Suggestions

[gata42]

Hey everyone, my friend and I are in the beginning stages of planning and I am doing some research. We are interested in buying a boat within the next 2 years. I think the size will be under 45 foot but no less than 32. It will be a used boat and we will work to refit and fix it up to proper standards.
We plan on cruising the Carribean and East Coast of the U.S. initially but after all the shaking down is done want to go to the Mediterannian. Any suggesstions on the types of boats we should look for. Any advice on what equipment we should add to the boat or look for when buying. All opinions are welcome. Thanks James

[donrr1]

This will get you started...

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/buying-boat-articles/

There are some good books available through Amazon about re-fitting, outfitting and provisioning. Many of the articles in the link above will point you to them. In what you are trying to accomplish, I believe it is best that you do your own research, at least initially, to find what best suits you. When you get closer to pulling the trigger on a purchase this forum could be a great leaning post on your final decision. It is also a great place for picking brains when your chores become more detail oriented.

Don

[gata42]

Thanks for the information and links. I guess I was wanting to know some opinions on types of boats that would be good for this type of cruising based on experiances by the owners. Thanks again and I will keep up with the forums and still continue to research. James

[sailingdog]

The type of boat you might want for puttering around the Caribbean is going to be different from the type of boat you'd want for a trans-atlantic passage. Which is more important to you, the bluewater sailing capabilities of the boat, or the comfort at the dock of the boat...

It would also help a lot if you said what your estimated budget range is going to be... since this will help eliminate a lot of boats.

[gata42]

Safety is first and I think we initially plan to sail the carribean and then do the trans-atlantic. Is there a boat that is capable of doing both. Speed is not important. I like my comfort but want a boat that is safe and handles well at sea. We plan on buying an older boat. Price range is about 70000.00 for the boat and then we have set aside money for repairs, maintenance, surveys, etc.

[T37Chef]

Originally Posted by gata42

Safety is first and I think we initially plan to sail the carribean and then do the trans-atlantic. Is there a boat that is capable of doing both. Speed is not important. I like my comfort but want a boat that is safe and handles well at sea. We plan on buying an older boat. Price range is about 70000.00 for the boat and then we have set aside money for repairs, maintenance, surveys, etc.

You may want to take a look at the Tartan 37, the 1980's era. Many have been used for your specific plans with very satisfied sailors. Price range is in the 50-70 thousand for allot of boat with a respectable reputation for Caribbean and trans-Atlantic cruising.

There are several on Yachtworld for sale in that range and typically outfitted for what you want to do. Reserve about 10-20% for you own upgrades and modifications.

Example:

YachtWorld.com Boats and Yachts for Sale=


PM if your have specific questions about the T37

[gata42]

Excellent, thanks for the suggestion, this is the type of info. I was looking for. James

[sailingdog]

The Valiant series of boats is also a good choice as bluewater cruisers go. Westsail made several boats in the size range you're looking at as well. Cape Dory has several boats in the size range as well. The Alberg 37 is another boat that might be of interest to you. The Waquiez Gladiator 33 is another good boat in that size range.

It really depends on what you are looking for in a boat. Do you need two cabins or just one? Do you prefer a more seaworthy boat, even if it means giving up a bit of comfort at anchor?

[Guesser]

Be sure to look at Vindo's. Vindo

[gata42]

Definately 2 cabins, I want one that is seaworthy and comfortable. What are some of the trade offs and why? Keep the comments coming. It all helps, the more information the better.