Does this seem possible?

[AKAPeterc]

I am planing on going to the USA in July 2013, purchasing a yacht and joining the 2014 World ARC Round the World Rally back to Australia.

I have a budget of $190k so I am looking at purchasing a yacht for $150K and allowing $40K to spend on setting up the yacht ready for a trip across the pacific. I assume I will need a water maker, new rigging & nav gear.

I plan to purchase in Florida which gives me 6 months to purchase, setup and sail down to St Lucia.

I plan on living aboard with my teenage foster child. ( I will be 55 ) I have been thinking of purchasing a Hunter 45 or perhaps a Catalina 42. Do you think this is all doable or am I dreaming.

I am going to Florida this July 2012 for a holiday and allowing a few days in Miami to scout out the area. Has anyone also got any ideas on who would be best to suss out on this scouting trip eg: brokers & surveyors. Thanks for any advice

[mm2187]

I am far from an offshore Pacific sailor, but when I think of Catalina's and Hunters I think near coastal sailors. I am not sure that structurally they are ready for whatever the ocean can throw at it. You might be better off looking for a older blue water cruiser to make the trip with.

[kd3pc]

you can do it on a hunter or a cat, other have and done quite well.... A lot of the success (or failure) will depend on you, your skills, your crew and how well prepared the boat is.

But likely not on your budget.

[TQA]

Well doable on your budget.

BUT why not buy in Trinidad or some where in the windward/leeward chain?, all the necessary services are there and you don't have the serious upwind bash necessary to get from Florida to St Lucia. [THIS IS NOT A TRIVIAL SAIL!]

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi..._id=39304&url= if you like steel


Dynamite Marine Ltd (Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago) for GRP

I would go in either of the above in preferance to the boats you mentioned. However Hunters and Catalinas have made the trip.