Advice on some 30' boats.

[greencaptn]

Hi, i'm going to start out with a little description of where I am in life and where I hope to be in six months. I'm graduating college in a few weeks and don't want to get a job right away. I was left money by my grandfather for college but received an academic scholarship and worked a little, leaving myself a degree from UGA and around 60,000 to play with. My family and I would charter sailboats as early as when I was 6 and I bought my first smaller sailboat when I was 16. I have been away from the ocean for the past 4 1/2 years but wish to return. I want a boat I can live aboard, maybe for up to a couple years. I have no commitments and feel I'll be 60 before I have an opportunity such as this again. I think I should go with as small a boat as possible to stay in my budget for the longest period of time. My answer so far is an Alberg 30. I would certainly need some refreshing sailing courses on singlehanding etc... but think this boat would be small enough to handle comfortably, affordable (pay 10-17,000 and put in another 10-15), and able to take me wherever I should want to go (reasonably shallow draft and bluewater seaworthiness.) I've also been looking at Ericson 30's (wider, more comfortable interior and maybe faster but lots of sail and less bluewater friendliness) Contessa 32 (certainly seaworthy but deeper draft and much more money mean I would probably have half the time to play for 2 feet of comfort), Allied Luders 33 (everythings going to be more expensive on a bigger boat but this is probably the main competitor for me against the Alberg 30) I tend to lean towards wheel steering (simply personal preference) and I like the classic lines of the Alberg but am trying to look at all options. Any advice on the boats I'm considering, boats I should be considering, or just my plan in general are welcomed. Thanks so much for reading.

[rawsonnut]

Might I suggest a Rawson 30. They are well built and rugged. They have a capsize ratio of 1.57 and motion comfort rating of over 40. Compare that with the numbers that newer boats have and you will pleasantly suprised. Check out the Rawson owners group on Yahoo. I have a Ketch and have been in 70knt winds and a November storm on Lake Michigan and felt confident both times. Good Luck

[sailingdog]

I'd go for the Alberg 30...they're very solid...roomy enough to liveaboard and capable of bluewater passages. Sail well enough to use as a daysailer too.

Also, they have a very active users/owners group and the boat's been around long enough that all the bugs and problems with the design are basically well-known and documented.

[greencaptn]

The rawson looks like a good boat and while the initial investment might be a little more, I might have less work to do to an early 80's Rawson than an early 70's Alberg. Still, I think the lines on the Alberg are so elegant it might just be worth it. Also I agree with Sailingdog in that the Alberg's owners association and groups could be of immense help.

[sailingdog]

Most of the Alberg 30s I've seen are in pretty good condition, since most of the Alberg owners are fairly fanatical about their boats. I'm not too familiar with the Rawson 30, but don't think it really compares to the Alberg 30 IMHO.

[Faster]

The Rawson 30 is a roomy, comfy cruiser but it will never win a performance prize. Not one of Bill Garden's best efforts, overfull bow sections, full keel, but allegedly built like a brick you-know-what.

This is one of those designs that you find owners adding bowsprits and moving the headstay forward a foot or two to try to ease weather helm.

The Alberg is miles away a prettier boat, and will outsail the Rawson any day. The Rawson, however, will be much more spacious.

[scurvy]

Albergs are tough to beat, but have you considered the Tartan 30'? Very fast, spacious and light below decks, nice layout and reasonably priced these days...particularly if gas doesn't scare you.

[SteveCox]

You also might want to take a look at a Yankee 30. Basically an earlier cousin to the Tartan 30. Seems to be built well and sails well also.

http://storm.prohosting.com/yankee30/yankee30.htm

[CapnHand]

You might consider giving this a read.
http://www.bayharbouryachts.on.ca/fame.htm

The price ranges are in Canadian dollars and so may seem a bit high. The market has dropped as well since it was written.

[Goodnewsboy]

I'm prejudiced because I own one, but a C&C 30 MkI with shoal keel would also fill the bill for you. Rugged build, nice accommodations and available in your price range.