three cabin boats

[docnasty]

I have decided to leave the rat race and find a liveaboard boat. Problem is I have a wife and three kids. I figure a three cabin would be perfect because the two youngest kids can share. Any idea's what kind I should be looking for. I'm thinking anywhere from 36-40 feet. I really like the looks of the Bayfield 32 but figure it's way to small. I am only looking to spend from $20,000 to $30,000, and I currently have no sailing experience. Any sugestions or advice would be much appreciated.

DOC

[eherlihy]

Buy a used houseboat.

[jameswilson29]

Sounds like you need 4 cabins - one for each child, and one for you and the missus (sailing will make the missus a little frisky, if you catch my drift, heh, heh!). You will probably also want a rec room for the children - they can become quite restless when sailing. While you are at it, you might as well get the extra space for the widescreen and a pool table and/or ping pong table.

The good news is you have plenty of options for $30K! Here is one you might consider: http://www.canalboatingholidays.com/...oat-willow.jpg

[kd3pc]

Originally Posted by docnasty

Problem is I have a wife and three kids.
DOC

solve this problem first, as it will not get better living on a sailboat....may get worse if they do not share your dream ...

Sailboats are often not the escape to the dream, realities are they are not for everyone and they still require work.

For your budget point, you are in deep kimchee.

Keep us posted.

[treilley]

Buying a 3 cabin boat for 20-30k is going to require quite a lot of money and work to make it safe or even moderately comfortable for the wife and 3 kids. If it is a "problem" to have a wife and kids then you picked the wrong dream.

[Minnewaska]

If you have no sailing experience, you really need to get some before making this move. It would be impossible for you to assess the lifestyle and it's differences from land. Those differences include: confined spaces, odors, moisture, repairs, limitations to onboard freshwater, refrigeration, waste treatment, power, lighting, etc, etc.

You may love it, we do. However, it isn't for everyone and your budget is going to buy accommodations closer to camping than living in a home.

Don't forget that kids grow like weeds. Whomever you believe can share now, will disagree very shortly. Their room aboard is very literally going to be the size of a walk in closet at home.

[blt2ski]

Unfortunately with that budget, you would not afford on, but get a power boat in the same size, lots more room foot for foot! you'll need and want at least an upper 30 if not into a 40' boat for a family of 5 living on board. A 32' one as you described for daysails, weekends, occasional week or two, no big. I did that with 4 kids on a 24' travel trailer for 12 years. There was not really a true bedroom anywhere in the plan for that matter! Yeah spouse and I had a bedroom, ie the back corner with a pull curtain to shut the area off, but the head was thru the curtain for the kids! sons slept on a pull out couch, daughters on the dinette.

BUT, weekend camping is different than living aboard/in or equal.

marty

[jameswilson29]

You mean I am actually supposed to try the activity for which I intend to alter the rest of my life, while endangering my family and ending my career?

Are you kidding?

Isn't it really difficult to take a daysail?

I would much rather sell my house, quit my job, and use all my financial resources to pursue an activity I have no experience in. After I all, I have 2 whole posts on sailnet - I am practically an internet sailing veteran.

My next question: even though I have no sailing experience and no boat, is it reasonable for me to sail across the Atlantic starting next Tuesday on the flimsiest production boat I can find?

[VK540]

Originally Posted by jameswilson29

You mean I am actually supposed to try the activity for which I intend to alter the rest of my life, while endangering my family and ending my career?

Are you kidding?

Isn't it really difficult to take a daysail?

I would much rather sell my house, quit my job, and use all my financial resources to pursue an activity I have no experience in. After I all, I have 2 whole posts on sailnet - I am practically an internet sailing veteran.

My next question: even though I have no sailing experience and no boat, is it reasonable for me to sail across the Atlantic starting next Tuesday on the flimsiest production boat I can find?

Yes, Darwinism needs to stay alive and active and this post is proof it is alive and well active! Love all the replies!

[T37Chef]

Originally Posted by docnasty

I have decided to leave the rat race and find a liveaboard boat. Problem is I have a wife and three kids. I figure a three cabin would be perfect because the two youngest kids can share. Any idea's what kind I should be looking for. I'm thinking anywhere from 36-40 feet. I really like the looks of the Bayfield 32 but figure it's way to small. I am only looking to spend from $20,000 to $30,000, and I currently have no sailing experience. Any sugestions or advice would be much appreciated.

DOC

Why limit yourself to a "water home"...all those marina fees and maintenance cost...nay...find a nice spot somewhere in West Virginia and buy one of these:
Used 2006 Ameri-Camp Summit Ridge 32WBQBRA Fifth Wheels at Beckleys RVs Thurmont Maryland Beckleys RVs
or
Used 2006 Newmar Cypress 32WBQBRA Fifth Wheels at Beckleys RVs Thurmont Maryland Beckleys RVs


The used Houseboat is great suggestion too.