A 2007 Jeanneau 39i and 1957 Nevins 40. Big change?

Used, they sell for around the same money today(100k+?) As the Jeanneau is 8 years old, the Nevins 58 years old, that says something(not sure what).

The Jeanneau is faster-about 40 secs/mi phrf. The Jeanneau on a typical 10 mile coastal cruising sail will arrive about 7 minutes before the Nevins. Not a game changer for me but would be for a 'racer'.

I bet the Jeanneau is easier to sail than the Nevins. Wider, much higher freeboard, the Jeanneau has more room below(although less on the decks). The cockpit is much wider and higher with a aft cabin below. If you sail with another couple or want a charter boat, this one is perfect. The swim platform would be fun with kids.

The Nevins is an antique and all wood construction. That takes a special owner to enjoy what that means - whether cared for DIY or boatyard maintained($$). The boat and cockpit are lower in water- no aft cabin below. If you like being below in an old boat, the accommodations are wonderful, even today.

Most of our boats are somewhere between these 50 year bookends-it's just taste.

Looking at the people (and Jon would have loved this! ), I notice that the couple on the Jeanneau, each has a hand on their own wheel as they maneuver through tight Camden Harbor.

While that could be a disaster for some couples on the water, that's the perfect analogy to a partnership: One boat with two wheels.