I have been watching for a Sailboat to live on for two years now. There many out there from Free on Up.
Some of the free boats would end up costing more to fix-up than it would cost to buy one all ready to go. Just do a little math on the things you will need to buy, such as Sails. True, some of the more ready boats may have Sails and need new ones soon. Lot of if, and, and buts.
Some of the boats I am considering now I would not be afraid to Sail home on the Atlantic, "Once the weather and Sea are more cooperative". They are 60's and a few 70's models. Many have a good Sail List (Some are Tired). Engines are running (Though I not bet money they get me home). Bottom
paint is Fair and be good for a year or two (Give time to recover from the initial purchase price).
These boats are less than $8,000. I have very few in the $3,500 range. But, punching numbers of additional work and materials help you get a better focus on what to buy.
Also, what you have to spend will bear on your purchase. May have to buy cheap and over time put money and labor into something to have what you could have bought less your labor time? Hope you understand what I saying.
I could show you a few fixer uppers that I have watched, but, I really hate throwing more boats out for a person to add to the Frustration of looking. I know when I started looking, it was like Diving into a swimming pool of Jello and trying to find the only Cherry.
It has taken 2 years for me to reach the point I at now. I can almost see a boat now on the Internet and without ever going to look at it, I know if it will still be forsale next year or be sold in the Month. Also, this time of year the buying slows a little. Even for a Great buy, so, I never feel pressed to buy.
Now, I hope all that Mumbo-Jumbo above helps. But, do some math! I going to use a good quality Bottom
Paint on my boat when I find it and when it needs it. Off hand I think that
Paint alone sells for $200 +/- a Gallon and that not any other Primers etc. I will need. And Sails (If you need them) man find a Sailmaker on the Internet and do the math.
Well, I not sure I help you any.
Good Luck!
