Liveaboard Bahama and ocean cruiser

[RunawaySkeleton]

Hey guys,
I grew-up as a live aboard in San Diego on a Catalina 30 and then a larger Cheoy Lee. So now I’m looking for my own boat to live on. I plan to mostly cruise the Keys, Bahamas, and Mexico but eventually I’d like to sail the Mediterranean. My criteria is that the boat be to under 40ft, fast, easily single-handed, capable of passage making/seaworthy, and cost less then 60K. I’m not into fancy eletronics or comfort as I much prefer a Spartan lifestyle. I have been really leaning towards multihulls and I've also looked at some J/Boats. Any ideas or suggestions as to specific models would be most appreciated.

P.S. Anyone know what production multihulls are popular in the OSTAR or where I can find a list of all the boat models in that race? Also with a decent wind what is the normal speed for an avg. cruising cat is it really the much faster than a monohull?

[sailingdog]

I'd recommend the Alberg 30...

Lia Dutton was in a Trimaran in the last OSTAR... I beleive it was about 35 feet LOA, and was recently part of a live art exhibit in England.

As for which is faster... a cat or a monohull... it depends.

[FrankLanger]

Alberg 30s are very pretty and seaworthy boats, but not too speedy. Might be a good choice if in excellent condition--they are getting older, so refurbishing will likely be needed.
Frank.

[sailingdog]

Fast is often a relative term...especially with a smaller boat. Alberg 30s are getting a bit long in tooth, but good ones are still out there.