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Thoughts on Newbie 1st boat purchase

11K views 94 replies 22 participants last post by  SailNet Archive 
#1 ·
First of all, I'm new here, long time reader, first time poster.

Quick history - I had originally planned to do a 'round the world motorcycle tour after about 20-30,000 miles in the Western US over the last 2 years. I'd had a '10 year plan' to 'get back into' sailing and eventually circumnavigate. I decided against the moto-tour as going from one source of gasoline to the next started to really depress me. Decided to buck up and do what I had always really wanted and have just bought a boat. I'll work for about 2 years, refit, and then head out with the loose goal of going 'round with the full expectation of taking a few work breaks to replenish the kitty. First, I know that I'll still need diesel, but a motorcycle and sailboat are apples to oranges.

Okay, that's out of the way.

I've done many hundreds of hours on the internet, not including many books, articles, and trips to see boats. I asked many of the questions that many seem to ask here, mainly, what is the best boat to ___________? I just wanted to share some thoughts so that those that may have the same idea as me might benefit from my experience.

I had a very small budget - 20k including tax & insurance. I considered this much less a restriction than an advantage. My opinion is that people tend to spend as much as they have and it's easy to make the 'wrong' choice first time out.
I planned on picking the boat I thought would be right for me with the realistic possibility that it may end up not being the right one, so I chose a boat I thought I wouldn't have too much problem selling if it came to that. With that said the boat also had to be in good enough shape to sail right away so that I could sail for about a year before I started upgrading in earnest for ocean passage. That way if it wasn't right and I wanted to sell than I wouldn't have put in too much $$ only to lose it when reselling.

What I learned:

1. Opinions are like *... everyone's got 'um. I did what I thought was reasonable research, found 3 reasonable models and then waited until I thought I found a good deal that met my requirements. Look - you never know with opinions, people can make nearly any boat seem like the worst or best of something with a little good prose. The most important thing is to know and understand the strengths & weaknesses of any particular boat and plan(& sail) accordingly. For example do the research to understand a full keel's pros and cons compared to a modified fin keel's. Remember if you ask others you are just getting opinions and while other's opinions are valuable, the most important opinion is your own.

2. Don't blow all your budget. My budget was artificially low. To be honest I did spend most of what I have now, but in six months I could have spent twice as much due to my personal financial circumstances. I didn't want to do that. I wanted to keep it small and simple figuring that it would be 'easier' to go bigger or more expensive later when my knowledge was better, and I wouldn't have as much tied up in the boat, which can take a long time to sell and still take quite a hit on.

3. Redefine size needed. My first thought was that I'd want a 36'. After pricing boats and reading article after article, post after post, saying, "bigger is not necessarily better," I started to believe. After carefully scrutinizing the adage, "each ten feet increases cost threefold," I came up with the opinion that that is correct. Maybe it's because I've been living out of 58 square liters of panniers on my motorcycle, but I know I really don't need that much, too much stuff can be worse than not enough

4. Prioritize. I decided that a strong structure was very important to me, pure comfort second, and length regardless a very distant third. I decided that I'd rather sail something easy to single-hand, VERY easy, and smaller so I'd have more time out there. This is how I see it, every day out there on a smaller boat beats the hell out of the same day working to refit a larger boat, or having to head in to make more money for the larger boat. Safety was always important to me and I always thought of it in terms of handling rather than equipment. What I mean is that I'd rather have something smaller that I could handle properly than to simply rely on the brute size to carry me through any rough weather. Keep in mind that knowing I'm in a 30' might cause me to make a different decision regarding route or window than if I were sailing 36'.

5. Don't believe the hype. People have been crossing oceans for a very long time, in all sizes and types of vessels. One doesn't NEED 36' or self-tailing winches, or roller-furling rigs, or whatever. Most 'things' are convenience. I qualify that by also writing that I fear many technological advances are learned by newbies so that without them sailing seems impossible. The majority of my sailing experience was when I was a kid and teen, rolling furlers, self-tailing winches, GPS, etc. were either not yet around or extravagant luxuries. If one learns to sail competently without many of these things not only does one become a better sailor, the convenience and safety of those items increase because one may actually understand the older, 'more difficult' processes. Know and respect your and your boat's limitations. Don't worry, you can always haggle on price if the equipment is 'antiquated' and learn on that and then upgrade.

