On 5 Mar 2007 09:25:32 -0800, "Chuck Gould"
wrote:

On Mar 5, 8:03?am, Wayne.B wrote:

I'd recommend an older, used sailboat in the 28 to 30 ft range because
I think it's the only thing that will meet all of your listed
requirements. t would be very fuel efficient and easily handled by
two people after a bit of experience in fair weather. et an
autopilot, best money you'll ever spend.

I would concur. $30,000 is a very low budget for a boat with the
requirements stated. Motoring around in an old sailboat might be a
solution, I'd have to think the sail inventory would be pretty tired
on a boat in that price range- but maybe could still sail a bit.

Depending on how rough conditions might be- a new 26' MacGregor is
around $30,000. Pretty light weight and not much draft for serious
offshore use. Not the world's finest sailboat, sort of weird as a
powerbot, but very economical to
purchase and operate. Can't say how one would work in the Gulf, but
they are very popular in Puget Sound.

Thanks for that suggestion. I'll give them a look.

--Vic