Suggestions on buying a cruising boat

[Zephyr88]

Just had a look at the list of boats from Mahi and not being from or in the US I've not even heard of a lot of them of them.

I looking for something that will satify a couple for long term cruising/liveaboard. I've been interested in the Tayana 37 (asking 50k to 100K) as I know someone who has one and reckons it's a great boat. Other people have directed me to look at a Morgan 383 (asking 60K) or the Morgan Classic (asking 80k to 100K).

Morgan 383 looks good (price, hull and general layout) but I believe that it has a cored hull, not really my cup of tea, unless this is not a problem in these boats. My concern is expensive repairs if delamination occures.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I would like to keep in the 60k-80k asking price bracket. Size between 36' to 40' that doesn't need hurculean efforts or feats of magic to get blue water capable. Am I being naive in believing that I can get a boat in which to sail an ocean in this price bracket. Rememeber I am in Australia and have only been able to go by what the brokers have put up on Yachworld. Great pics and equipment lists but might not nocessarily be representative of the true state of the vessel.

With the current exchange rate US boats seem a really good deal for us here in Australia as boats tend to be in my opinion a bit over priced. One guy here told me that I might be dissapointed and that I should keep my boat and just go over for a look and enjoy the vacation.

Cheers and thanks in advance,
Zephyr

[Ilenart]

Zepher88,

I know what you mean by trying to find info. However it's amazing how much info you can find on the Internet.

Lots of Oz's are doing the same thing. A guy I know here purchased a Cabo Rico 38 two years ago from the states and had it shipped back. Very nice boat & he is very happy with it. However most go for above your price range.

If you like the Tayana 37 check out Yacht Design according to Perry as he goes into detail into the design of the yacht.

You also might want to check out BUC value for an alternative view on prices. You can get 3 or 4 price comparisons for free before you have to join.

Boat Values, Prices, Evaluations, Used Boat Price Guides - BUCValu

Good luck.

Ilenart

PS Is Zephyer an Endurance 35?

[JohnRPollard]

Zephyr,

With some looking around, you should be able to find a suitable boat in your budget. But having read your posts on the other thread, it doesn't sound like you'll have time for a fixer-upper nor even a boat that needs a lot of upgrading. That says to me you might need to look a bit smaller if you want a boat that is truly "ready to go" (if such a mythical beast even exists).

In the U.S. we have a few brands that are designed and marketed as "bluewater" boats, some of which might be closer to turnkey for your purposes. Pacific Seacraft is one such builder, although they tend on the pricier side. But you might be able to find one of their older Crealock 34s or even Crealock 37s up on the high side or a bit above your budget (??depending how advantageous the exchange rate is). These designs are somewhat similar to the Tayana 37 you mentioned, except that they have fin rather than full-keels.

Another U.S. builder to look at is Island Packet. They have produced quite a few models in the mid-to-upper 30 foot range, so you should be able to locate a decent selection across a wide price range.

Some other U.S. makes are Tartan, Sabre, Ericson, Pearson, etc. Most of these were not purpose built bluewater boats, but many sailors have upgraded certain models for off-shore voyages.

Enjoy the search!

[camaraderie]

Zeph...Tayana 37 is a fine bluewater boat and excellent value.

[sailingdog]

Don't forget about Valiants...they're US built...right down the street from where CD keeps his barge-alina.

[Zephyr88]

Thanks for the advice, will get onto looking at what you have suggested.

My little boat is a Swanson 28, canoe stern, built in 1984. Many were owner finished but mine is the full factory job, so nice interior layout, very roomy for a 28, more like a 32 a friend of mine reckons. I think he was being polite as we'd just opened up a couple of cold beers. A female friend calls Zephyr the 'love boat' but I still haven't figured that one out... This class was designed as an offshore cruiser racer, primarily off Sydney , built 1976 to 1984to satisfy the week end offshore racing bug for the boys and a bit of comfort for week end or short cruises for the ladies.

Swansons are very well respected here although now getting old. Production from these guys stopped 1985, they got old and retired. They had great success in the 60 and early 70' with their boats in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race with the Carmen Class 31' and also the 32's (IOR) and 36's. They also produced two great large cruising boats in the 38 and the 42, both canoe sterns. The 28 and the 38 are the prettiest of the bunch. I know a guy who spent 3 days in 60 knots plus two up in a 38 and the worst was a few bruises a cut on the forehead for one of the guys and a shredded headsail. Their roller reefing system failed. It took him a month to recover his nerves. Not nice.

Thanks again guys.