Possible 27' Bluewater Boats

[jdham137]

I'm looking to upgrade to a bluewater sailboat but want to keep it in the sub 30' range, preferably 27 or 28 feet with an inboard diesel. I'd like a full keel and something that is possibly trailerable since I'm in the military and move often. When I say trailerable I mean demasted and craned on, not floated on. I like the style of the Cape Dory 27s. Even though I'll be doing some serious sailing, i don't need anything bigger than that. Is there anything else out there like that? Thanks for any advice.

[jdham137]

Also, my budget is just under $10,000 so I'll of course be looking at used and older.

[cb32863]

Various "bluewater" boats here. Some in your size range. There is also a book called "20 small sailboats to take you anywhere." Pretty cheap at Amazon.


Good luck.

[JVallely]

Maybe a Southern Cross 28?

[cb32863]

Your budget may be a bit tight as most folks say you need about an extra 20% for refitting and "stuff".

[tomperanteau]

Blue water boats in the $10,000 range will be hard to find in any length.

There are other choices out there that are not what you might consider traditional blue water boats, but they are nonetheless capable. It's good to read up on as many blue water travelers and the boats they sailed in as you can.

[MarkCK]

You might look at a Tartan 27. They are not traditional lblue water boats in the cape dory mold but have done many offshore passages. Also they are a dime a dozen relatively speaking.

[nolatom]

Albin 27

[JohnRPollard]

The price point is tough. But some other boats in the size range are the Westsail 28 and Pacific Seacraft Orion 27. In addition to the 27, Cape Dory has a 28' model.

If you don't mind going smaller, a Pacific Seacraft 25 could be more in your price range and might be worth a look. Here is another much more expensive example, but it gives an idea of how they can be spruced up. Note that price includes the tandem trailer.

[Barquito]

Bluewater is a relative thing. If you just want to skip down to the islands, but, not across the pond... maybe a Bristol 27 or Pearson 28 (basically the same boat). The B27's do tend to have either Atomic 4 gas motors or even outboards installed in a lazerett.
Also, James Baldwin has a great site and lists his ideas for a small cruiser.

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