just buy it. It may have problems but they would just as likely be the same as the expensive boats have. There are several cheap yachts for sale I would be perfectly happy to own.

Good advice,

cheers

Select to expand quote

Ramona said..

Mando29 said..

Ramona said..

Mando29 said..

M

Yes, thats why the Cav appeals to me, but as others have said this one is a bit cheap

Don't judge a yacht by the asking price. There are some ridiculously over priced yachts for sale and others that are being sold cheap. There maybe other reasons why these vessels are for sale cheap. If you want that particular boat just buy it. It may have problems but they would just as likely be the same as the expensive boats have. There are several cheap yachts for sale I would be perfectly happy to own.

good advice