best used boat for wold cruise, under 140K??

[Sailormann]

Given your budget, the degree of experience your wife has and the skills you have, I'd suggest that you look for a boat that's sailable but in need of a little bit of work.

Spend a couple of years getting to know the boat and the sea. While you are doing this you can refit her. You won't save any money over the long run, but you'll know where everything is on the boat, how it was instaleld, and how to fix it when it breaks.

The alternative - finding a boat in good shape that has the size and features you are looking for may prove difficult given the dollars you want to spend.

[avazquez]

I have a Beneteau First 456 and contrary to others I do understand why it was in your list. Designed by Frers, very similar to the Swan 46 of the same era. Confortable, seaworthy and faster than most cruisers you'll encounter. For the price there is no comparison.

[hulaa]

I Have A Bruce Roberts,38,big Beam Lots Of Living Quarters.
Steel,all Work Mostly Finnished. She Sails Ok But For Safety,
She Feel She Can Handle Any Thing. Ive Sailed Twice To Southern
Part Of Chili From South Florida

[TSteele65]

Here's a nice HR352:

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...g_id=1893&url=

The engine is probably ready for a rebuild, but it looks solid otherwise.

[chucklesR]

Not that I'd want a mono - but when I was dreaming I always saw the Gulfstar 50's as a good design that fit your budget, lots out there coming back off extended cruises.

Of course, if you get tired of dragging lead downwind all the time you might want to look at multihull's. They are a lot more forgiving for new sailors, and much better sitting at anchor which is where you WILL spend most of your time.

[rsn48]

Beneteau First 456 review:

http://www.sailingmagazine.net/UBN_0203.html

[kwaltersmi]

Those who are pro-Beneteau First 456: Would you take this boat on a bluewater passage or consider it a proper boat for a "world cruise"?

I don't have an opinion (or experience with the First 456), I'm honestly just seeking your personal opinions.

[tdw]

Originally Posted by kwaltersmi

Those who are pro-Beneteau First 456: Would you take this boat on a bluewater passage or consider it a proper boat for a "world cruise"?

I don't have an opinion (or experience with the First 456), I'm honestly just seeking your personal opinions.

CD said it all really. What is world cruising ? Something that won't go to windward for love or money but is fast yet comfortable off the wind would be great for a circum. in the forties/fifities.

On the other hand for the run across the Pacific in lowish lattitudes and then plodding around the islands a lighter, nippier thing would be fine.

Reality is while lots of people talk about circumnavigating very few ever do. I'm quite happy to think of my cruising area as Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Tasmania, North East and Northwest Australia. Once I've done all that the who knows. I have a strong desire to cruise Europe and North West America but doubt that I'll sail there from Oz.

No offence meant but your list does indicate a certain lack of experience and an overindulgence in sailing magazines. You really won't know what you want until you have that experience. I'm guessing that maybe this is your first cruising boat ?? Do you like to day sail ? I'd go the Beneteau or the J44. Should be easy to find one and relatively easy to resell provided you screw a good price out of the seller. Do you want to voyage to Antarctica? Steel is good. Swans are fabulous boats but have you had a good look at access from the cockpit in the older designs?

Live aboard and cruise locally for awhile. You'll soon realise what is important to you, the kind of weather you like to stay out in for instance, the type of sailing you like to do and how you spend your time onboard when not sailing.

One of this boards contributers has been looking at the dreaded Catalina. For a first off cruiser maybe not a bad addition to your list. I must admit when looking at the ads in Yacht World I was surprised by how much I took to them.

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by tdw

One of this boards contributers has been looking at the dreaded Catalina. For a first off cruiser maybe not a bad addition to your list. I must admit when looking at the ads in Yacht World I was surprised by how much I took to them.

Ahh, you saved yourself from the dreaded photoshopping!! HAHA!

BTW, I understand Catalina is now settin up shop in your home country. No, I am not kidding. I do not know what all they are selling over there, but apparently they are finally spreading out from the US/Canada market.

- CD

[avazquez]

I am by no means a world cruiser but I can tell you that the
First 456 is an oddity for Beneteau. Very different from the rest and I know of one called Klondike that finished a circumnavigation (do a search and you will find their blog). Going upwind they are very fast and powerful, of course draft can be a problem in some areas if you have one like mine which is 8ft. yes 8 ft. but there is a shallow draft version of 6 ft. +/-. I have posted two videos in youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XqrgzWVZNU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEAG93iuREw

Originally Posted by kwaltersmi

Those who are pro-Beneteau First 456: Would you take this boat on a bluewater passage or consider it a proper boat for a "world cruise"?

I don't have an opinion (or experience with the First 456), I'm honestly just seeking your personal opinions.