Seamaster Ketch 45'

[Jeff_H]

It sounds like you really need two boats, one to learn the ins and outs of sailing and one to go voyaging on. If you care about becoming a skilled sailor then an offshore cruiser makes a really poor platform to develop sailing skills quickly. I would suggest that you start with a used, small (under 30 foot), responsive, inexpensive, fin keel/ spade rudder sloop and that you spend every moment that you can spare sailing and reading.

And while you are learning to sail, I suggest that you spend as much time as you can sailing with others on a variety of boats. Offer to assist in deliveries and any other excuse to get sea time.

Ultimately, I would suggest that you then start to look for a solid offshore cruiser but by that time you will have the experience to know what will appeal to your tastes, and goals.

In the budget range of a Morgan IO 41, I tend to personally prefer modern offshore designs, designs like the Valiant Espit 37, Cal 40's, Wauquiez Hood 38, or even the more extreme lightweights like my own Farr 38, that are at the smaller, lighter end of the spectrum. Others lean toward heavier, longer designs, boats such as the CSY 37, Hughes 40, Whitby 42, Hans Christian 38, Tayana 37 and so on.

Neither of these viewpoints is the only correct answer for your needs. Only you can define those and you can only do that with experience under sail on a variety of boats.

There are a variety of discussions on this forum on what makes a good offshore cruiser. They contain a lot of good information. You might search and take a look at them.

Respectfully,
Jeff

[sailingfool]

Cbarg,

I personally think the gold standard for general use, comfortable cuising are last generation Bristols. They offer quality construction, good performance, offshore capability and as they age, surpisingly affordable purchase prices. (Remember the purchase price on an older boat is more like a down payment.. you won't get more than you pay for.)

Here's an example: http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/b...ick&searchtype=

[sailingdog]

BTW, a 45' boat is an awfully large boat for two people who don't have that much sailing experience.

I would highly recommend that you go and look at 30-40' boats, like Jeff H's Farr 38, the C&C 38, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37, Catalina 34 and such boats. They're far simpler to handle and sail, and far less costly to own. They're capable of handling the east coast and bahamas, and if you are still looking to make a south pacific passage...get a blue water capable boat then, after you've had enough experience to judge what you want in a long-term boat.

[Jeff_H]

The problem with the Bristol 41 is a price tag that is twice CBarg's apparent budget based on the two boats that they are considering. If they had a higher budget than the Morgan OI or Seamaster, I would have suggested and option would be the Brewer 12.8 Cutter which sells for less money than the Bristol 41 but I thought had a slightly better build qualilty.

Jeff