On Mon, 05 Mar 2007 07:15:19 -0500, JLH wrote:


First, let me lay down the only essential requirements for the boat
1. the boat is seaworthy of typical Gulf of Mexico offshore excursions
- non-hurricane but otherwise expected seas.
2. two people can live aboard without tripping over each other.
3. cost is no more than $30k, shipshape.
That's it.
What hull/engine combos offer the best MPG?
Anybody?

Thanks,

--Vic



It seems like you're asking a hell of a lot for $30K!

After some initial looking around, it appears not.
The MacGregor 26 Chuck mentioned, new and powered is $30k
I see Albin 27's around $30k, but they're pretty old and not suitable
for mileage and other reasons.
I'll keep looking, but I think $30k will do, though I'll shoot for
less.
I ran across a good review Chuck did of the Allweather that tak
mentioned, and following that thread gave me some more avenues
to search. Since I like to fish, the Allweather doesn't seem my cup
of tea, but has put me on the track of a small deisel/full
displacement
hull that will meet my requirements. If it can sail too, all the
better. Even the MacGregor isn't out of the question, though
the "real" sailors sneer at it. Hey, I might just become the Skipper
of the sailing world!

--Vic