motorsailers / pilothouse boats

[wanna_sail]

I plan on doing a lot of motoring on the ICW and up into Canada this summer so I have switched gears towards a motorsailer. I also want to do some coastal sailing on the East coast & the Keys. I have a two year sabbatical and will live on this boat with my wife. Comfort & safety are very high on the list. I would like it to retain some of its resale value after using it for two years, I will upgrade it and take good care of it. My total budget is 60K, I figure 45K for the boat and 15K to get it the way I want it unless I get lucky and find one equipped the way I want in good shape for less than the 60K.

I want to buy a motorsailer probably with a pilothouse. I am looking at Pearosn 36’s & Gulf 32’s and a 40'' Newporter. I am 45 and physically fit but 40 just seems to big so I am shying away from the Newporter.

I have never been on this type of sail boat and have no clue how they sail. Obviously I don''t care about getting anywhere in a hurry but how do they do in light breezes?

Also are the 3 boats above capable to go to the Caribbean or further? Are they ''blue water boats''?

Do you have any other suggestions?

Regards

Steve

[Irwin32]

There is - or was - a Niagara Hinterholer 35ish for sale at Great lakes Marine in Muskegan, WI. It seemed in decent condition.

[sidney777]

I own a 1987 Gulf 32 with 5 kw westerbieke generator, air cond, 32 hp universal diesel,diesel heater, 2 yr old full batten main & genoa & furler, bimini. I traveled from Chicago to Florida on rivers & ICW in Florida. Boat is now in Mobile,Al for sale.
Please e-mail me off list at sidney777@hotmail.com .I do not want to be chopped up on list by "experts". I would like to tell you about trip & boat. John.

[Mclion71]

Although she''s not a pilothouse model, I have a Pearson 365 that is cruise/liveaboard equipped for sale.
If you''d like details, etc., please reply to:
jmcsail@aol.com