which make is best?

[RobGallagher]

Its not a fair question, but I''m asking it anyway. I''m looking to purchase a boat in the 30ft range that will be used for coastal cruising to Florida and weekends in Long Island Sound/Narragansett Bay. I want a boat I can take down the coast to Florida. I have about 20K to spend.

I''m currently looking at a 79 O''day 30 (I love the cabin space and shower) and a 80 C&C 29 (much tighter quarters down below).

I have all winter to shop, so I plan on looking at alot of boats before making a purchase.

Any thoughts????????????

Thanks!

[mattf]

Look at a Cal 2-30 or a Cal 31.

[RobHoman]

Look at Morgan Out Islanders if you want extra space and a wider beam.

[halyardz]

First, Odays are OK for daysailing
and some coastal applications...not blue water boats. As another poster suggested, widen your search to other boats. If you are going to cruise FL you''ll be limited with a deep draft boat. What''s your budget, 20K? I
suggest you boost that to at least 30+, borrow if necessary.

I went over many of the same issues and decided to focus on 3-5 builders...the best choice for me was a Tartan 33, which we purchased. Ericson, Cal, and several others
are good basic choices. The trade offs in a pocket cruiser versus something in the 32+ range are significant.