jds
You've got some good advice from Dan. I would agree that buying a boat that
is already outfitted as close to what you want is the best approach. You
sort of get the equipment and installation cost/work for free. I would also
agree that you need to get out and look at a lot of boats in your price
range and a little above. Have a look at some that are a bit more costly to
see what the extra dollars buy.
I think for 50k you may be bit limited in choices for heavier displacement
offshore capable cruisers, at least ones that equipped well enough and
decent enough to live aboard. I've been contemplating this for a while and
for my daydreaming I think 75 to 100k would get me a well equipped offshore-
capable long distance cruiser. I've pretty much concluded the Tayana 37
seems to give the most bang for the bucks in this class. I think if you
have a big genoa and good condition sails these boats will move OK on any
day that's worth going out on. I see on Yachtworld there is an older one in
Alameda for 49k but usually they are 75k+.
If most of your sailing will be coastal you don't really need all the
storage of an offshore boat and could get buy with something like an early
'80s Hunter 37, a Pearson 36 or C&C 38. I think you might get one for close
to 50k and they have enough storage for living aboard. I'm currently living
on my C&C 37. If you wanted to make a trip to Hawaii you do it on one of
these boats. You don't mention how much sailing experience you have or if
you would have crew?
One of these larger boats might be a bit much if you don't have experience
or experienced crew.
As Dan says, take your time to work through this and come back with
questions as they come up. The more time you take the more likely you will
be very satisfied in the end. Lastly, I think it was John Vigor who advised
"buy the boat that makes you smile when you turn around to look at her while
rowing away".......
"jds" wrote in message
news:3KPZc.785$aW5.646@fed1read07...
hi all. i am currently in rersearch mode looking for a cruising sailboat.
have read some, have a lot more to read and learn. most of the web sites
and forums i have gone to seem to be primarily east coast stuff. i will be
on west coast, southern california. my plans are to cruise up and down the
coast, possibly alaska, possibly hawaii. im 57 and a few creature comforts
are more important than speed. i dont want a boat that will beat me up,
and
i dont want a boat that if the wind kicks up a bit i have to fold my tent
and go home.
ok, on many forums they talk about how heavy and slow cruisers are. does
that mean you have to have heavy winds to sail in them?? i dont want to be
sitting in the marina/mooring , whatever, while a bunch of lighter boats
are
out on the water. how much wind does it take to move one of these boats??
right now, im very interested in a westsail 32. i have about 50k to spend.
so far the only thing bad i have read about these boats is they are slow.
not an issue with me as long as you dont need a hurricane to get them
moving.
i have also read that all boats are a comprimise. i can understand that.
are
there any good solid boats that are maybe a happy medium?? comfort that
will
still sail in light winds?? we dont have a lot of heavy wind in this area,
but you never know when you may run into some. safety and strength are
more
important than speed to me.
i plan on living aboard a great deal of the time. i have a house in socal
i
can go to if i want to, but i let my mother and sister live there, and a
little bit of both of them is enough for me for several
weeks/months/years.
but can live there if i have to. point being, i want something with at
least
some creature comforts. hot water, nice head with shower, and a galley
thats
usable. comfortable bed.
anyway, seems like the more i read the more confused i become. some
insight
from you old salts would be greatly appreciated. by the way, anyone ever
hear of a yorktown?? apparently a well made boat, but havnt seen too much
about them even on a google search. thanks for any input here. regards,
j.d.
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