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Old 11-19-2008
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soulesailor soulesailor is offline
blue collar cruiser
 
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Location: Casco Bay, Maine
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There is no minimum size requirement for cruising, just your own personal demands for space. 25 to 30 feet is plenty big enough for one and a dog. The boat you buy will have to be either registered with your state or documented with the federal government. That's about it, besides your passport, etc. You'll need a place to keep it, too. Moorings are the cheapest but you may have to get on a waiting list depending on demand where you are.

Lots of older boats from the 60s and 70s have solid fiberglass hulls which can be brought back to life very nicely, as long as there is no structural damage. Deck damage can be severe with old boats though. The hardware on the deck is through bolted and when the bedding compound fails water gets through and soaks the wood core and it rots. This can be very extensive and expensive so watch out for it.

Sails are also expensive so look for a boat that doesn't need all new ones.
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