27 to 30ft. cruising boats

[climber322]

We''re looking to purchase a boat in the 27 to 30 foot range with the long term goal of short handed cruising, (my wife and I) thru south Pacific islands.

We''re looking for opinions as to a great cruising boat of this size as well as ideas of necessary equipment.

Thank you in advance for your input.

Cliff

[WHOOSH]

Cliff, I''d suggest you read Mahina Tiare: Pacific Passages by John Neal. It chronicles 3 ocean passages in a Hallberg-Rassy 31'' Monsun sloop done by John and Barbara Marrett. It''s a good read, is right on target for your interest, points out what is possible to expect from a good smaller boat (H-R Monsuns like John''s remain available and some are well set up for blue water sailing) and discusses prepping and equipping the boat. Because it is based on cruises in the 80''s, you''ll find far less emphasis on all the gee-whiz stuff we''re in love with these days, yet includes references to most of the things that really matter offshore.

You''ll find this book dirt cheap on Amazon and, if it''s enticing to you, consider also purchasing Log of the Mahina, which covers John''s first SoPac voyage from Seattle & back in a 27'' Albin Vega, another quite capable boat for its size. The Appendix in this book details how John set up Mahina for extended cruising on a short budget and once again focuses on the basics.

Finally, consider visiting his website and reading his treatise on offshore boats and a bit about how to equip them (http://www.mahina.com/cruise.html). John now conducts offshore sail training on his large H-R cutter thru-out SoPac and down to Antarctica and, with 400,000 or so ocean miles now, is immensely knowledgeable but still as soft-spoken and thoughtful as he was when venturing forth on his first SoPac cruise.

Jack

[climber322]

Thanks Jack, I have read a bit of Neal''s writings and I''ll look up the titles you''ve mentioned.

Thanks again and take care.