Costal Cruising around 50k

[byrondv]

I have posted here a few times looking for various types of boats... and never quite bit the bullet. Currently I have a great condition '78 Hunter 25' and a Hobie 16 in Muskegon, Michigan. Unfortunately my goals of sailing on the East or West coast have been decimated by the future wife and some changes at work that make it a much better option to stay put for another few years (ever notice how the calls don't stop even after you pull your resume from Monster? :P ).

Anyway - the amount I get to spend on a boat has been significantly cut now that I don't get total say over the finances. I now get to spend roughly 50k in a years time (not including refits). Something about spending money on the wedding and a nicer house she doesn't feel is "just mine".

I have been looking at '84ish O'Day 34's and love the the feel of the cockpit and interior. Unfortunately I have some concerns about the sleepability of the v-berth. Never been much of a fan of the intertangled feet.

So - for just the cost of the boat - what gives a comfortable cockpit, roomy interior (woman won't come up to the boat if it isn't "comfortable"), and reasonable sleeping arrangements? All for the unreasonably low price of 50k?

Oh - and if you are wondering why I care about a boat I don't get to buy for another year... we just had at least 6 inches of snow this past Friday....

[sidney777]

Many women like Catalinas, or a Center Cockpit boat with a large Aft Cabin. (most likely would like a Powerboat).
As you prob have seen, many boats For Sale because Wife,Girlfriend want it sold. (I am always temped to tell them to get rid of the Wife).
I might TRY not to even bother about getting the boat, just learn to live without it.
Maybe ask some opinions on the Female-Sailnet sailing forum.
Best to you and your Quest.

[byrondv]

I don't know if I could convince myself to go with a center cockpit. For the price I am now regulated to... I just don't like the lines of what is available. Though you are dead right that it would make the woman happy. I should take another look.

If I got rid of the woman at this point... well... lets just say I could only say what she would take with her in the Off Topic forum. I certainly wouldn't be a man in the traditional sense.

I can't live without the boat... worst comes to worst I will just sell the Hunter and get a small mono-hull (Precision 185 or similar) and keep that and the Hobie. I hope it doesn't come to that :P

[kwaltersmi]

Good to see another Grand Rapidian aboard the forums!

Well, if I were shopping for a comfortable coastal cruiser in the $50k price range, I'd consider an Island Packet 27/29 True, they are pricey for the length, but come with good construction and are very roomy/comfy for the length.

I've also always liked the cabin of the Catalina 34, with its' large private aft cabin. The C36 should also be available in your price range. Sabre also made a nice 34, but it's not quite as roomy as the Catalinas. I also like the Bayfield 32, but the clipper bow makes the cabin feel more like a 30 footer.

[BarryL]

Hello,

I have an O'day 35 (basically the same as the 34). My wife and I fit very comfortably in the V Berth. How tall are you and the future Mrs? If you are less than 6' it should be OK. If you like the O'day, and don't want to sleep in the V berth, another option is the port sette. There should be a filler cushion that makes it a very large double berth.

Just about production type 33-36 boat would be fine for your use. Cheaper boats include O'day, Newport, Irwin, older C&C, Hunter, etc. Slightly more money is Catalina (I don't know why) both 34 and older 36. You can also find Tartan 33 for that price, as well as older Sabre.


BTW, I love the O'day 35 because it has a swim platform. That makes getting on / off the boat from a dingy very easy, not to mention swimming.

Good luck,
Barry

[blt2ski]

"WHAT BOAT" the women likes, depends upon the women! My wife luvs the outside look, I usually have to clean the drool off a couple of 36's at the foot of the dock ramp, both an original and mkII design. BUT< when we go in them at boat shows, she is in them for all of a second if that, proclaiming yucko, and of she goes to other boats. Meanwhile, hops on Jeanneaus, and stays! OF which we own ie a Jeanneau!

Meanwhile, CD's wife seems to stay on Catalina's, and hops off Jeanneau's in a few seconds flat! They have owned a few Catalina's of various sizes.

Best option I can think of, is get yourself on as many various boat brands as you can, and figure out which one the spouse to be likes........she does sail does she not? or at least wants to learn?......otherwise, this could be a nitemare for you! I could not get my ex to sail if my life depending upon it, mean while, current BF has a sailboat, and proclaimed initially to luv it, but kids have said she is not out as much as she used to be! She did the same bait and hook with me, but in regards to hiking and climbing at the time!

If you want more info on Odays,
I Heart O'Days

Good luck
Marty

[Giulietta]

Ditch the woman, buy a SWAN

[AlanBrown]

With $50K to spend on a used boat, the world is your oyster! There are literally thousands of used boats out there, in all shapes and sizes, aft cabins or not, in that price range.

In your posts you don't mention the future wife's feelings about boating/cruising. Personal experience has shown me that if your honey's not "on board" with the idea of boat ownership, and you go out and buy a boat anyway, you will pay dearly for your decision. If you think she'll eventually come to love the boat as much as you do, thing again. It will become a constant source of friction between you.

Now, if your fiance is into the whole boat buying idea, I suggest you actively involve her in the search for the "right" boat. Once again, based on personal experience, if she agrees with the choice, (better still, suggests it) you'll be home free and peace and harmony shall reign supreme. Try to force your choice down her throat and you cruise solo for a long time.

Finally, read Marty's last paragraph again. His words are dead on.

Good luck!

P.S. Although my wife and I always agreed on our boat purchases, we couldn't agree on our cruising plans. This is why she became my ex-wife after 31 years of marriage and 2,000 miles of cruising.

[sailhog]

First off, keep your girlfriend of wife completely out of the decision-making process. Whenever she voices an opinion, just tell her shut her pie hole, and then promise that you'll have sex with her if she can manage to mind her own business for just a few freaking minutes.

I would also second the motion to look at the Catalina 34. In 1991 they started making them with open transoms, and they tend to run around $55,000-$60,000. 1987 and 1988 models go for less than $50,000.

Hope this helps. And remember to tell your old lady that her day would be better spent thinking of ways to please you. I should add that this "attitude" toward women has not worked for me. I just wanted to see if it worked for someone else. Would appreciate a report back at your earliest convenience.

[sailingfool]

If you are diligent and look around you might be able to get into a CS 33, plus the CS 30 has a surprising spacious interior, well worth taking a look at one. see CS Owners Associations Buy & Sell Notices