In article ,
"Wendy" wrote:

"Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message
...

I suggest that buying a long-distance cruiser is premature. Until,
that is, you have tried different kinds of boats to find out what you
enjoy sailing.

I think there is a lot of merit in this observation, Rodney. I'm probably
starting from the "what I would like to have" point rather than the "what
would best suit me at this time" point. That said, I've loads of time to
figure all of this out. I'll get more involved in the local sailing
community, which will, I am sure, help and affect my purchasing decision a
lot. I'm off today to look at some boats, and that may well be an
eye-opening experience.

Wendy



Don't necessarily try for the ultimate boat. I haven't heard of anyone
getting it right the first time, though Skip and Lydia might ;-) More
often, too much boat stays in the slip.

Go for one that will will suit an honest assessment of what you're
likely to do in the the near future, say 5 or so years. If that includes
crossing the pond, so be it, but if not, there are a lot of good, less
expensive boats that could serve you better.

For instance, a boat like our Xan is comfortable for 2, certainly up to
doing the eastern Caribbean, big enough to be stable and easily
single-handed, small enough that going out for a couple of hours is a
meaningful option, tough enough to take beginner mistakes, and "cheap"
to buy, upgrade and maintain. In the meantime, the extra $60-70k can
appreciate, make a pretty good cruising kitty or NOT be owed to the bank.

--
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/