new and looking for 30' sailboat

[mcstringer]

Hi ya'll,

Been sailing all my life, started with Snark as kid, had a O'Day DaySailer, Hobie 16, some windsurfing mixed in and previously owned a Pearson 30 back in Buzzards Bay, Fairhaven, MA.. Relocated 16 years ago to landlocked Atlanta and now ready to go back to the sea. Relocating within year or two to a canal home on the west coast of Florida. Now looking for a 30' or so sailboat and I'm really appreciating this forum and all of the excellent info members are sharing here.
Thank you.

Marc

[mcstringer]

Need to work my post count to the magic number so I can PM folks when needed. BTW - anyone with an Irwin 31 or 32.5 CC? Or Islander B30?
Looking at a few right now and trying to learn as much as possible on them.

[mcstringer]

Also considering going back to a Pearson 30 again as I really enjoyed sailing that boat.

[mcstringer]

Also considering buying now before the move to get me sailing on the lake here until we relocate.

[aquaman9]

Welcome MCSTRINGER. I am looking for a boat also and my wife keeps saying she wants one of those houses on the canal in Florida first. We visit North Port Fl once a year and boat out of a friends back yard. I see while looking at homes down there that you have alot less to choose from when you need deep enough water for a sailboat though.

[SecondWindNC]

Welcome, and good luck with your search. Can't go wrong with a well-kept Pearson 30, they're great boats. I may be biased as I used to have one, too.

What are your main requirements for the boat, intended usage, budget, etc?

[mcstringer]

Hi Aquaman, yes we'll need to find a sailboat home that has deep water canal and no bridges, one of the reasons I may need to focus on looking for a shoal draft, centerboard sailing vessel. Liking the Cape Coral and Ft. Myers area. Anyone know a good "canal" focused buyer realtor down there?
Thanks.

Marc

[mcstringer]

Originally Posted by SecondWindNC

Welcome, and good luck with your search. Can't go wrong with a well-kept Pearson 30, they're great boats. I may be biased as I used to have one, too.

What are your main requirements for the boat, intended usage, budget, etc?

Looking for something easily single handed, mostly day sailing with some weekend cruising for two. Looking for an older boat for two reasons; budget (looking for a "little" project but nothing major) and fact they have better hulls than the 80's when blistering seems to have been at it's worse. I realize any older boat can develop blisters, not a biggie to me but I do like the thicker hulls, and overbuilt rigging they tended to use back then. I'm starting my search a little early as we won't be relocating to Florida for at least a year.

Marc

[MikeinLA]

I have to think that with the economic conditions in Florida and all the foreclosures, you should be able to find a great deal. Good Luck,

Mike