Looking for Mr. Goodboat

[pinayreefer]

I almost dread asking this question as there are so many variables involved, but here goes anyway.
My wife and I are looking for a boat, we live in Panama City Florida, the Northern Gulf of Mexico, with an extensive bay system and some nearshore islands. I'll be retiring within the next 7 years but want to enjoy the water in this area before I retire.
I previously lived somewhat farther West along the Northern Gulf, started out in my much younger days learning to sail on a McGregor 22, with which I sailed the Keys,e ven as far as the Tortugas, and ran out frequently to the barrier islands offshore. Seems pretty dumb now, but it was fun at the time. Then I upgraded to a Searunner 31, with which I ranged somewhat farther, though never as far as the Keys.
Now I've been boatless for seven years and eagerly want to get back on the water. So for bay and coastal cruising mostly, with some farther forays into the Gulf to run across to as far as the Keys.
My budget is pretty tight, <$20K, and I've been looking at the following:
1)Erickson 30 -needs mucho work, cheap price, but might find another one suitable farther off but am not enamored of the fin keel on any older boat in this area due to grounding likelyhood.
2) Columbia 31 - I like this boat in some ways, but there again, some work will be required, though I like the general look and it has a centerboard and shoal draft keel.
3) Pearson 323 - don't like it's "look" as much but roomy inside and likely a good price.
4) Cape Dory 30 - this boat seems mint, but many on this site disparage them heavily. I love it's look, realize it's kinda small inside (smaller than the columbia?) and likely slower but more seaworthy than the forementioned.
So what would you do? Suggestions for alternatives?
On weekends we will likely sail it out and go diving, scalloping, fishing and beach roaming. If we can't do that, we will definitely hang out at the dock as the marina we're looking at has an active social scene.
Thanks in advance for any recommendations and suggestions for boats other than the ones we're looking at.

[carl762]

Going from how much I like the look, style and sailing ability of my friend's Columbia 34, I'd go for the Columbia 31. He lives aboard, very nicely to boot. Lots of head room for a guy like me 6'3". Shoal draft keel is what you want, so. My 0.02.

[YeahJohn]

1988 32' Irwin Sailboat

This boat may be worth a look?

[KeelHaulin]

Columbia or Pearson. If the two you are looking at are both in Panama City; I'd say the asking on the Pearson seems high considering the pictures. It looks like it could use quite a bit of brightwork; look carefully at the other systems to see if it needs more than just brightwork...

[pinayreefer]

Wow! Thanks Guys. I guess it's worth filling in my profile, since not only did you offer suggestions but looked at possibilities in my area.
If I might ask more questions and give more info for your learned opinions;
1) The Erickson has been scratched, not only because none of you had anything to say, but I've decided I'm not into the work required. Plus it's a fin keel, the Columbia looks nearly identical topside and is in better shape.
2)the Columbia was the first boat we really liked. I looks like the Erickson, but has maybe an inch less headroom (maybe I should aside and mention that I'm 6'3", but since so few boats are fitted to my height, it doesn't seem worth mentioning. the previous owner has only had it <1 yr., did a bunch of work on it, but not quite everything. Biggest hesitency is that there is something not quite right about the hull/deck joint. While the owner said it had no leaks and the bilge was dry, there were streaks under the joint bolts. Not sure what would need to be done. Your opinion is appreciated Carl, and it might end up being the one we get. not so sure about taking it anywhere offshore though. The price is attractive (while understanding that I'll not pay asking price on any of the boats you all have noted,
3) The Irwin 31. YeahJohn, thanks for reminding me of that one. I looked at the ad, thought about going to look at it (only an hour away) but it doesn't have a working engine and frankly, since I have no strong opinions about most boats, when I searched on Sailnet for opinions, there were many negative attitudes about Irwin's. Maybe I better just go look at it.
4) The Pearson 323 (and thanks for looking KeelHaulin) can likely be had for much less than the asking (according to dock gossip). It's been sitting there a long time (the covers on the wheel and grill are nearly deteriorated away) and has been on sale for a long time, with no takers (maybe someone knows what I don't since I haven't looked inside). I'll hit the broker to take a closer look.
5) Okay, no one mentioned the Cape Dory 30 either. Of course, it's the one I seem to fantasize the most about, maybe because it's in Miami and there are none around here to look at. (you know the deal; since there's a lack of info, I can make it anything I want in my head). Sailnet seems to diss Cape Dorys as much or more than Irwin's. Yes, it'd be slow (though it's a cutter, my favorite rig; my Searunner had one), yes it's smaller than say, the Pearson, but isn't it a sturdier built boat than say, the Irwin or Pearson? Cutting across the Gulf to go to the West coast would seem a safer journey in the Dory than any of the others.
Anyway, thanks so much for your input. Anything else, to rebut or reinforce what I've added would be great. I'm stressing a little bit over all this, since I know "Buyer's Remorse" will bite me right after I get the boat, but unless it trys to kill me, or I try and kill myself by pushing the boat too hard, I'll get over the remorse.
I really value your opinions on this, and look forward to more input!

[bljones]

I'd think a Morgan OI30-OI33 would be exactly what you need, and it seems like there are lots for sale in Florida.

Morgan Out-Island 33, 1976, Miami, Florida, sailboat for sale from Sailing Texas

[carl762]

Your opinion is appreciated Carl, and it might end up being the one we get. not so sure about taking it anywhere offshore though. The price is attractive (while understanding that I'll not pay asking price on any of the boats you all have noted

My buddy's Columbia 34 was about right on the budget you've set for yourself. This particular boat has been to Hawaii from San Francisco twice, then up to our neck of the woods. Personally, I would move in to his boat, given the opportunity, in a heartbeat. Galley even has granite countertops. I'm 6'3" and can get around very easily down below. Lots of room on deck too.

... unlike my 23 footer.

I'm saving my money for the eventual (we'll see) live-in boat. Right now, I'm testing the waters.

Heading to my boat in two hours.

[sidney777]

Have you and your wife been on a Catalina 30 ? For the type of use you are talking, think she might Love it. Of the boats you listed, I would go for the Cape Dory or 323 Pearson for seaworthy reasons. In a good way it sounds a little like you may want a condo on the water ? So liveability,volume and comfort seem to be #1. Which may be the biggest Beam and a place to put an icemaker ...

[MarkCK]

I have always really liked Cape Dory's but it is a heavy boat unless you plan on going offshore it might not be the best choice.

[pinayreefer]

Originally Posted by sidney777

Have you and your wife been on a Catalina 30 ? For the type of use you are talking, think she might Love it. Of the boats you listed, I would go for the Cape Dory or 323 Pearson for seaworthy reasons. In a good way it sounds a little like you may want a condo on the water ? So liveability,volume and comfort seem to be #1. Which may be the biggest Beam and a place to put an icemaker ...

Yes, I guess you could say that, but more like a camper than a condo. Getting away from everything so we can fish, read, walk the beaches alone, dive and just cruise along and sight-see, with the added caveat of the likely hood of "going the distance" across the Gulf and maybe beyond. When I first graduated college I built a 300 sq. ft. house and lived in it for five years, just so I could save money for a boat. My wife lived, until she met me, in an even smaller house. So size isn't quite so important, as long as it's comfortable.
I appreciate all the input. There's also a psychological component of just hearing what others have to say.
So, this weekend we're going to look at the Irwin and the Pearson and Columbia (again). The last two are in the same marina, right across from each other. I'll try to be realistic about what their pros and cons are and how much they will actually cost (after refits). And most imortantly, imagine what it wil feel like to ride out a storm in the cockpit, find a quite sheltered bay, anchor and go below and see if it can be welcoming.