6. Beware the broker/seller, but have no fear. Brokers and sellers usually have one thing on their mind - money. Realize this and be truthful and honest and expect the same from them. When and if you suspect they are not being honest or forthright, say so. I fall into the trap of wanting to sound like I know what I'm talking about as much as the next guy. What can I say I can be insecure at times. However, I've found that generally the more honest I am and the less I try to seem like I'm knowledgeable, the more I find out. When the seller or broker start to rattle off about what a beautiful new anchor chain stretcher has just been installed, and you don't know what they are talking about, take a deep breath, and just ask out loud, "what is that, how does it work, show it to me?" Many times I've done this and gotten the response that they don't actually know that much about it and that they'll find out a bit more and let me know. Usually this has resulted in both parties relaxing a bit and tends to flush out more honesty than anything else. I've found that being honest with my knowledge, but enthusiastic about learning without fear of embarrassment generally gets the broker/seller talking about what they DO know - let 'em talk and keep asking 'dumb' questions, you'll find what they really know and don't more quickly.

7. Surveys are exciting! If I could go back I would find someone who was having a survey done and somehow tag along, and I might even have a survey done of a model boat that I thought would be a possibility before I was really ready to buy. I learned more on the one survey I had done than any other single thing. This is the 'nuts & bolts' of what is and is not in good condition and WHY. One can read and talk forever on the design and physics of one boat as opposed to another, on individuals experiences with this or that, but getting dirty and rooting around the bilge trying to figure out how you might reroute the raw water intake will give you a much better practical understanding of the TRUE NATURE AND TIME it takes to do some of these 'minor' things. I'm a DIYer, I'll look at an engine and think, ahhh shucks, doin' a valve job won't be too hard, it's just getting in there and replacing a few parts. After fourteen trips to the auto parts store, grease head to toe, finally to be put on hold while the 'special' tool is ordered and flown in from some magical far away country I always think back and say to myself, well, it'll be easy NEXT TIME. Just keep that in mind when the broker/seller tells you of a problem and you both think how easy of a job it'll be, remember - you're the one that'll have to do it. I also see the survey as the point at which a possibility either becomes a reality or insanity. After the survey is when you really get an idea of the value of the boat TO YOU, and what work it will really need, rather than the work you will hope it will not need.

8. Title companies are paid way too well. The title company my broker used wanted $770 bucks to switch over registration, transfer Coast Guard(CG) documentation and to disburse the funds. Forget it folks. If you plan to go out of country and can't do your own transfer of CG documentation, you're in deep trouble. I called the CG and found out that for $92 and $8 a page bill of sale I could easily transfer my own documentation. The title company wanted $350 for filling out 2 one page forms. At this point another $350 may seem like small potatoes, especially on a $100,000 boat, but don't be afraid to stand up to what's right. The title company knows that you're ALMOST there and you're more likely to accept an outrageous charge for a very simple procedure. I protested and was able to get this for cost. Maybe you won't care but I hate getting jerked around, and I figure if I can't stand my ground on something this transparent and simple I'd be in real trouble in a third world country with an angry bureaucrat speaking a different language. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't nasty, but I spoke up and told them that I called the CG and they quoted me X amount for form Y. The title person looked at me and said, "well, you obviously did your homework, we'll just charge cost for that."

9. Depending where you are you may want to shop for moorage first and not after you buy your first boat. Here in the Pacific NW moorage is tight. I'm an industrious guy for the most part and am still just getting 6 month temporary moorage where I want it. Don't wait too late to line it up.

10. Keep the dream alive. After so many late nights bleary-eyed in front of the computer, the millions of phone calls, the dozens of trips to see boats, the opinions and reviews swimming in your head, and finally the endless list of things that will need to be done to the boat, don't lose the excitement that got you there. At first I was exhausted, but then after reading a few blogs on the refitting adventures of some of my favorite circumnavigators it all came back to me. Yeah, cruising is just working on the boat in an exotic location. But I knew that going in. I was now excited to get to work and get some of the major stuff done. I haven't even started yet but I've got my list, I'm completely ignoring the amount of money I know I'll need, dreading the wait, but imagining that first anchor in that perfect bay after some hellish passage and it makes me smile and want to leave tomorrow.

I hope this may help anyone thinking of doing the same, especially on a very small budget. I plan to have a blog of the experience from start to finish, including the refit. I'll post the address when I get it going. Any and all comments are welcome.
 
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#2 ·
OK, I'll bite - what did you get for under $20K that you will take around the world? Your numbered list has a lot of sound reasoning (I think) but that inital bit about the $20K boat for circumnavigation is kinda out there. Don't get me wrong; I have a $1200 boat and have been in contact with someone who crossed the Gulf stream to the Bahamas in one of these (not that I would, but with the right skipper it can be done) - I love bargain boats. But circumnavigation? Spill another bean, please... :)
 
#3 ·
Looking forward to seeing your blog. Mind you, a 30' and a 36' boat are both small when it comes to the ocean. However, until about 10 years ago, boats larger than 35' were fairly uncommon as cruising boats for most people.
 
