advice on boats

[bigsarg1]

I am going to retire in the next year and want to get a live aboard. I lived on a small 26 for a yr in Hawaii while I was stationed there. I want a 32 to 40 ft. I want to say "I want a bluewater cruiser, but maybe I do not really need one". I want the room and my sailing will almost always be around Oahu w/ occasional trip to other Islands. I also am considering another boat for Florida that will be used in Fl waters and Bahamas. I have looked at Freedom 32. Loved the layout and from everything I have read is a sound boat. The Downeast is another boat I have looked at and again a sound boat. Not as much room, but hear it is a great Bluewater. I looked at an Erecson 32, seemed very well built, but do not know much about this boat. Tha Catalina 36 was very nicely laied out, but have heard nothing good about these boats. I liked the layout of a Beneteau 32, but again know nothing about these boats. I have heard to stay away from big production boats. Do not really understand that, aren''t all boats production boats? Any help would greatly be used in determining my decision and my retirement enjoyment.

[faithab]

Hi, We''ve loved our Pearson for 15 yeras and are actually looking for another, shallower one. We''ve sailed her for 9 years in FL with no problem but want to go to some more shallow spots here on the west coast. Yes she is part of a production boat group but I don''t know why someone said that was not good. There is great support for Pearsons among owners, they have a great reputation and are very soundly built. We love our since she has a tri cabin layout and can take us and another couple easily or us and our kids in the two staterooms and the grands in the salon. We sail with a large group of friends often and have spent many hours on other boats. We would have to sadly say that, although Catalinas look good when you compare their plastic ports to other boats'' SS ones you are just touching on the many ways that they saved money to make a good looking boat without lasting and heavy duty quality (am already raising my umbrella to fend off outraged comments from Catalina owners!). In looking for a new, smaller, shallower boat, we completely crossed them and Hunters and ODays off our list. Good luck in your search. Faith

[Irwin32]

You don''t mention price. The Ericson 32 is supposed to be a very nice boat and well built. I have never met a Saber I did not like. The 80''s vintage Morgans are worth looking at as are Endeavors or Nicholsons. My opinion from what I have seen and heard.

The 36 Catalina is not really an offshore boat, but would be a good liveaboard with its huge cabin. Bennies are good boats, but not really offshore types.

Don''t ignore boats you have never heard of. Some greeat values out there in this class.

I am sure you will hear shortly from Jeff, who really does seem to know his stuff and his comments should help.

[bigsarg1]

I will be spending 100,000$ on 2 boats: 1 in Hi and 1 in Fl. Or, I may only get one and travel back and forth (what boat would be great for both the Pacific and the Atlantic crossings?). If I get the two, I know they will need some work, but what is retirement all about.

[Sailormon6]

First, decide how you plan to use the boat. Bluewater cruising, coastal cruising, serious racing, beer can racing? Then look for a boat that is designed for that purpose. If you''re a coastal cruiser, you don''t need a boat that is built like a tank. You''ll probably enjoy having a more open, spacious interior, and more lively performance. Look for the boat that best suits your needs.

Listen to what knowledgeable people tell you, but remember that everyone has his own biases. You say you haven''t heard anything good about Catalinas, but tens of thousands of sailors own and love them, some very knowledgeable, and Catalina owners have a well-known brand loyalty when they move up to bigger boats. If what you need is a Catalina, why would you spend more money to buy a boat that doesn''t sail as well and doesn''t have the accommodations? I''m not trying to sell you a Catalina. I''m suggesting that you be open-minded in your search. There are lots of great boats out there that will meet your needs. We don''t have to be happy with it. Only you do.

When I was looking for my present boat, I went to yachtworld.com and entered my price range, size range, maximum draft, engine-type, construction (wood or fiberglass) and any other specifics that were important to me, and the computer showed me everything that was listed for sale and that met those requirements. After several months of searching, and several trips to look at prospects, I found "the one" (for me). During my search, I was seriously hung up on the Sabre, but looked at several and felt the ones that were in my price range had interiors that, to me, were very dated in appearance. I ended up buying a C&C 35 that has a nice, attractive interior layout, good overall performance, and rugged construction. It''ll do everything I want it to do, and, after a year with it, I''m pleased with my choice.

Enjoy your retirement bigsarge1!