sailboat buying strategy
 

"nom=de=plume" wrote in message
...

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 10:45:46 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

I'd be interested to hear what those who've made major purchases, such as
for a boat, have done (or not done) along these lines. Did you pretty
much
go all in or did you do something similar?

The strategy of buying less than you can afford works well because
everyone always under estimates the cost of essential upgrades and
maintenance. It is important to try and estimate the upgrades and
maintenance as closely as possible and then double that number.

It is also important to try and nail down your ongoing expenses for
storage, both in and out of the water, and insurance. Insurance costs
vary by location, length of season, cruising range, and quality of
policy. There are big differences in policies, not always readily
apparent until you scrutinize the fine print.

The most expensive thing of all is buying the wrong boat, or buying it
with the wrong people. That may sound obvious but it happens all the
time. Have all of you spent a lot of time together on a boat before?
If not, I'd highly recommend chartering a boat similar to what you
want for two weeks and sail it somewhere. You'll learn a lot about
the boat, the people, and whether or not you really like the life
style.

Yes, good point about insurance. We haven't really talked about that much,
nor investigated, other than saying, yes, we need some.

We're going to charter... definitely the smart thing to do. Might have an
opportunity to do that for about a six-week stretch this summer. We've
spent some time on a boat, but not more than a few weeks. I think it's a
viable plan. Perhaps we could just live in a van in parking lot behind a
7/11 for a few weeks. Seems like that would be pretty close. :)


The former Larry from Charleston (yes, the half decent Larry) had a little
spiel that he wrote whenever someone dreamed about spending a lot of time on
a cruising sailboat.
It got the point across.

sailboat buying strategy
 

"nom=de=plume" wrote in message
...

"jps" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 13:09:52 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:


"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 10:45:46 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

I'd be interested to hear what those who've made major purchases, such
as
for a boat, have done (or not done) along these lines. Did you pretty
much
go all in or did you do something similar?

The strategy of buying less than you can afford works well because
everyone always under estimates the cost of essential upgrades and
maintenance. It is important to try and estimate the upgrades and
maintenance as closely as possible and then double that number.

It is also important to try and nail down your ongoing expenses for
storage, both in and out of the water, and insurance. Insurance costs
vary by location, length of season, cruising range, and quality of
policy. There are big differences in policies, not always readily
apparent until you scrutinize the fine print.

The most expensive thing of all is buying the wrong boat, or buying it
with the wrong people. That may sound obvious but it happens all the
time. Have all of you spent a lot of time together on a boat before?
If not, I'd highly recommend chartering a boat similar to what you
want for two weeks and sail it somewhere. You'll learn a lot about
the boat, the people, and whether or not you really like the life
style.

Yes, good point about insurance. We haven't really talked about that
much,
nor investigated, other than saying, yes, we need some.

We're going to charter... definitely the smart thing to do. Might have an
opportunity to do that for about a six-week stretch this summer. We've
spent
some time on a boat, but not more than a few weeks. I think it's a viable
plan. Perhaps we could just live in a van in parking lot behind a 7/11
for a
few weeks. Seems like that would be pretty close. :)

You'd have to have someone rocking it at all times while simulating
system breakdowns, while dousing it with salt laden water that you
have to attend to as it dries.

Try to find a fiberglass van with lots of chrome on it so you get an
opportunity to keep up the appearance.

Yeah, and pooping in the van... don't forget that. lol


I don't think that would bother a few of the regulars in here.... in fact,
they'd be right at home. (that would be you FlatulentJim and Dingy Dan)

sailboat buying strategy
 

"nom=de=plume" wrote in message
...

"Jim" wrote in message
...
nom=de=plume wrote:
After much discussion by the four of us, we've concluded that we're
pretty much there, as far as being able to afford something in the $300K
range. The basic philosophy we're using (and have used individually and
collectively for most big purchases) has been to save for twice the
expected cost. This has the effect of allowing us some wiggle room with
purchase prices in general, not feeling like we're cash broke after a
major purchase (e.g., with our two mortgages, we can afford twice the
current monthly payment), it gives us the ability to incur after-sale
expenses (oh, yeah, I guess a sailboat does need a mast), and extends
the time before one or more of us needs to seriously get back to work.
(Two of us will be standing down from active work for the better part of
1-2 years, the other two will head back into the grinder in less than a
year.)

