[rclemons]

I may have been lucky,but I bought a new production boat nearly 9 years ago. I've lived aboard since and sailed it to Bermuda from the US coast and sailed from the Chesapeake to Maine offshore. It's built by Beneteau. Rather than the biggest boat I could afford, it was the smallest that would be big enough for what my wife and I wanted. We got a deal at the boat show that added necessary instruments, a bimini and an Avon dingy. Since then, we've added SSB, radar, a wind generator and solar panel.

In the past 8+ years, we've had a few issues, but they've been few and relatively inexpensive. During that same period, friends have bought quality used boats at what appeared to be reasonable prices. Since then, they've spent lots of cash and time getting their boats seaworthy and keeping them that way. these issues have included new standing rigging, rebuilt generator, replacing pumps, hoses and an oven. upgrading old instruments with those of the quality I have, rebuilding transmissions and starters, major wiring tasks and blister repairs and new barrier coats. Lots of the work they did themselves to save money. Some of that work I couldn't have done. But I'm learning.

One of the advantages for me is that, with a new boat, the problems come more gradually, giving me time to gain the knowledge to address the issues. I'd have been overwelmed with the issues my friends were forced to deal with.

My boat isn't ready for a world cruise, but neither am I. If I ever choose to do that, I'll prepare myself and the boat for the adventure. So many of the books I've read suggest that without a $350,000 boat (perhaps bought used for $175,000 and the spent another $75,000 on upgrades). The Pardey's didn't do that. Perhaps nobody wants to be liable for urging sailors to go out with less than the perfect offshore boat.

Just a thought.

Bob
Carpe Diem