Where are all the boats?

[merdos]

Hi everyone,

I am a long time sailor on a 38’ sloop and new to this site. I am wondering if someone can give me some fresh ideas.

We are about to embark on a new chapter in our lives and plan to transition from a land-locked city to a live-aboard lifestyle. Step two of our plan is to eventually cruise for a few years. We have interests in Europe, Eastern US, Caribbean, South Pacific and Northwest US.

Here’s my problem. I have begun a tedious search on-line for a used boat. And for the most part, I find that all are the same layouts. The main saloon has a sitting/eating, the sleeping cabins are cramped with the main focus being “how many it sleeps” and the engine is where no one can find it. They will be two of us, so the boat needs to be easy to handle. We will have occasional extra guests – two cabins will be plenty. But, since this will be our home, I would like to have some comfort. Comfort is not apparently a familiar concept for the boat designers. We have looked at multi-hulls but have never sailed one so, there is some hesitation. I like the PDQ 44 but the engines are under the floor. I have sailed long enough to know running an engine under your living room floor stinks. The Lagoon 44 (owners version) looked good at the boat show but I don’t think we would ever set foot in the port hull (the PDQ has the galley in the port hull – very clever). For monohulls, I like the Amel 53 (watertight bulkheads, queen size berths, accessible engine and generator room, A stove that doesn’t look like a toy, a strong safe design easily handled from the cockpit). This seems like the perfect boat for us but lets face it, these are all big boats that require a big operating budget. I am trying to find the same amenities in a smaller boat. Does anyone have any ideas? What brand of boats are out there that meet what I’m seeking?

[JohnRPollard]

Hi merdos,

Welcome to Sailnet!

That's quite a trip you have planned. Should be fun finding a boat and preparing for it.

Could you give us some idea what your budget/price range is? That will narrow it down quite a bit (or, open it up, as the case may be.)

Also, since you mentioned catamarans, you really should take a look at the Chris White Designs Atlantic Series catamarans, if only for comparison sake. The Atlantic 42 might be a good choice for you and you companion, size-wise.

Good luck!

[tager]

Change your expectations, or make a lot of money.

[Michael K]

Maybe a Moody 41 center cockpit? The engine room is alongside the walk-thru from the main cabin to the aft stateroom -- accessible but out of the way.

As for a nice multihull for two, how about a PDQ 36?

[sailingdog]

I'd recommend you look at Chris White's Atlantic 42. Unlike most other catamarans, the Atlantic series have a cockpit forward of the pilothouse, and all the lines are there IIRC. They have a helm in the cockpit and one in the pilothouse, which allows you to steer comfortably in even the worst weather.

Two double berths just forward of amidships in each hull, and a single in each bow. A head in each hull, just aft of the v-berth cabins, galley in the aft end of the starboard hull and hanging locker in the aft end of the port hull. The nav station is in the pilot house as is the salon.

Proven bluewater cruising boat and about $400,000.

[merdos]

Thanks - I will look at these.

To answer the question of budget. I figure about 350K would be enough to get a lightly used boat.

[sailingdog]

You'd probably be able to get the Atlantic 42 for about that... the last one I saw was listed at $379,000.

Originally Posted by merdos

Thanks - I will look at these.

To answer the question of budget. I figure about 350K would be enough to get a lightly used boat.

[LinekinBayCD]

I spent 25+ years, chartering, dreaming, looking at Soundings adds, going to boat shows, searching the internet before finnally buying my boat so I have looked at a few. The first that comes to mind is a Whitby 42. A Ted Brewer full keel center cockpit ketch design. Plenty of room and access to the engine compartment. Well built in Canada.

[chucklesR]

Take a look at a used Voyage 44 catamaran, or a Norseman 43 (same boat essentially). Fits the price and easily single handed.

Of course if you want a less expensive catamaran I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that a Gemini 105Mc delivers all you need for 162k new.

[2Gringos]

but thats not an "offshore" capable boat!!!