Input appreciated

gulfcoastcruiser · #1 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008

Hello all. I have been a lurker here for several months and found you guys to be a wealth of information. I would like a little input into my boat buying decision please.

I am looking for something to mainly day sail on Galveston Bay, but I also have dreams of cruising the ICW over to Florida and or Corpus and possibly cruising to the Bahamas some day.

I have been looking at boats for almost seven months and have narrowed down my search to two boats that are still available (I have lost two to other buyers already). The two boats I am cosidering are a 1978 Hunter 30 and a 1983 Ericson 30+. All things considered I am leaning heavily towards the Ericson, but one of my main reservations is the draft of 5'9". Do you guys think that this is too deep of a draft if and when I get to cruise the ICW and Bahamas and not to mention getting in and out of Clear Lake at low tide? I like the idea of having a full keel in heavy wind, but am still undecided. The boat is in a fresh water lake now where the draft is not an issue.

Thanks in advance!!

johnshasteen · #2 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008

Either boat is fine for Galveston Bay and the Intercoastal. Paloma draws 4'2" and I've never had a problem in Clearlake (you have to follow the channel), Galveston Bay or the Intercoastal. If the two boats are in equal condition, I'd go for the Ericison.

camaraderie · #3 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008

Ditto...5'9 is fine for the ICW and Bahamas and the Ericson is the better boat for your plans if it is good shape.

Rickm505 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-14-2008

5' 9" draft might be fine for the intracoastal but will be a limiting factor when choosing marinas. Here on the east coast of Florida marinas still haven't fully recovered from the 2004 storms. Many marinas have been acumulating silt and haven't been dredged.

A boat with 4-5ft draft might be more practical.

camaraderie · #5 (**permalink**) 04-14-2008

Disagree completely...there are PLENTY of 6' plus marinas. We did the entire FL coast in 2005 ...AFTER the storms. No problems.

Rickm505 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-14-2008

LOL... Cam, You are of course free to disagree all you like......., but I live here....

We now have 4 boats parked in the ICW waiting for dredging in our marina to be completed before they can occupy a slip. My marina is no different than any in the area.

T34C · #7 (**permalink**) 04-14-2008

Rick- Maybe it would help if yousaid where in Florida you were. The little box in the right corner just says "Central Florida". Last time I check "Central Florida" was land locked. (MIght explain the need to dredge)

johnshasteen · #8 (**permalink**) 04-14-2008

I would get the Ericson and figure it out as you go along. You'll be sailing in Galveston Bay for awhile and 5'9" draft is absolutely not a problem there or the Intercoastal from Galveston to Corpus - but are you sure that the draft is that deep - most Ericsons draw less than 5'.

camaraderie · #9 (**permalink**) 04-14-2008

Rick....tell you what...you name a city/town on the ICW in Florida and I'll give you a marina that has plenty of water that ain't too far away.

TrueBlue · #10 (**permalink**) 04-14-2008

Maybe Rick's boat has turtled and can't return to his slip with it's 38 ft draft.