I'd be interested to hear what those who've made major purchases, such
as for a boat, have done (or not done) along these lines. Did you pretty
much go all in or did you do something similar?


You're nuts if you think you can get any good advice on high-priced
sailboats from the assholes here.
Except for Wayne, none know squat about that, and he's a stinkpotter now
and out of the loop.
Try internet sailboat forums.
Just come here to talk powerboats or to take a dump.

Jim - Holding my nose while here.


Heh... well, I tend to discount opinions that are wrong. :)


If you get to the British Virgin Islands anytime soon, I'll ask my buddy
down there to show you the ropes on how to live on a boat 'on the cheap'.
He's been doing it for the last 15 years.

sailboat buying strategy
 

On Jun 8, 6:05*pm, Jeddadiah Smith wrote:
On 6/8/2010 3:55 PM, jps wrote:

You sound like an asshole.

I am, brother.

I do see a substantial bit of hypocrisy here from someone who is a
liberal but somehow has enough to spend $100K on a sailboat while
having a luxury car and two mortgages.Seems that somebody is making
too much money according to Obama. Most attorneys are dems because
the dems never favor tort reform. Basically attorneys are taking
money out of the pockets of the poor and giving it to the rich.

Having gotten that rant out of my system I will not discuss it more
but will stick to discussing the sailboat. Big mono-hulls are a poor
investment but a catamaran depreciates slower. You will also have
more places to keep her in shallow water. I believe that integrated
over time that a catamaran is safer than a mono because it allows you
to get into shallow water thru questionable inlets or into shallow
anchorages that are well protected during storms.

sailboat buying strategy
 

On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 15:18:18 -0700 (PDT), Frogwatch
wrote:

On Jun 8, 6:05*pm, Jeddadiah Smith wrote:
On 6/8/2010 3:55 PM, jps wrote:

You sound like an asshole.

I am, brother.

I do see a substantial bit of hypocrisy here from someone who is a
liberal but somehow has enough to spend $100K on a sailboat while
having a luxury car and two mortgages.Seems that somebody is making
too much money according to Obama. Most attorneys are dems because
the dems never favor tort reform. Basically attorneys are taking
money out of the pockets of the poor and giving it to the rich.

Having gotten that rant out of my system I will not discuss it more
but will stick to discussing the sailboat. Big mono-hulls are a poor
investment but a catamaran depreciates slower. You will also have
more places to keep her in shallow water. I believe that integrated
over time that a catamaran is safer than a mono because it allows you
to get into shallow water thru questionable inlets or into shallow
anchorages that are well protected during storms.

It's so damned funny to watch you "conservatives" squirm when you find
out a liberal can be well founded and still speak on behalf of those
who haven't a voice.

We don't bitch about paying our fair share. There's still plenty left
over to live, sometimes even comfortably.

sailboat buying strategy
 

On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 13:56:42 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:


"jps" wrote in message
.. .
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 13:09:52 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:


"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 10:45:46 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

I'd be interested to hear what those who've made major purchases, such
as
for a boat, have done (or not done) along these lines. Did you pretty
much
go all in or did you do something similar?

The strategy of buying less than you can afford works well because
everyone always under estimates the cost of essential upgrades and
maintenance. It is important to try and estimate the upgrades and
maintenance as closely as possible and then double that number.

It is also important to try and nail down your ongoing expenses for
storage, both in and out of the water, and insurance. Insurance costs
vary by location, length of season, cruising range, and quality of
policy. There are big differences in policies, not always readily
apparent until you scrutinize the fine print.

The most expensive thing of all is buying the wrong boat, or buying it
with the wrong people. That may sound obvious but it happens all the
time. Have all of you spent a lot of time together on a boat before?
If not, I'd highly recommend chartering a boat similar to what you
want for two weeks and sail it somewhere. You'll learn a lot about
the boat, the people, and whether or not you really like the life
style.

