A boat under $10K

waveshredder · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

Im looking for my first boat this summer and don't have a lot of money to spend on it. I want her to be capable of making it to the Bahamas from Florida. Perfomance is not an issue, I just want a durable boat for my price range. Is 10K enough for what I want? What do you all suggest?

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

If it is just you aboard and you don't need much in the way of amenities...yes, you can get boats for around 10K that will get you there in safety. Since you are asking this question...I guess I would be more concerned about your sailing ability to make it there safely...it can get damn nasty in a sudden squall in the Gulf Stream. Are you ready for that?
Setting that aside...if it is you alone...I would look for a boat in the 25-30 foot range with an inboard engine that is in good shape or re-built. You're probably looking at a boat from the 70's or early 80's to hit your price and you'll need to budget about a grand for a survey and separate engine evaluation. Draft should not be a real issue but a 4 ft. or so draft is ideal.
So...go to www.yachtworld.com and input you budget...the date range...the size range and your location and you should be able to begin to get an idea of what is available. If you pick the right weather any sound sailboat with good mechanical systems & hull and rig is easily capable of the trip if the captain is up to it.

Kacper · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

Hey waveshredder,

I have been shopping for my first boat lately too - and I have seen MANY boats in your price range, many of which are the types people have sailed to the Bahamas in.

also, you do not have to look just at the $10 and below range. Keep in mind most brokers list boats for more than they know it will sell for, usually 25% more, just so they have bargaining room.

Even If you see a boat for sale for 11K, even 12K, you can put an offer in for $9K, then do a survey, and if it's an older boat, and the surveyor finds flaws, you can always bargain lower

Just don't do what I did (Get all excited on an over-priced boat, then find out it's worth much less, better to put a lower offer on the boat first, and if it gets rejected, move up or move on)

It's kind of like adding salt to a meal. You can always add more salt if it doesn't taste right, hard to remove the salt if you've over salted your food :P

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

Waveshredder-

You might want to look at the following threads, as they have a lot of good information that would apply to you:

Link, Link, and Link

A good book to get would be John Vigor's "20 Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere".

Kacper-

You've learned well grasshopper...

waveshredder · #5 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

Thanks for the quick responses. This is something I've always wanted to do and I have some experience sailing and need a lot more. I am really looking for a seaworthy boat in case I get caught in some nasty weather. Now is the first time I've had enough money to seriously look for a boat.

Ive looked at those other threads and they have been helpful and have a quite a few resourses online to look.

What kind of engine is recommended? Also I would really like solar panels and/or a wind generator even if I have to install them, what do I need to look for?

waveshredder · #6 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

Thanks for the quick responses. This is something I've always wanted to do and I have some experience sailing and need a lot more. I am really looking for a seaworthy boat in case I get caught in some nasty weather. Now is the first time I've had enough money to seriously look for a boat.

Ive looked at those other threads and they have been helpful and have a quite a few resourses online to look.

What kind of engine is recommended? Also I would really like solar panels and/or a wind generator even if I have to install them, what do I need to look for?

tenuki · #7 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by waveshredder

I have some experience sailing and need a lot more.

Me too! A LOT more. ;D

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

A few good boats that could do what you want that are available in good condition in your price range are:

These are very well-suited to doing what you want:
Bristol 24
Cape Dory 25
Pearson Triton
Pearson Ariel
Westerly Centaur

IIRC, most of these are small full-keel designs, and tiller steered.

waveshredder · #9 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

Is a solar panel and/or wind generator worth it on a small boat? I guess im getting ahead of myself. I just want to get out on the water again.

Sailormann · #10 (**permalink**) 03-22-2007

Sailingdog - I keep seeing the "IIRC" and I guess I'm a total idiot because I can't figure out what it means ... ????