#8 ·
You are far and away the most intelligent and savvy boat buyer and new owner I've ever had the pleasure to read about. Just how the hell the rest of us got this far in life is unfathomable. You're 10 million phone calls, years of research, penny-pinching, middle man eliminating and negotiations have obviously paid off handsomely for you, and I stand before you in utter and complete awe. I think you should write a book, and perhaps shoot a documentary so that others less compentent would-be-boaters can follow in your exact foot steps. The Pardey's should be ashamed of themselves..........

Now, go untie your boat and find some ****ty weather--And fret not, you can read Heavy Weather Sailing along the way........
 
#7 ·
Thanks sailingdog, I got an opinion - yes those dreaded opinions - about the boat from a family friend who runs a large composite company, he knows his resin, and he said he took his family of four cruising in the Caribbean in the late sixties on a 30', which was considered quite comfortable in those days(his words.) I think many are subject to the current notion of bigger is better, I suppose there is something to be said for that, but so is getting out there now, rather than waiting until I have something bigger. Regardless I'll find out and can't wait to get out there. The work is just starting for me but I'm moving forward with my plan and it's to go as soon as possible.
 
#9 ·
WF-

I'm not of the bigger is better school of thought... as you can tell from my great minds thread.
 
#10 ·
RickLaPaz
I sure don't understand your sarcasm. I have not purported to be anything other than what I am - a newbie 1st boat buyer as per my title. I'm simply doing this thing and trying to share with others for their benefit. arbarnhart had simply asked how one could buy a boat for 20k that was worthy of passage and I responded that the same boat had made a S. pacific crossing. You seem to be an angry person, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt though and figure your just frustrated.
 
#14 ·
Just remember, Donna Lange just circumnavigated in a Southern Cross 28, and she went round the tip of South America, not via the ditch... so it is not only possible to do so in a 30' boat.
 
#17 ·
Thanks CharlieCobra! If I listened to everyone that told me I couldn't do something, well, I wouldn't have accomplished anything. Of course in my original post I did mention that I was going to sail this one for about a year and then do the heavy refit if I felt it was right. I'm certainly not trying to foolishly rush in, I've got a lot to do, a lot of experience to gain before I go, but I gotta start somewhere.
 
#20 ·
Thanks CharlieCobra! If I listened to everyone that told me I couldn't do something, well, I wouldn't have accomplished anything. Of course in my original post I did mention that I was going to sail this one for about a year and then do the heavy refit if I felt it was right. I'm certainly not trying to foolishly rush in, I've got a lot to do, a lot of experience to gain before I go, but I gotta start somewhere.[/QUOTE]

Now we're getting somewhere. A little faith has been restored.

But next time, that's the sentence I'd start out with..............

RB
 
#18 ·
what are you trying to do, really

I may be late in on this, but are you trying to get something for nothing?? Are you aware of the fact that you may be gambling the lives of yourself and your crew on this? think it thru man, what are you trying to do with a cheap boat. what are youtrying to prove. I think there are boat out there that fit the challenge, what about you?
 
#19 ·
maxcontax-
I've gotten a very good survey, with my goals in mind. There is a lot to do to it before I think I would feel comfortable. And yes I'm quite aware that lives are at risk, gambling, I don't know about that. I think the boat is worthy, or will be, of course, as I stated it may not be - I have about a year to figure that out. As far as proving something, well I certainly don't need to prove anything to anyone here, and I suppose if I were honest there is the aspect of proving to myself that I can do it. I've been present at 9/11 and Katrina - not in the worst of it by any means, but was there in person for both and I suppose something inside of me changed and realized that fear had paralyzed me my whole life. Mother nature can kick your ass right there in your easy chair. Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly don't have a death wish - but with planning and patience I think it can be done. I wouldn't move forward if I thought it was utterly foolish, and if I only did things that other people approved of, well, my mother would've kept me from most of the things I've done all my life.
I'm really surprised the reaction I'm getting from this. I suppose many think I may be crazy, maybe I am, again, I'm just really starting the process and have allowed for reconsideration at some point. Is it the price of the boat that has some so pessimistic? The size of the boat? Or is it that the notion of risking one's life at sea, which everyone does to some extent every time they go out(or for that matter drive on the highways.)? I'm simply going through the process and have allowed flexibility in all factors to help insure a positive outcome. I'm convinced it's possible in this boat, pray tell, why not?
 
