Customflex Vrs Douglass built

Mark, You will find that at one time, when Vince Di Maio was the owner, Customflex built a boat every bit as good as Douglass. After Vince left, the quality of their boats deteriated to the extent that Douglass pulled their molds. I would stay away from Customflex numners above 2000. I have raced Customflex #1342 for over 30 years now , and find it very stiff and fast, though 45 lbs heavy, as most all boats were at that time. I have always felt that Customflex numbers between 1100 and 1700 were very good boats. Jack F. Stewart FS 1342 "Hot Pink"

I own 3403....yep.....a Customflex. Got a pretty good deal on it, 2 good sets of sails and all.... but there are 'issues'. I guess the bottom line is to understand your expectations or requirements. Mine consisted of getting out from under the overhead of a keel boat....slip fees, numerous crew, bottom jobs ad nauseum.....and into a competitive fleet (23 here in DFW Texas area)....so I could continue sailing with my kids in college.....household overhead limitations! I don't mind repair work..... in a twisted sort of way... on boats/hobbies and I certainly got it with this boat. I'm about to launch into a centerboard trunk reinforcement effort. When the wind is up the sides flex excessively due to cracking in the horizontal flange that the CB roller rides on. These cracks occur at the forward and aft most ends of the 'slot' which reduces the trunk stiffness and prevents the CB induced bending moment from being reacted properly. I'm pretty handy with fibeglass and it should be an interesting 'adventure' ......most won't see it that way. I believe this boat was built not long before the molds were 'pulled' from Customflex...confirming Jack's input. Even with this problem the boat was and could be sailed in many conditions and remains a testament to the durability of the original design. It can take alot. I have sailed on 5000 series boats and notice a bit more stiffness in the hull bottom. Customeflex boats 1701-3400+ might work out great if you perform all the due diligence (check weight, structure etc.) and get a good deal....but you should be more wary. When my overhead nad priorties change years from now I'll probably be incline toward a newer Scot.....not a keelboat. Forest Atkins FS 3403 FS3403

I had a Customflex, #1813. She was very fast.I agree with Jack Stewart commments. Any good hull under #2000 would be a boat to consider.