View Full Version : Need Lancer Feedback
chemoangels
09-30-2008, 11:50 am
My husband and I recently found an absolutely beautiful Lancer 40. We have been looking for our future liveaboard/cruiser for several years, and our deadline is next summer. This Lancer has the floorplan of our dreams - the layout is perfect. Our concern is that we are unfamiliar with Lancers, and we have not found much info online. Since we will be living on the boat with our 9 year old, and we plan to cruise, we cannot risk choosing a boat that is less than seaworthy. We will, of course, have this particular Lancer surveyed, but the little info on Lancers we have found online is quite negative as far as anything other than coastal cruising. Many people state them to be a very poorly built boat, not much more seaworthy than a MacGregor. We would love to get some feedback from Lancer owners - preferably over the 30 foot range. Can anyone help? Thanks!
Laura
Brian D
10-01-2008, 02:30 pm
Hi Laura. I don't think there are too many owners of L40's on this site. I think most of the 40 footers are of the current production type. The only thing I can say is get it surveyed, and I mean a real detailed survey (out of water). If the surveyor states it's a good solid vessel then that should be enough. Or get a second opinion with another survey. Your safety is of the highest priority.
If you still don't have a warm and fuzzy, look for another boat of the same size. I am not sure of the motivation be it availability, price, or what ever, but look around an compare. I hope this boat is not a relict from Katrina or any other recent hurricane.
Good luck.
I didn't know they made a 40. Are you sure it isn't a 39 power sailer? From the folks that have posted on here, as I recall, most really liked the boat. However, that must always be taken with a grain of salt as few people ever post that they hate their boat. In general, the best recommendation is Brian D's...get a good survey...from a surveyor who is a sailor is my preference. What is your experience sailing? A 40 footer isn't typically a starter boat, but starting that big seems to be getting popular these days!
I also suggest you search the past files. It looks like the 39 and 40 might be the same hull. I'd probably just search for lancer and motorsailer and see what you turn up. Also, I think there was a significant difference in build quality on the larger boats, especially from 29 on up. Build quality on the 25 and 28 might get some bad press, but I had a 25 and, barring the relatively weak (vs. glued and bolted or bonded) glued and screwed hull to deck joint, quality was actually very good in my opinion. I particularly liked the cabinetry, while the caned cabinet doors look a bit dated they are a great idea on a sailboat as the ventilation prevents mold and mildew. The full headliner is a negative, in my opinion, as it is tough to find and repair deck leaks.
Good luck.