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Help me find my next boat 24-29 foot

9K views 44 replies 19 participants last post by  boating_tom 
#1 · (Edited)
Hello all, new here, but long time lurker. The wife and I have a catalina 22 that we keep at the marina. (I have my brother or a friend trailer it twice a year as I hate trailering). We love the boat but We have a slip and like staying on the boat for relaxing weekends. We don't much care for the "camping" on it and want to move up to an enclosed head, standing headroom, fixed keel, and I would love an inboard. We sail out of winthrop harbor on Lake michigan. We are both pretty short as I'm 5'8" and she is 5'2" though I always have small cuts on my head from the low cabin on the catalina 22:rolleyes: We both enjoy relaxing cruising.

Today we looked an a very nice Westerly Tiger 25 and I thought it was perfect! But the wife thought the v berth cabin was dark and too Enclosed. She did not like the enclosed non brightness of it. the enclosed head did not have a mirror or sink. She said it did not wow her. I showed her a photo of a hunter 26.5 and she said that cabin looked bright and inviting.

I have been searching local listing nonstop for days with not much. I thought maybe a Catalina 25 with an inboard but they are far and few. Locally there are some Catalina 27's and 30's.

We thought of the idea of a larger boat and storing it at the Marina as we hate the whole trailering thing and relying on someone to trailer it (boat went in almost a month late this year waiting for my bro to trailer it. We have a 30' slip and I don't want go larger.


What are some good boats in that size range I should be looking for? Also we are trying to keep the cost well below $10k
 
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#2 · (Edited)
I don't think you can go wrong with either the Cat 27 or 30. Our first boat was a C-30. After looking at many brands, my wife and I decided a C-27 would be our best bet. We looked at quite a few and just happened on a C-30 one day and fell in love with it the minute we stepped inside the cabin. We had it for 4 years and sold it for $500 less than we paid for it. We are both taller than you guys and we had 2 teenage boys so we really liked the extra room of the 30'. After having a C-22, the 27 will feel huge to you guys. Actually even the C-25 would be a big step up for you but you are right, finding one with an inboard will be next to impossible. Very few were made.

We now have a C-34.
 
#32 ·
So this C30 that is on our pier that we both love looking at just put a for sale sign on it. We contacted the owners and looked at it and that was a mistake:) My wife LOVES it and that does not happen too often. We are crunching numbers now trying to figure out how to make it happen. It's a big jump up, but just perfect for Lake michigan cruising, but we figure we won't need another boat. I guess that fact that the owners take really good care of her and it was perfect looking made my wife love the idea. it's about double or first budget though at around $20K :eek: and we can't trailer it, but we both said "this is the boat" after we looked at her...
 
#3 · (Edited)
The C27 and C30 are both nice boats, and the 30 will REALLY get you past the "camping" feel. Also check out the Hunter 28.5 (but NOT the 28). The O'Day 272's are nice, but the wing keel can make them less of a performer than the others. The 272's V-berth was a little small for me (I'm 5'10+). The Pearson 27 and 30 are also nice.

Actually, there are a lot of good choices for you.
 
#5 ·
It sounds like you may be looking for something larger than a Catalina 25, but despite that I'll direct you to this boat that appears to be right across the lake from you:

Catalina 25, Fin Keel/Standard Rig

It looks nice in the pics, but I have no personal knowledge and not personal stake in this. He's asking $5100, but sounds like he's in a big hurry to sell and getting no calls on it at all:

Association Forum - C25 Fin Keel, Standard Rig $5100 obo

To me, that sounds like it would translate into a very soft price. So if you want to stay well under your budget, it might be an option.
 
#7 ·
It sounds like you may be looking for something larger than a Catalina 25, but despite that I'll direct you to this boat that appears to be right across the lake from you:

Catalina 25, Fin Keel/Standard Rig

It looks nice in the pics, but I have no personal knowledge and not personal stake in this. He's asking $5100, but sounds like he's in a big hurry to sell and getting no calls on it at all:

To me, that sounds like it would translate into a very soft price. So if you want to stay well under your budget, it might be an option.
nice affordable boat but the OP really wants an inboard diesel. He should be able to find a C-27 within his price range, maybe even a 30.
 
#6 ·
What are some good boats in that size range I should be looking for? Also we are trying to keep the cost well below $10k
Welcome to sailnut.