Yes, good point about insurance. We haven't really talked about that much,
nor investigated, other than saying, yes, we need some.

We're going to charter... definitely the smart thing to do. Might have an
opportunity to do that for about a six-week stretch this summer. We've
spent
some time on a boat, but not more than a few weeks. I think it's a viable
plan. Perhaps we could just live in a van in parking lot behind a 7/11 for
a
few weeks. Seems like that would be pretty close. :)

You'd have to have someone rocking it at all times while simulating
system breakdowns, while dousing it with salt laden water that you
have to attend to as it dries.

Try to find a fiberglass van with lots of chrome on it so you get an
opportunity to keep up the appearance.

Yeah, and pooping in the van... don't forget that. lol

Don't know if it's a fair comparison to just throw a porta potty in
there. Boats of any decent size always have a well ventilated,
closeable box in which to perform daily rituals.

sailboat buying strategy
 

"Frogwatch" wrote in message
...
On Jun 8, 6:05 pm, Jeddadiah Smith wrote:
On 6/8/2010 3:55 PM, jps wrote:

You sound like an asshole.

I am, brother.

I do see a substantial bit of hypocrisy here from someone who is a
liberal but somehow has enough to spend $100K on a sailboat while
having a luxury car and two mortgages.Seems that somebody is making
too much money according to Obama. Most attorneys are dems because
the dems never favor tort reform. Basically attorneys are taking
money out of the pockets of the poor and giving it to the rich.

Having gotten that rant out of my system I will not discuss it more
but will stick to discussing the sailboat. Big mono-hulls are a poor
investment but a catamaran depreciates slower. You will also have
more places to keep her in shallow water. I believe that integrated
over time that a catamaran is safer than a mono because it allows you
to get into shallow water thru questionable inlets or into shallow
anchorages that are well protected during storms.

?? It's $300K while having a luxury car (2001) and one mortgage.

Sounds like you're very angry. Too bad. You should take a pill or something.

Basically, you're unwilling to give up your political rant no matter what.
Then, you claim you're only going to talk about on-topic stuff. I think
you're just a fool. Sorry if that ****es you off. Honestly, it's really a
turnoff, mainly because it's impossible to have a rational discussion with
someone who is so filled with loathing.

sailboat buying strategy
 

"jps" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 15:18:18 -0700 (PDT), Frogwatch
wrote:

On Jun 8, 6:05 pm, Jeddadiah Smith wrote:
On 6/8/2010 3:55 PM, jps wrote:

You sound like an asshole.

I am, brother.

I do see a substantial bit of hypocrisy here from someone who is a
liberal but somehow has enough to spend $100K on a sailboat while
having a luxury car and two mortgages.Seems that somebody is making
too much money according to Obama. Most attorneys are dems because
the dems never favor tort reform. Basically attorneys are taking
money out of the pockets of the poor and giving it to the rich.

Having gotten that rant out of my system I will not discuss it more
but will stick to discussing the sailboat. Big mono-hulls are a poor
investment but a catamaran depreciates slower. You will also have
more places to keep her in shallow water. I believe that integrated
over time that a catamaran is safer than a mono because it allows you
to get into shallow water thru questionable inlets or into shallow
anchorages that are well protected during storms.

It's so damned funny to watch you "conservatives" squirm when you find
out a liberal can be well founded and still speak on behalf of those
who haven't a voice.

We don't bitch about paying our fair share. There's still plenty left
over to live, sometimes even comfortably.

Yeah, I've never heard of any rightwing nuts who are attorneys. I don't
think they actually exist. Froggie is an idiot.

sailboat buying strategy
 

"Frogwatch" wrote in message
...
On Jun 8, 5:11 pm, jps wrote:
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 13:56:05 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:





"jps" wrote in message
.. .
On Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:12:28 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 10:45:46 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

I'd be interested to hear what those who've made major purchases,
such as
for a boat, have done (or not done) along these lines. Did you pretty
much
go all in or did you do something similar?

The strategy of buying less than you can afford works well because
everyone always under estimates the cost of essential upgrades and
maintenance. It is important to try and estimate the upgrades and
maintenance as closely as possible and then double that number.

