$50000 - what to spend it on

[mtschindler]

Well - we are thinking about getting a first in a long time boat. I had an Irwin 26-28 ft about 20 years ago. We are looking for something in 30-34 ft range. What would you guys recommend?
I'm experienced sailor but all on small boats 420, 470, Finn not on a cruising vessel.
We are thinking of keeping it on the coast of SC and do weekend sails, I may spend some time on it few days at a time and maybe sail it single handed as well. I'm not sure if we will find a slip for it or maybe just keep it on the rivers mooring.
Fire away - let me know what you think - all opinions count.

Mark

[Giulietta]

If I was going to spend 50 K on a used boat in the US I'd get an old Tartan 34 or 37. I like them

It would cost much less than 50K say you spend 35K on one, then retrofit with the remaining 15K. What a nice boat you would have.

[Giulietta]

Or a CS36, but would make some modifications to it.

Or even a catalina or a Beneteau..

[nightowle]

yes. Tartan! good quality.

[Giulietta]

And I would go to Florida tomorrow and buy this one here.....

Then get Cam and one other and sail it back to where you are...I can't keep up with the names of the places you guys live at..

But that's just me...

[sailhog]

mtschindler,
If you're near Hilton Head Island, drop me a line. If you're in Southern California, then enjoy your new boat.
Sailhog

[mtschindler]

Originally Posted by sailhog

mtschindler,
If you're near Hilton Head Island, drop me a line. If you're in Southern California, then enjoy your new boat.
Sailhog

I plan to be somewhere on the cost of South Carolina. At the moment I'm moving to Fort Mill. Charleston is only 3 hours away.
we are going to be camping at James Island on 6/8 for a couple of days.

Mark

[CatalinaFan]

The easy answer. A sweet Catalina 34 or 36.


Sincerely,

CatalinaFan

[mtschindler]

Originally Posted by CatalinaFan

The easy answer. A sweet Catalina 34 or 36.


Sincerely,

CatalinaFan

I hear that Catalina quality is not on par with other boats - being mass produced boat etc - that's what I hear - I don't know it to be true.

Mark

[Sailormann]

I hear that Catalina quality is not on par with other boats - being mass produced boat etc - that's what I hear - I don't know it to be true.

The quality is "okay" - seems to have gotten a little better in the last few years, but there are better built boats out there. You may find that you get more bang for your buck with a different brand.

I echo Giu's recommendation regarding CS boats - they are nicely built and have aged well. A lot of CS owners have kept their boats up nicely. I am not sure if you'll find a 36 for 50K that is worth buying, but you might look at a 30 or perhaps a 33. The 30 is an excellent boat - performs very well and still has enough room and enough luxuries for comfort.

There are also the C&C boats, lots of them out there. The 30 is one of the great classics. There were five versions of it produced. The most popular ones are the Mk III (cruising) anad the Mk V (racing).

If speed is not a top priority, you should also consider Bayfields - the 32 is a great cruising boat. Lots of room, very comfortable and strong hulls. While not designed as a serious blue-water boat, they are certainly in the top tier as far as production cruisers go.

Also look at Bristols, well-built, traditional looking boats that sell for nice prices. Albergs are great boats, but not a lot of room inside the 30. Ditto Cape Dory.

Whatever you buy, be prepared for a huge difference in maintenance versus the little boats. It is not only a lot more money, it takes a lot more time. For that reason, my recommendation would be to select the smallest boat that fits your needs, and then buy the best maintained example of it that you can find.