re: The Dilemma

Posted By: Dan Eggert - 1995 Seaward 25, Rosslyn Treasure, SE Michigan
Date: 4/2/09 6:57p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: re: The Dilemma (Scott, Seaward 23)

Scott, I must admit that a 32' is indeed under the watchful eye of myself as well. I have some extended trips in mind in a few years. I too had thought about the Eagle, but, there is a thought process that has taken over those dreams and has led me down a different path. For now anyway. Here is what went through my mind.... Naturally, I adore the S25 so the S32 was a prime contender in any move 'up.' However, a 32' will not reside in the canal behind my house. I have plenty of length, but 8' beam is about all I can have back there and allow passage space for my neighbors. As a result, a 32' would need to go the marina. That in itself is not a deal breaker, however, once that little hurdle is over, then ANY boat can be in the marina and I am not limited to an Eagle 32'. Then the boat space vs. length vs. cost equation comes into play. For ocean travel, an older Pacific Seacraft 31 would be much more comfortable than an Eagle with roughly the same interior space (narrow for a 31 - 32'). For a less expensive alternative with more interior and exterior room and accommodations, a Caliber 33 or newer 35 (just a 33 with a tail cone) is very appealing for nearly the same cost as the Eagle. If inland lakes are the realm, then a Catalina 320 seems big enough to put the Eagle inside of it and it is less money yet! I am of course not advocating that you or anyone else consider anything other than a S32, but I was surprised the first time I was on one just how small it seemed for a 32' boat. I know the contributing factor for that is the 10' beam so that it can travel down the road and be somewhat 'trailerable.' When you start to look at 11', 12', 13' beam boats, it is a drastic comparison! Right now, since my time on the water is limited to the Great Lakes, but the way they roll is still freightening at times, when I am ready to make the leap to a larger boat, I have a short list. Right now it includes a Caliber 35 LRC, Catalina 320 Mk II (I can hear the collective 'not a bluewater boat...yuk, no way'...read about the passage from England to Norway in the North Sea and back again...twice over a couple of years in a C320 Mk I!), or a Pacific Seacraft 31 or 34. I dropped the Eagle about a year ago... Just something to think about.