Tic box for buying a boat

jobberone · #1 02-03-2013

Looking at boats for a long while and I'm still confused. I started to set up a list of what I want then put them in priority.

Thought I'd check to see what's available as a tic list first. Even so I still think I'm floundering around.

I'm starting to wonder if you shouldn't buy something manageable that will do the job and get you on the water relatively inexpensively. Then your tic list will change and you can move to another boat when ready.

We're going to sail the SE coast mostly SC and FL and into the Caribbean. I need room for two couples at least. I need to be able to one hand her. I need some comforts being older and I need safety. I need anchors and sails that go up and down via buttons. I need a dinghy and motor. I want to be dry and comfortable when possible. My sailing experience is limited.

Thoughts? Check or tic box somewhere?

Sabreman · #2 02-03-2013

You're thrashing. It's common when there are too many choices, don't feel bad. We see it a lot on Sailnet and we've all been there.

1. Set a budget.
2. Set a size range
3. Pick no more than 2 builders. Since your experience is limited, I'd recommend a quality production builder like Catalina or Beneteau. They're good boats.

There is a notion out there that using a broker will cost you more. Not true if you value your time. I can say from personal experience that our broker for Victoria saved us 13% off our accepted offer price when the survey came back with problems. A broker will filter your desires and help focus the search. We set up an appointment, looked at 3 Sabres and bought one of them. Search lasted one day with about a week prep before calling the broker.

Quote:

I'm starting to wonder if you shouldn't buy something manageable that will do the job and get you on the water relatively inexpensively. Then your tic list will change and you can move to another boat when ready.

Precisely.

killarney_sailor · #3 02-03-2013

I would find a good broker to help you. The purchaser's broker is paid by the seller so there is no direct cost to you. A knowledgeable broker can take your budget and list of needs and wants and find suitable boats.

jobberone · #4 02-03-2013

I've mostly been looking at Hunter, Beneteau, and Hinckley. I've started to look at Catalina very recently.

Is there a size/weight limit? I've kinda been looking at 44 or so monohulls and 38-42 cats. I want the cat but my brain says go monohull first time. I haven't ruled out a 36-40 ft monohull. I must be able to sail one handed so I'm looking at sloops etc.

I don't have a budget although $250k was around my arbitrary limit.

I'll check with a couple of brokers tomorrow.

Thanks for the replies.

killarney_sailor · #5 02-03-2013

Ask around about brokers in your area to get some recommendation. Be careful when you contact a broker that he does not just try to sell you one of his listings so he keeps the entire commission. Make sure they realize that they are to be your purchasing broker, ie he helps you determine what boat is right and then finds one for you.

From what you have said I think you need to do a lot more thinking before you are able to get down to specifics, eg cat.vs mono and Hunter/Beneteau vs Hinckley ( the latter is like saying I am considering a Chev, a Toyota, and a Mercedes). From what you say, I think you want a cat and you should be able to get a nice one in your price range (and I am a halfamaran sailor myself). Also note that there is a huge difference in size (and likely cost) between a boat suited for two couples and one suited for at least two couples.

bljones · #6 02-03-2013

Some thoughts:
1. Get a copy of Don Casey's "This Old Boat" The first couple of chapters will help you immensely, by showing you how to organize your boat search.
2.There is no perfect boat. There may not even be the "right' boat. But, there are lots of boats right now. Go small, go cheap go now, and you can always upgrade later once you have figured out what works for you.
3. Sit down with anyone else involved in this decision and make a list of the features and gear that is important to both of you. Then figure out your HARD (total first season cost) boat buying budget. Sit down with your computer, open yachtworld go to advanced search and plug in a price that is 80% of your budget. See if you can find a boat that fits your needs, wants AND your budget. if not, something has to change- your wants, your needs, or your budget.

jobberone · #7 02-03-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

Ask around about brokers in your area to get some recommendation. Be careful when you contact a broker that he does not just try to sell you one of his listings so he keeps the entire commission. Make sure they realize that they are to be your purchasing broker, ie he helps you determine what boat is right and then finds one for you.

From what you have said I think you need to do a lot more thinking before you are able to get down to specifics, eg cat.vs mono and Hunter/Beneteau vs Hinckley ( the latter is like saying I am considering a Chev, a Toyota, and a Mercedes). From what you say, I think you want a cat and you should be able to get a nice one in your price range (and I am a halfamaran sailor myself). Also note that there is a huge difference in size (and likely cost) between a boat suited for two couples and one suited for at least two couples.

I was thinking the Hunter and Beneteau would be easy to get rid of because they are good well known boats. The Hinckley is known for quality so shouldn't be that hard to get rid of either. I'm reasonably certain this won't be our first and only boat so it's important for me to be able to move up.

But part of that is because I don't know what's moving and isn't for certain. I think the market will stay suppressed and may get worse.

I'll find a buyer's broker.

jobberone · #8 02-03-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by bljones

Some thoughts:
1. Get a copy of Don Casey's "This Old Boat" The first couple of chapters will help you immensely, by showing you how to organize your boat search.
2.There is no perfect boat. There may not even be the "right' boat. But, there are lots of boats right now. Go small, go cheap go now, and you can always upgrade later once you have figured out what works for you.
3. Sit down with anyone else involved in this decision and make a list of the features and gear that is important to both of you. Then figure out your HARD (total first season cost) boat buying budget. Sit down with your computer, open yachtworld go to advanced search and plug in a price that is 80% of your budget. See if you can find a boat that fits your needs, wants AND your budget. if not, something has to change- your wants, your needs, or your budget.

I guess I'll still make the wants and needs list so I can give it to my broker. Thanks people.

PaulinVictoria · #9 02-03-2013

Lots of comforts, plenty of space, warm, dry, powered everything, little experience, single handing.
Don't take this the wrong way, but are you sure you don't just need a cruising powerboat?

jobberone · #10 02-03-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

I would find a good broker to help you. The purchaser's broker is paid by the seller so there is no direct cost to you. A knowledgeable broker can take your budget and list of needs and wants and find suitable boats.

That'd be great! Thanks. Send me a PM or email when you're ready. Thanks again.