"terry668566" wrote in message
g.com...
I would appreciate your comments on the following as potential choices for
Caribbean cruising - Westsail 32 (slow), Tahitiana 32 (slow), Dickerson 37,
Gulfstar 36/37 and CSY 37. I am looking for a boat suitable for 2 to live
aboard, Bahamas and Caribbean cruising area (family members living in
Curacao), solid construction, good all round sailing capabilities, $40 -
60,000. We currently have 2 CSY 37s that have never been chartered under
consideration. What others should we be considering? I have been land -
bound for the past 13 years but have 15 years sailing experience on the
Great Lakes and 13 years working on the water (Great Lakes again) for the
Canadian Hydrographic Service.

All other things being equal (mechanical, rigging, sails, cosmetics, etc), I
would choose the Dickerson. I would rather have a boat that has no
electronics on it and fit it with all new than to have old instruments that
must be replaced. I would consider tankage (both capacity and construction
materials), stowage, plumbing, mechanical condition of engine etc. Personal
preference, I would choose a ketch rig over sloop or cutter (or
"slutter") -- primarily to gain the advantage of the mizzen staysail. I
would also avoid rigs that require running backstays, for safety and
simplicity's sake. An accidental gybe with running backs can ruin your whole
day. Along the same lines, I would avoid a club jib with its "foredeck
depopulator." Other people will have different opinions, YMMV.