If you want to keep the cost down you should also look at Cape dory, Bristol & Tartan boats in that size range. Keep in mind that some of these are older boats that may need some overdue maintenance.
 
#8 ·
A Cal 27 (2-27 or 3-27, not the pop-top 27), Ericson 27, or an Islander 28 would all be good candidates. There are lots of boats around that size for less than $10k. Although, finding one in good shape with a diesel for less than $10k might not be easy.
 
#10 ·
We don't much care for the "camping" on it and want to move up to an enclosed head, standing headroom, fixed keel, and I would love an inboard... Locally there are some Catalina 27's and 30's. ...
What are some good boats in that size range I should be looking for? Also we are trying to keep the cost well below $10k
You will still be "camping" on a boat in that size range, although it will be more comfortable camping. A Catalina 27 would be an excellent choice, as would a Catalina 30, although you will be hard pressed to find a C30 under $10K.

Rather than deciding on a particular make and model, I suggest you find the best deal available that meets your criteria. There are plenty of choices in the Mid-Atlantic; I suspect the same situation exists in the Great Lakes area. It is still very much a buyer's market in this area.
 
#14 ·
Thanks everyone for such great replies!



Yes I think we are going to find the best deal available that meets are needs.
We looked at a nice 1991 O'day 290 with inboard diesel today that needed little other than a good cleaning, upgrading non working electronics, and a new genoa. Told we could get it for $10k

also looked at a nice 1987 Ericson 26 with inboard diesel for around $8k that needed some cleaning but otherwise sound.

We tossed the numbers for cradle storage and winter storage and reality hit that we need a smaller trailerable boat even if we only trailer twice a year. We have a nice large heated building that we keep our boat in now for winter for free. Having to pay $1000+ a year to store plus launching fees is not a possibility now (the wife want's a new house more than a large boat I guess)

So looking at catalina 25's and trying to find out more about Luguna 26's as there are a lot of them in my marina. Called on a Hunter 26.5 with trailer. I guess I will learn to tow a boat if I have to and not rely on others. The skipper (wife) cut our budget to 6K or less so a boat with an outboard it will be.

We did some relaxing sailing today after looking at some boats and said when we see the next boat we want we will know.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Pretty good looking Cat 30 here with a Yanmar which was fitted 94. CLICKY

Offer them 10 k and they will snap your arm off. Might get it for 9.
Uhh, that's my old boat but I doubt that the OP wants to go to VA to get a boat. I sold it about 15 years ago.
Hate to say it, but it is one rough looking boat, at least on the outside. It's going take a lot of elbow grease to make it look even halfway presentable. Those pictures were taken 2-3 years ago after the boat was cleaned up some. Looks 5 times worse now. I don't even like walking down the dock it is on because I hate to look at it. In the condition it is in, no one would offer anything close to the asking price. Maybe half.
 
#15 · (Edited)
Just to toss out a wacky outlier.... keep an eye peeled for a Hughes/Northstar in your size range. Many were Tanzer spinoffs or new S&S designs, including the Northstar 1000. There's a fair number of them still kicking around the Great Lakes, generally at bargain prices. Some had Atomic 4 (gasoline) inboards, but that's not necessarily a deal-killer. Can be easier to start than an old diesel on cool weather!

Many boats of this vintage were dark and stuffy inside. Adding hatches, Dorades, and opening ports can make a world of difference & is within the ability of most owners.

Edit: just saw your last post. Urps. Yeah, the cost of ownership quickly outstrips the value of the boat -- esp. in the Great Lakes! The PO of our Albin was dropping ~6000 a year to keep the boat in Chicago. Might look into the S2 lineup, then.
 
#18 ·
Pearson 28-2 has a very different interior layout (head aft, cabin pushed forward) that makes for a very bright vee berth. It also has a large aft berth that we prefer to sleep in, though it has less headroom.

Worth checking out if you come across one. They are uncommon over here on the west coast, but seem common on the east coast, I'm not sure about on the great lakes. I don't think you'll find one for under $10k, but you might get lucky.

Some European boats (various models of the Benetuau Firsts under 30') have a similar interior and so does the modern J/97 and Pacific Seacraft Dana.

I don't think a Catalina 25 has 5'8" standing room. I'm 5'10" and it seemed like it needed more than a couple of inches to fit me.