It is also important to try and nail down your ongoing expenses for
storage, both in and out of the water, and insurance. Insurance costs
vary by location, length of season, cruising range, and quality of
policy. There are big differences in policies, not always readily
apparent until you scrutinize the fine print.

The most expensive thing of all is buying the wrong boat, or buying it
with the wrong people. That may sound obvious but it happens all the
time. Have all of you spent a lot of time together on a boat before?
If not, I'd highly recommend chartering a boat similar to what you
want for two weeks and sail it somewhere. You'll learn a lot about
the boat, the people, and whether or not you really like the life
style.

Good advice. I'd think about exactly how you're going to use the boat
and how many are likely to on board rather than deciding on a boat
based on the collective budget and affordability.

If you end up spending as much as you can afford but the boat only
sees two to four passengers on most trips, it's a big waste of $ to
purchase a 45+ ft boat. Although it may offer space, it's more to
keep up and more work to sail.

Actually, it would be a 40+ foot boat. :) I think the one big issue
that's a
continuing concern is our ability to sail a boat that size, esp. if one
or
more of us is incapacitated (ill or injured). Seems like unless a major
course change is required it wouldn't be too much of a deal, but what
about
a storm or whatever, and what about docking, esp. I've banged my old
boat
into docks and such and that was a pretty small boat!

There are plenty of larger sailboats easily handled by two or even
singlehanded. But, as you point out, there are risks in doing so.

Add to your list that a longer hull (of the right design) with more
weight is likely to be more seaworthy, comfortable and efficient
under sail.

My objection to catamarans has been that I thought it would cost twice
as much as a mono to keep em in a slip but I have been told by several
catamaran owners that I am incorrect on that. 3 Catamaran owners in
FL have told me that they have had no diff between prices for a mono
and cat. If I had the money to buy a big boat, I'd buy a catamaran,
particularly for the bahamas and the caribbean.

I think it would mostly be for the Pacific side. Going through the Canal
might be interesting for a long-term goal.

sailboat buying strategy
 

"jps" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 13:56:42 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:


"jps" wrote in message
. ..
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 13:09:52 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:


"Wayne.B" wrote in message
m...
On Tue, 8 Jun 2010 10:45:46 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

I'd be interested to hear what those who've made major purchases, such
as
for a boat, have done (or not done) along these lines. Did you pretty
much
go all in or did you do something similar?

The strategy of buying less than you can afford works well because
everyone always under estimates the cost of essential upgrades and
maintenance. It is important to try and estimate the upgrades and
maintenance as closely as possible and then double that number.

It is also important to try and nail down your ongoing expenses for
storage, both in and out of the water, and insurance. Insurance costs
vary by location, length of season, cruising range, and quality of
policy. There are big differences in policies, not always readily
apparent until you scrutinize the fine print.

The most expensive thing of all is buying the wrong boat, or buying it
with the wrong people. That may sound obvious but it happens all the
time. Have all of you spent a lot of time together on a boat before?
If not, I'd highly recommend chartering a boat similar to what you
want for two weeks and sail it somewhere. You'll learn a lot about
the boat, the people, and whether or not you really like the life
style.

Yes, good point about insurance. We haven't really talked about that
much,
nor investigated, other than saying, yes, we need some.

We're going to charter... definitely the smart thing to do. Might have
an
opportunity to do that for about a six-week stretch this summer. We've
spent
some time on a boat, but not more than a few weeks. I think it's a
viable
plan. Perhaps we could just live in a van in parking lot behind a 7/11
for
a
few weeks. Seems like that would be pretty close. :)

You'd have to have someone rocking it at all times while simulating
system breakdowns, while dousing it with salt laden water that you
have to attend to as it dries.

Try to find a fiberglass van with lots of chrome on it so you get an
opportunity to keep up the appearance.

Yeah, and pooping in the van... don't forget that. lol

Don't know if it's a fair comparison to just throw a porta potty in
there. Boats of any decent size always have a well ventilated,
closeable box in which to perform daily rituals.

Well, I wasn't talking about doing it on the floor! lol