MAJOR BURKES wrote:

Hi All. Am new to even newsgroups. I am starting to look for an older boat
that I can liveaboard in comfort in my "retirement". I have been looking
for something in the 50K- range on the net, and have been pleasantly
surprised at what is available. I am, however, pretty ignorant about what
my "realistic" needs may be. I am going to need to move the boat to
Honduras where I have a little spit of land at the water. Anyone know how I
can hook up with people/groups that can sort of serve as mentors in this
endeavor? Thanks!

Unluckily, none of us can tell you what is realistic for YOU.

A conservative and experienced captain can take a marginal boat far
further safely than a "hot dog" could. If you can be sure that you'll
move only "short" distances, and only when the weather for twice (or so)
your crossing time is predicted to be amenable, I'd say "go for it" with
the best boat for your ultimate purposes.

If you can't stay away from "the edge", I'd say to get the most
seaworthy boat you can afford even if it weren't ideal for your ultimate
purpose.

I suspect you're somewhere in the middle.

You might also find that you can pick up a boat in the nearby area, say
Panama, more cheaply than the US-based sources that you seem to be
considering. The resulting trip could tip the balance towards a boat
closer to your ultimate machine.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/