Hi,
Looking for some advice/recommendations if anyone has had dealings with any of these builders?
I'm about to take the plunge and buy my first sailaway as a liveaboard and I've narrowed it down to XR&D, Colecraft and Soar Valley Steel Boats but it would be great if anyone can share their experiences or give me any advice! I've read a lot of good things about each and all of them on here but can't seem to find a comparison anywhere.
I've visited them all and each of them seem to operate quite differently but from what I know and have seen first hand they all seem to make fine, solid boats. I'm not so fussed about traditional details or excessive decoration, what I want is fairly simple, a 50ft cruiser that I can fit out myself, obviously the nicer she handles etc the better but I'm on a fairly limited budget so I'd rather just get the best shell possible for the money and one which will hold its value if ever I decide/need to upsize/sell.
One other question, as Soar Valley can grit-blast but XR&D say they can't, how crucial is this before using epoxy paint or can I wait until she needs blacking again in a couple of years and get it done then, as this is what XR&D have recommended?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jess