which 38-42 foot sailboat?

[Advocate777]

I am looking at some used sailboats under $75k
I have seen the Pearson 42 and some other boats like a C&C and a CSY and some of the older (1970-1985) sailboats. They all look really nice.
Question: if you were going to buy a used boat in this price range, and you wanted to sail down the east coast from the Chesapeake, and into Florida and on to the Bahamas and back--- are there any specific makes that you would recommend me looking into? I know that each boat is individual as it relates to its actual condition, but since there are so many on the market - is there something that you could say to help me focus on my search?
I had originally thought i would get a 28 foot IP but she is not into that small size. Even my friend Bruce Van Sant (Gentleman's Guide...") said a 30-footer may be too small to live aboard with all the needed gear plus my lady. It's not like we are both nineteen (19) years old and she is into roughing it. All she wants is a nice bedroom aft....not alot to ask. As for me, if I was alone as a bachelor, I could (and have) sailed off in a 28 footer and felt it was cavernous.
I would like to get a Catamaran, but the expense is about 50k more than I would like to spend, although I really like the extra accommodations and the speed of the cats.
But if I cant afford a used Cat, then is there a 38-42 foot boat you can recommend that would have that nice big aft stateroom? I don't really like sleeping with my lady in the traditional V-berth with all the motion at anchor and it seems only the larger boats have the nice rear stateroom (not the quarter-berth which is nice for me alone...but not big enough for my lady and I).
If you can refer me to my search for a coastal cruiser that might have that aft stateroom- that would be appreciated. I guess I am stuck because i want a big enough boat to liveaboard in comfort but for another 50k I could get what I really want which is a used Cat.
Plus, I really like the extra speed of the Cats over a monohull cruiser (12 knots vs. 5 - what's not to like?)
HELP!! I am in boat buyers purgatory!!
Any input from those who have been in this 'I don't know which boat to get!/indecision' phase. Thanks!
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[skearney]

We are looking at the Irwin Mark ll
It's 38ft with queen bed master cabin. 2 heads. Spacious settee, center cockpit.

[jameswilson29]

Originally Posted by Advocate777

All she wants is a nice bedroom aft....not alot to ask. As for me, if I was alone as a bachelor, I could (and have) sailed off in a 28 footer and felt it was cavernous... I don't really like sleeping with my lady in the traditional V-berth with all the motion at anchor and it seems only the larger boats have the nice rear stateroom (not the quarter-berth which is nice for me alone...but not big enough for my lady and I)...
HELP!! I am in boat buyers purgatory!!

Aft cabin or V-berth or quarter berth are not your only choices. The aft cabin is a relatively new feature on small family cruising boats, along with the aft head alongside the companionway. The traditional layout was v-berths, cabin berths/pilot berths and quarter berths, with the head forward of the mast opposite a hanging locker. Many of the family cruisers built in the 70s and 80s have a double berth in the main cabin, usually by dropping or converting a table or folding out some kind of support, and using multiple cushions from a settee. As long as you are not underway, this is usually the most comfortable bed as it is located near the center of the boat, where you have the least motion, and the most air space around you.

Unfortunately for you, if your partner insists on an aft cabin, you are probably looking at a more expensive newer boat, a center cockpit boat that may not sail as well, or a larger boat.

[olson34]

One great answer: a late-80's Ericson 38-200. Quite a few for sale in that price range.

LB

[PalmettoSailor]

Originally Posted by olson34

One great answer: a late-80's Ericson 38-200. Quite a few for sale in that price range.

LB

That was among the boats I was considering 3 years ago, but the prices were higher then and the ones that were in the $75k range back then needed a lot of work.

They are nice boats though, and if you can get a good one in that price range it would be a very nice boat for your planned use.

Edited to add: You might be able to find a Gemini 105 for close to that price range if you really want a Catamaran. It's a pretty interesting boat but the bridge deck is pretty low and I would guess it would have to pound whenever the seas kicked up. We crossed tacks with one during a distance race that proved to be a beat into 15-20 knots all night. My C36 was right in its groove and I remember thinking I was glad I wasn't on the Gemini that night.

[lindy1]

I don't see Morgan 38's mentioned much. They seem very practical, lots of space, practical head and shower, no decking wood up top to constantly maintain. The older ones are traditional cockpit while the newer ones are center - with large master berths aft. Large fin with skeg hung rudder - would seem stable and a little faster than a full keel. And they are cheap - at least the older ones. They seem like good possibilities to me.
Anyone care to offer an opinion. Are they too beamy or unkindly in harder weather? Don't track well??

[TQA]

You might find an early Hunter Passage 42 for that money. I was offered one in Florida for less.

Best aft cabin I have seen on any boat of that size and it will do what you want nicely.

Big tip if SWMBO has a voice in the choice and sees it you may have no other choice.

[svHyLyte]

On page 80 of the current Southwinds Magazine there is an advertisement for a 1983 Beneteau First 42 at an excellent price (see http://www.southwindssailing.com/pdf...cember2011.pdf ) These are great boats and worth a close look.

FWIW...

[bobperry]

Lindy:
The Morgan 38 is an excellent cruising boat with a decent turn of speed.

[smurphny]

Two boats on my list of "next boat to fix up" are an Alberg 37 or a Pearson 40. You can probably find either in pretty good shape for 20k less than 75k.