Charles Momsen wrote:
"jlrogers±³©" wrote in message
...

All my life I've "dreamed" about retiring on a boat and sailing from here
to there, as the spirit moves me. However, my only experience is some
lake sailing, a little Gulf of Mexico experience, and four years on a
destroyer in the navy. And, except for a couple of years in the 90's,
most of my sailing was done 35 years ago.

I have now retired and I signed up for a series of ASA lessons at a school
in Kemah, TX, just to bone up and get my feet wet, but haven't started yet
due to Ike.

My plan is to take the lessons, join a sailing club, and spend some time
afloat to see if the passion dissolves in the salt spray.

Assuming it doesn't, I will want to acquire a relatively inexpensive
cruiser for step 2. I.e., learning to live aboard, maintain the boat, and
sail alone with confidence.

At one time I owned a thirty footer, but never lived aboard, and most of
the maintenance was bought and paid for. I like all of the following, but
remember my experience is day sailing, for the most part, and I'm
completely ignorant of the requirements, stresses, and needs of the live
aboard.

Contessa
Westerly (Konsort)
Endeavour 32 Plan A
Cape Dory
Crealock (Pacific Seacraft)
Island Packet


Which brings me to my question: what boat would you recommend for the
live aboard trial? Something no older that say 1983, between 28 and 35',
a sloop, that could be bought for no more than $60,000.

--

jlrogers±³©

"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the
argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." William Pitt

"Those who would give up a little freedom to get a little security shall
soon have neither." Benjamin Franklin



Congratulations on your retirement. Rather than get the ideal boat upfront,
buy a lower cost "value" boat first. You'll probably make mistakes at first
(crashing into stuff, breaking things or doing something that leaves a
really big mark/gouge.) so get something you could walk away from. Make your
second boat count. Buy whatever is cheap and popular in your area. You can
easily resell it at a small loss and learn so much without fear of real
financial loss.


The previous suggestion (don't buy an "ideal boat" upfront) is a good
one IMO. If you intend to liveaboard, I would also suggest something a
little larger than 30 feet. I think your plan to charter various boats
will give you a good idea of what's involved and what type and size boat
you may prefer.

I'm also near Kemah, and I can verify that in this area you will find
many boats of all genries for far less than $60,000. (Try $15,000 -
$30,000 for 30-35 ft. boats that would be ready to sail with minor
cleanup or upgrades.). Have it surveyed, of course. - IMO, in this
price range the condition of the boat is almost as important as the
model/maker. And although I agree that Sabres, Endeavours, Island
Packets, Tartans, Valiants, etc., are great boats, if you insist on
getting one of these "ideal" boats, you may end up paying twice as much
as you would for other boats of a the same size and condition that would
be comfortable and that you would also enjoy sailing. - It's your
choice, of course.

Incidentally, my boat (a 26 ft. MacGregor) had no damage from the
hurricane, and you would be welcome to go out with me anytime this Fall.

Jim