Best 30-36' boats for bluewater & liveaboard?

[kulokoo]

Looking for that magic combination of a boat seaworthy for significant open ocean passages, but comfortable for a couple to live aboard in the marina for long stretches between adventures.

Not being wealthy, it has got to be under $50K... and $25K is better.

Boats I'm aware of seem to fall into two categories, for example

Southern Cross 31 - sea worthy, but cramped for living on long term in port

Islander 36 - comfortable to live aboard, but maybe not suited to long bluewater passages

What boats would you check out in my shoes?

[ehmanta]

How old of a vessel are you looking at? There are countless "experienced" boats out there that may have more than a few miles beneath their keels. One that quickly comes to mind is the Allied Seawind II. She can be had for a song, capable of circumnavigations (the Allied Seawind was reportedly the first fiberglass to circumnavigate), can sail decently, and is comfortable for a 32' boat. Another one worth considering would be the Tartan 34 in good condition....ya gotta watch out for a "tired" one.
This topic always comes up, just need to do a little digging.

[sailingfool]

Have it all, make this guy an offer on his Allied Mistress 39, on the market for a few years:
Eastern Yacht Sales - Hingham Brokerage

[MARC2012]

Guess I should get back in teaching Allied boats are IMHO not picked up for a song.However I am poor.Get the mistress ,song $44,900,probably go for $44,00.marc

[SeaFever2000]

For the amount you are thinking of you could look for a good condition Pearson 10M, say a late 70's, early 80's vintage (newer than hull number 150) and you will have a great boat for your self.

We have one and are very happy. Solid boat, Bill Shaw design, point extremely well and is stiff, sleeps 6 comfortably. Good open layout.

[puddinlegs]

Shhhhhh....! Don't tell all the people that have done passages in an Islander 36 that they aren't capable boats. They'd be crushed.

[QuickMick]

how much work do you want to do? i was eyeing a 45' cheoy lee (1979 i believe) but dont think im gonna jump on it... i know the guy selling it, but it needs some work. another thing to consider is the cost to ship it to your location, that can add quite a bit to the cost depending on LOA

[QuickMick]

actually, i think it is the same model as this... off on date and year. She is a real beaut. lotta lotta wood

1970 Cheoy Lee Clipper 42 sailboat for sale in Alabama

[OldColumbia]

Dear Kuk,
Go to the brokerage sites in San Carlos, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan and you'll find a selection that will meet your criteria that are already " proven" that are offered by folks who's circumstance or affection for the " Cruising Life" have changed. Prices are usually quite negotiable at the end of the season.

[kwaltersmi]

If I were looking for a roomy, comfortable bluewater boat for around $50k or less, I'd look at these:

Westsail 28: Small-ish, but you'd be closer to $25k
Westsail 32: Roomy, tough and closer to $50k (or above)
Baba 30: Usually north of $50k, but there are some out there
Pacific Seacraft 31 Mariah: See W32 above.
Rafiki 36: Salty, teaky and a good value but tough to find
Alajuela/Ingrid: Super tough hull (think bigger W32), many owner finished, prices all over the map
Mariner 36: Tough to find, but well traveled
Tiburon 36: Rare, watch for teak decks
C&C 41: Pending your "bluewater" route, she could go
C&C Landfall 38: See above
Tartan 37: See above