Liveaboard Boats

[NicknewGuy]

Hello there, I am going to be "living aboard" here in Boston and shopping for a boat (my first) I am looking at two very different boats, each having their own pros and cons. A 2001 Catalina 380 and a 1992 Sabre 38MKII, both roughly the same price. Any comments? Thanks in advance!

[camaraderie]

If you're planning on going cruising to distant harbors get the Sabre. If you are "living aboard" at the dock permanently with some weekend sails...get the Catalina.
Welcome aboard!

[NicknewGuy]

Reading sailnet this afternoon, I'm sure this was a silly question. I do want to sail every weekend and even get east to Maine for a week or two, I just wasn't sure if I needed a "bluewater" boat. There are tons of newer Catalinas out there and there's reason people are buying and re-buying them, it's not like they are going to break in half, right? I'm thinking the Sabre is a good value.

In the future, I'll try to keep my questions a little more interesting. I have a million of them

[PBzeer]

Never hesitate to ask a question, even if you think it's foolish. There isn't much I can add to cam's remarks.

[camaraderie]

Nick...coastal cruising to Maine will be fine in a Catalina OR a Sabre. I was thinking more of trips to Bermuda or the Caribe.
You may very well find the layout and amenities of the newer Catalina preferrable for full time living aboard (I owned 2 Catalinas!) ...but there is something to be said for the more luxurious interior of the Sabre and the old girl does have rather pretty lines. Assuming both boats survey equally well, it is largely a matter of personal preference. Good luck!

[Giulietta]

Get teh Catalina...it's newer and sails better for sure....

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by NicknewGuy

Hello there, I am going to be "living aboard" here in Boston and shopping for a boat (my first) I am looking at two very different boats, each having their own pros and cons. A 2001 Catalina 380 and a 1992 Sabre 38MKII, both roughly the same price. Any comments? Thanks in advance!

I have lived on a 2001 C380. Good liveaboard boat. It was me, wife, 2 dogs, and one kiddo. Had her out in some nasty weather too. She will do great. That is actually the old Morgan hull on that boat (not Catalina), and a fairly heavy boat. Not the fastest thing in the world but solid in chop and storms.

I am not sure I have been on a Sabre 38 that vintage, but I cannot see buying a boat that much older (esp for LA) for a comparably priced 380. That is just me though.

If you want any specifics on the 380 or have questions, let me know.

- CD