DSK wrote:

Even if the first thing you're going to do is install a
heater, winter time is not fun for boating around Philly.

I understand - until I get my photog biz paying the bills, I'll need a
regular 9-5 job - so rough it out one winter.

However, it's likely that sellers who are under any
financial pressure would make a better deal now than in spring.


Don't have the cash now - saving - hoping I have enuf in the string.

Personally, I'd recommend going a notch higher on price and
getting a boat with a diesel. I'm also curious as to why you
have settled on a Catalina 30 as *the* boat for you. There
are a lot of different boats in this size range, and the
Catalina is nice but kind of nondescript IMHO.

First off, anything bigger is too much $. Secondly, a # of liveaboards
mentioned that it would be a good boat for a novice sailor and have
enough room for the basics that I would want onboard: guitar, photog
equip, laptop, ...