[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by Jcod12

The situation is i am looking to buy my first sailboat, and i am wondering how much i should expect to pay to maintain a seaworthy fiberglass sailboat between 26 and 30 ft in length. My budget is between 10,000 and 15,000.

Is it possible to find an open ocean, seaworthy boat for this price?

Yes, you can possibly find a bluewater capable boat for that price, but it will require quite a bit of shopping around to get one in good condition. I'd highly recommend you look at James Baldwin's list of pocket bluewater crusiers. It is located HERE.

I would recommend getting a boat in decent shape for $10000 or so and using $5000 to re-fit, upgrade and repair the boat.

when you say 200/mo, what is that going towards?

That goes to hauling out, maintenance and cleaning supplies, etc. If the boat is need of work, the number will be much higher.

how often do you repaint a saltwater fiberglass boat? costs?

It depends. If the topsides, deck and cabin top were painted, then you'll have to maintain it... if it is gelcoat and in good shape, you just have to wash and wax it. The bottom may have to be painted every other year or so, depending on what antifouling paint you use. If the woodwork is varnished... then you'll be having to maintain that regularly.

any recommendations for what boat i should be looking for?

thanks!!

Jason

See James Baldwin's list above.