#25 · (Edited)
Rick-

You might want to learn to read... post #4 clearly says that he bought a Yankee 30 Mk II. :rolleyes:

Yankee 30 MKII, keep in mind that I plan to put another 10-15k into it on the refit.
I don't know why it would seem unreasonable that one could do this for much less than many people.
 
#23 · (Edited)
So it is one of these?





Outfitted properly and skillfully skippered, I don't think it is an unreasonable choice at all. However, my knowledge is from books and the net, not the sea; a situation I hope to remedy. When I set out, I will float my ideas and probably get some encouragement and some comments that are less than encouraging. I will look into any issues raised and I would encourage you or anyone else to do the same.

BTW - this is supposed to be one of the encouraging ones in a cautiously optimistic sort of way.
 
#24 ·
WF...welcome aboard. While I wish you well on your venture, I too think that before you tell others what you have done...who to listen to...who to discount...it might be well for you to actually have DONE something that we all can respect. It is no trick to BUY a boat you think is capable of crossing an ocean for 20K...after all Catalina 27's can be bought for $5k and some of them have crossed oceans.
Actually getting your boat outfitted and sailing say from Seattle to SanFrancisco and surviving a gale on the way would give you some cred.
In the meantime, your advice is from books and what others have told you that fits with how you think things should be.
I'm neither angry or pooh poohing your chances and I do wish you well...but forgive me if I don't consider you qualified to advise others on how to do much just yet.
I will be interested to hear your progress.
 
#26 ·
Very well stated, Cam, and exactly what I was trying to convey, though in not quite such a Larry King kind of way...

What got me first was the statement of his distrust and poo-pooing of others opinions, but then arriving here doing the exact same. With no-(admitingly) credentials and experience. Which may have baffled some of the other listeners here. Personally, W/Fool's op-ed piece rings hollow without the requisite scars and broken bones of lessons learned---the hard way.

Anyways, Fool, I actually do wish you luck and would love to share a beer together some day in an un-named cove. But remember, Donna lange was VERY lucky and SLIGHTLY foolis. But Ken Barnes-(aka Cap't PopTart) was a complete and utter moron who should have just stayed home and kept on banging the Housewives of the OC and scrubbing algae.

Please do your homework so we don't have to see you dangling under an orange and white helo some day on Most Dangerous Videos.........
 
#27 ·
RB-4th post on 1st page - Yankee 30 MKII

arbanhart - yes it is if thats a MkII

camaraderie- I didn't make any suggestions specifically to any boat or practice, rather I stated that one should learn what they can about any and all specific boats, their pros and cons, and then decide for themselves. I didn't offer any advice on what one should DO with their boat, simply what I encountered to help anyone trying to do the same. Nearly all people and posts here are opinions, as I could tell you I did something I didn't and who would really know. I was offering my experience and thoughts on MY boat purchase. Perhaps not everyone has read my post thoroughly. Are you suggesting that I don't post anything other than my experiences, and if so that is what I did - MY experience on buying a boat, MY thoughts and OPINIONS. Please explain how I advised anyone on anything - the title of my post was what? Thoughts on newbie 1st boat purchase. That says it all right there.

Seems to me that people are jumping on my intended use of boat rather than anything else. I've purported no great knowledge, only what I found in my experience. I don't need to prove anything to you or others, especially when I make clear from the start that this is the beginning of a process that I'm taking. It seems clear that the subject of circumnavigation is a touchy around here, and all this time wasted on the simple background of my post rather than any thoughts on my experience buying a boat. I invited comments so I guess I'm getting what I asked for!
 
#43 · (Edited)
arbanhart - yes it is if thats a MkII
I got it from that blog you referenced in one of your posts:

http://blog.mailasail.com/avalon

I hope to be shopping for an island hopping boat one of these days and I think 30' is the sweet spot for 1-3 people. I was figuring I would have to spend the better part of 50k to get one ready to go, but it is definitely a mistake to use dollars as any sort of objective measure. The more I read and research, the less I am interested in a major crossing. It's an accomplishment to be proud of for sure, but all the stories do seem to have a common trend - days of boredom punctuated by short episodes of sheer terror. Even island hopping can be dicey, but the weather windows are easier to get right and there is more interesting stuff to see and do. But that is my decision, not yours.

I think a lot of negativity gets generated because bad advice on this board could have dire consequences. People err on the side of caution in posting as well as sailing and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. You seem to be thinking things through pretty well.
 
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