On Thu, 29 Jan 2004 12:06:32 -0600, "Wendy"
wrote:


"Rich Hampel" wrote in message
...
Consider upgrading and refitting a Robert Perry design: Tayana37,
Valiant 40, etc. These older designs (although heavyweight by todays
standards) have dominated passagemaking and voyaging for the past 30+
years. Depending on where you are located the best prices are in
Florida/Gulf Coast. Prices for older still useable/rebuildable (with
alluminum masts) should be in the neighborhood of $65K-100K These
boats are built like Sherman Tanks and usually are quite sound
structurally (overbuilt ).
If you have to refit, figure a 20% added to your purchase price -- and
that may be true for ANY used boat you buy.

Most of the 'good' older ones are offered principally through eMail
discussion groups or 'owners groups' such as on Sailnet, etc. Goto
the Sailnet.com website, follow the links to email discussion groups.
Also you can look up the 'archives' on various designs, etc.: email
archives, etc. on sailnet, etc.

Tayana, Passport, Valiant, Baba, TaShing, etc.

I'm in Texas (Houston area), so it's good to know that Gulf Coast prices are
best. I thought they might be, compared to a California or Maryland price.
OK, I'm off to sailnet now...

Wendy

One particularly good book that I read a long time ago is
" Sensible Cruising: The Thoreau Approach" by Don Casey.
You can get it anywhere, or from Amazon used for $5. Lots of great
information and very motivating to simplify and not overhwelm yourself
with a big/expensive/state of the art mindset. You might also
consider joining the US Power Squadron. Lots of good courses, very
reasonably priced, and you will meet others who have boats and will
probably be more than happy to share their boats and their experiences
with you.
Just a thought.

Good luck