Although it might be obvious, you typically want to buy a boat that someone
else has spent a lot of time and money on and no longer wants. A lot of
boats are advertised as "Mexico vet" or "Atlantic vet." While there's
nothing wrong with that, you need to be careful not to buy a boat that's
been "road hard and put away wet" so to speak. Sure, it did it 10 times. Do
you want a boat that's been through that kind of pounding? Depending on what
you're willing to spend, get a survey. It'll likely save you 1000s,
especially since you don't know much about boats. Have a mechanic take a
look at the engine. Your choices of engine are diesel or gas. Most people
prefer diesels, but there's nothing wrong with an A4 if it's in good shape.

The main considerations (and expensive items) are hull quality, standing
rigging, engine, and general maintenance (has it been done or not).
Typically, someone who has done regular maintenance on their boat takes
pride in their boat, and thus the other things fall into line. It's rare
when lack of maintenance by the previous owner equates to few problems with
the other items.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Scotty" wrote in message
. ..

"Praxi" wrote in message
oups.com..
.
Hi all,

I'm new to sailing and I would like to buy a boat between
30-35".

Ding! that's a bell going off. I think most would agree that
buying a 30-35' sailboat BEFORE you know how to sail is a
bad idea. Not totaly undoable, but I would strongly advise
to learn to sail FIRST.


I'm looking for something that I can spend a couple of
nights now and
then while on a trip. Entertain my family, and friends,
and maybe live
there for a week or so.

You want a cruising boat. There are 1000s of them. What's
your price range? Sailing area? Will you be solo sailing?



Can someone give me some leads as to what to look for and
what to stay
away from?

Whatever you do, don't listen to the ****** who calls
himself ''Capt Rob''. He knows nothing about boats. He is a
sad troll who is jelious of everything.


Maybe recommend some boats (brand, material, year, model,
etc.) to look
for?



Start here, http://yachtworld.com/boats/index.html.en , look
for 30-35' sailboats.
You will soon be overwhelmed.

Material? Fibreglass, of course.
Year, model? What can you afford?
Brand? Within each brand you will find poor examples,
either by mfg. or neglect from an owner. Each individual
boat must be checked out, inspected thoroughly and then
surveyed before purchase.