Hi All,
Looking for a boat around 30' and being in WA the choice is much more limiting than enjoyed on the eastern seaboard. I want a cruiser/racer that can perform when sailed well and has some visual appeal to non sailors for social sails etc. There are some yachts I've seen that though structurally sound and no doubt sail well, such as Viking 30's, have been used as weekend racers and upkeep has been neglected resulting in a shabby appearance to put it diplomatically.

There are some Peterson 30's currently advertised here but I haven't been able to find out much about the Peterson 30 in general apart from they were one of the old half tonners of the era all of which seem to be fairly well regarded.

I've also been looking at Spacesailer 27s but they don't come up very often though do seem to sell fast and hold their value better than most. Probably vindicating the loyal following they have here as designed by local designer Swarbrick and Co.

I will be sailing single handed at times so I think a furler is almost a must and was wondering what a self furler and headsail would cost approx if I find a yacht that is worthy of consideration but has hanked on sails etc.

Any comments and wisdom welcome.

Perhaps try contacting the Spacesailor27 Association if your in Perth, or speak to the owners at South of Perth YC, and ask them if any boats are for sale...boats for sale often don't make it to Gumtree etc when a class is popular.
Other classes to consider that are fairly common in Perth S97s, Vikings as you mentioned, UFO 34, or Spirit 28s.

Should have bought that Cole 32 that was for sale. There are a few over there that come up for sale occasionally. Peterson 30's are apparently a nice boat, I have heard they are a bit tender but if there are a few over in WA they can't be that bad.

Good source for hafttonners here. www.histoiredeshalfs.com/index%20anglais.htm Hafttonner link at the top.

Search on here . forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?act=idx

Another good link to search. http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/index.php

Lusty Lady from a few years back. I would love to have bought her.

What would you want a bimini for? Wear a hat and face screen. There can be variations in Peterson 30's too from various builders. The differences is mainly in the cockpit layout. The Peterson is mainly a racing boat and so will generally come with better quality fittings etc compared to a Spacesailer 27 which is really more of a cruiser/racer. Check out this thread from awhile back.

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Sailing/General/Santana-30s-Peterson-30s/