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.