Looking for 30-40ft weekender for local lake.

Bowedtoothdoc · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010

Hello all. Posted a couple of days ago in the wrong forum

I am looking to purchase my first sailboat, have owned several motorboats before. I am looking for a 30-40ft preowned sailboat for sailing in my local lake Sidney Lanier. Want to be able to sleep up to four on a weekend night and possibly race a bit just for fun with the local sailing club. I am looking at the Catalina 30 and Hunters 31-34. My buget is 25k and I am wondering if there are other brands that I should be considering in this price range.
Thanks,

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010

Umm... That's a pretty low budget... and I'd recommend you stick closer to the 30' end of your range, or the boat you'll be getting will be in pretty sorry shape. One person I know is selling their 35' boat for over double that, and that boat is in mint condition. A 35' boat going for $25,000 would be pretty damn beat up.

Bowedtoothdoc · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010

Thanks for the adviice. I suppose I could go a bit higher if a came across the right boat, but I already know from experience that the purchase is just the beginning so to speak of the spending. I am looking at late 70's to early 80's models and there seems to be quite a few Hunter models 31-34 feet, I think the only Catalina in my range would be the 30'. Also seen some C & C, Irwin, and Morgan. Just trying to narrow it down. I guess in my price range it's all going to depend on the condition of the boat?

mgiguere · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010

I've had one of these for 25 years. Also does well on the race course and an excellent cruiser. 1967 Chris Craft Apache sailboat for sale in Virginia

Moe

Bowedtoothdoc · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgiguere

I've had one of these for 25 years. Also does well on the race course and an excellent cruiser. 1967 Chris Craft Apache sailboat for sale in Virginia

Moe

Looks like a very nice and well maintained boat for that age. Do you have any connection with this boat or did you just come across it on the for sale site? So far I limited my search to 1978 and newer. Hopefully that is not a mistake.

mgiguere · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010

No, I have no connection with this boat. I've had mine since 1984 and have had it offshore (between Maine and Chesapeake Bay) many times. It's extremely well built, tough, and with a fin keel, fast. (Won Figawii in 1987 and took 2nd place in the Governor's Cup in 2006). The concept is thick fiberglass and minimum wetted surface. Check out the Chris Sailboat club web site for more info. chriscraftsail : Chris Craft Sailboats

Good luck.

Moe