Solid Center Cockpit - Which One?

maccauley123 · #1 02-15-2008

Within the next 10 years my plan is for my wife and I to take at least 1 year off and sail from Maine down to the Caribbean. Hop from island to island as we feel like it then return home. The return may be a straight shot with a stop in Bermuda or back up the ICW. It is not the plan now but would like a boat that could cross the pond to do the Med or maybe do the South Pacific.

Between now and then I plan to continue to build my sailing skills and search for the right boat. I definitely want a Center Cockpit because I am convinced its layout with the aft deck and comfortable private aft cabin is what I want for the Admirals enjoyment. Don't want a fin keel, want to keep the draft low for the ICW and Bahamas. Other than that want a heavy, well built comfortable cruiser. Speed is not of the essence, a comfortable motion is more important.

I have narrowed my choices down to the following. Is there any reason I would not pick one of these or I should consider another boat? I expect my budget to be 100k or less, not including upgrades.
- Mariner 39
- Morgan OI 41
- Morgan 38CC
- Endeavour 40
- Corbin 39

JohnRPollard · #2 02-15-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by maccauley123

Don't want a fin keel, want to keep the draft low for the ICW and Bahamas....

I have narrowed my choices down to the following. Is there any reason I would not pick one of these or I should consider another boat? I expect my budget to be 100k or less, not including upgrades.
- Mariner 39
- Morgan OI 41
- Morgan 38CC
- Endeavour 40
- Corbin 39

The only comment I have is general, regarding keel choice: There are plenty of fin-keeled boats that are compatible with cruising the Bahamas and the ICW. In fact, at least one of the boats on your list has a fin keel (Corbin 39). So, I would keep an open mind about keel type and focus more on draft.

maccauley123 · #3 02-15-2008

Oops. Thanks John, should have checked my notes better.

You are correct, my main criteria is a draft that is compatible with the ICW and Bahamas and my home cruising waters around Maine which can get shallow.

dongreerps · #4 02-15-2008

Jeanneau 42CC available in both deep and shallow draft version.

camaraderie · #5 02-15-2008

Of your list I like the Corbin best and Mariner next. I don't like any of the others for the offshore stuff. If you can deal with another couple of feet....look at Whitby or Brewer 42's and Tayana42's.

Cruisingdad · #6 02-15-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaraderie

Of your list I like the Corbin best and Mariner next. I don't like any of the others for the offshore stuff. If you can deal with another couple of feet....look at Whitby or Brewer 42's and Tayana42's.

DOubt you would get a Tayana 42 for under 100k... maybe a t37, but not a center cockpit then.

sailingdog · #7 02-15-2008

A lot of those boats would be in less than ideal condition, given a $100k budget limit.

maccauley123 · #8 02-15-2008

SailDog, I understand these may need some work which is not a problem. My only requirement is that they be structurally sound. My current boat is in need of work so I am learning a lot through that process.

Cruisingdad · #9 02-15-2008

You could look into one of the Oceanis series Beneteaus. They were CC. The money may be an issue. I do not think you need a bluewater boat for that area of cruising. My opinion.

The Morgan OI is pretty comfortable down below. You could also look at a Islander Freeport, 41.

I personally would either find a way to come up with more money or go for an aft cockpit and a newer production boat. You could get a nice Catalina 36 for those numbers. Bene makes some nice ones too. I would say spend more money on a newer boat that will give you less problems and hopefully require less work?? I don't know, I am not trying to redirect you. I like the CC's too... a lot. They really add a lot to comfort for living aboard.

Good luck in your serach. THere is a Freeport for sale (at least it was for sale, not sure if it still is) two slips down from me. I have been aboard her. Comfortable boats down below... but I can see where someone could let their maintenance fall off and they would turn into a money pit.

- CD

Valiente · #10 02-15-2008

I really like the Corbin 39, but it's not so shallow, and they have a following in the $100K-plus range.

The Morgan OI is a good choice, because there's a lot of cosmetically compromised ones out there. They don't sail so well, I think, but are comfortable and good on stowage.