Its Buying Time - Please Help!!!

[L3sailors]

I'm a novice sailor looking to make a purchase. I stand appx 6'3" so height is a consideration. Also, i'm considering living aboard. I'd like to stay around $35k- $40k.. My broker has steered me toward the Tartan 41, Tayana 37, and Hunter 37.5 (late 70's to early 80's models). I'd like to use the boat for general cruising. your thoughts? any others to consider?

[night0wl]

30+ year old boats...you're going to spend a lot of time fixing things. Engines, leaks, corrosion...

My general advice would be to find the boat in the best condition in your price range. Avoid teak decks like the plague (Tayana's are notorious for 'em). Find one that has had an engine re-power done as any engine that old is suspect.

Also, a 37-41 foot boat is a lot of boat to buy as a novice with little to no sailing skills. Especially if you plan on being in a marina with tight fairways and/or cross currents.

[L3sailors]

thanks for the comment. Are there others that you'd suggest that could allow me not to bang my head to often down below?

[night0wl]

Originally Posted by L3sailors

thanks for the comment. Are there others that you'd suggest that could allow me not to bang my head to often down below?

You have very conflicting goals here. Boat thats small enough to manage easily by a novice, but large enough to fit 6'+ individual as a live aboard in comfort. Can you live on land while you learn to sail well? For a few years at least?

If you're looking for a more manageable boat, 27-30 ft is a good size to start with. I see that Catalina 30's have 6' plus headroom. Good boat to learn on and pretty dirt cheap on the resale market because they made so many of 'em. Use it for a year or two and sell it for what you paid for it as long as you maintain it well. Not very comfortable to live upon for extended period of time.

[L3sailors]

I really appreciated your comment. Indeed, my goals are conflicted, but there the cards i've been dealt. So i've got play em. I've looked at a number of Catalinas 30 - 34s. banged my head on all. looked also at erickson, hunters, and islanders and it appears that its not until i get to around 36' that the head banging declines. other thoughts?

[MarkSF]

That kind of money could get you a Bristol 35.5. They are superbly built (which is what you want if you're buying a 30 year old boat) and I can stand up in my 31.1 (I'm 6ft 5) so you should be OK in the bigger 35.5.

[L3sailors]

Are there others you'd or anyone else would suggest?

[rugosa]

CS 36 T (traditional) built 1977-1989 by Canadian Sailcraft, they also built a smaller number of 33's both designed by Raymond Wall (ex Camper Nicholson of England) as well as 30', 34' models designed by Tony Castro that might fit your needs.

[MarkSF]

Bristol 29.9?

[CorvetteGuy]

Have 5 inches removed from your shins...