I've sailed the 25 a ton, my 28-2 a ton, and a 22 a little bit. The 25 sails better than the 22, and the 28-2 sails very nicely too.
 
#19 ·
FYI, I saw a couple of the Pearson 28-2 boats when shopping a few years ago. They're great boats! As I reread the OP's changing budget situation, I doubt a fixed keel C25 or a P28 would fit his trailering requirement.

By the way, we're flying out to Seattle tomorrow to visit my son for a long weekend. We're renting a C25 from Island Sailing Club in Kirkland on Sunday. It will be my first time ever sailing a C25 (as opposed to the C250 that I own). I think you used ot own a C25, right?
 
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#21 ·
Have fun. If I were in town I'd offer to take you out on my boat, but I'm currently cruising around BC.

I liked the C25 a lot. I think it's too small for extended cruising with a couple (we're doing about 7 or 8 weeks of cruising this summer) due to not enough storage space and not having standing room. That's why we sold it and got 3-foot-itis. The Pearson feels bigger than many 30' boats, so it's been a major upgrade in space.

It's great for weekend-length cruising, around the buoy racing, and day sailing. We had one with the tall rig and with good sails it's actually a pretty good light air boat. I've been next to it a few times with my Pearson where we could get the Catalina moving faster. However once we're up to a little more wind (or motoring) the Pearson is faster.

We sold the C25 to friends, so I'm lucky to get to sail it on a regular basis.
 
#22 ·
going to look at a few C25's, an o'day 25, and any other boats I can.

I looked at a hunter 26.5 and loved it! Slight ducking headroom and very bright cabin. loved the flat open deck too. They are too pricy in my neck of the woods though. One dealer has a catalina 30 with atomic 4 for $4900! Not sure I want to look at it. I would look at that one C25 in Michigan but it has no trailer. Lots around here with trailers for the same price range. I'm even open to transportable sailboats as I only have to move it twice a year. I still love the 25-27 range though.
 
#23 ·
going to look at a few C25's, an o'day 25, and any other boats I can.

I looked at a hunter 26.5 and loved it! Slight ducking headroom and very bright cabin. loved the flat open deck too. They are too pricy in my neck of the woods though. One dealer has a catalina 30 with atomic 4 for $4900! Not sure I want to look at it. I would look at that one C25 in Michigan but it has no trailer. Lots around here with trailers for the same price range. I'm even open to transportable sailboats as I only have to move it twice a year. I still love the 25-27 range though.
Go look at the 30'. Look at lots of boats, even ones you don't think is what you are looking for. As I said earlier, we had decided the C-27 was the boat for us. After looking at another 27 and the broker could tell we weren't impressed, he said "hey, I've got a C-30 you might want to look at". At the time, we didn't even know they made 30's. "Well, as long as we are here, sure, why not". We practically bought it on the spot.
 
#24 ·
Update:

Just put a 1987 Ericson 26 on purchase pending survey. Drastic price reduction as it had been on the hard for over a year and current season is half over. Looked in great shape and the size we wanted.

+'s inboard universal diesel, and well rigged, we both like the cabin and cockpit.

-'s no cradle or trailer (worse case it's just over $1000 to store this winter until we can find our own cradle/trailer)

We have 10 acres of land and live 20 minutes from our marina on lake michigan. It would be nice to store on our property for the winter.

anyone know any good surveyors on the IL/Wi boarder?

anyplace to find used cradles/trailers? I'm hoping that does not cost more than the boat
 
#25 ·
I advise you to really mull over your stated preference for an inboard diesel. What is it about that design that appeals to you?

I say this because there are sailboats with an outboard hanging off the stern, which I'd agree is not very desirable (aesthetically or performance-wise when motoring in rough conditions). But there are many 25-28 footers though with purpose-built outboard wells that are a very different story. Easy access, modest maintenance, decent performance and lower cost of ownership are all there. This design could be in a boat you otherwise find to be a very good fit for your other needs.

Our Hinterhoeller HR28 has such a design and since we use the engine maybe only 10% of our time in the boat, we find our outboard-well design to be entirely satisfactory, even preferable. When our 15 HP needed service, out it came and we dropped in a 5 HP a friend had... 30 minutes and we were back in business. (We were also shocked at how well 5 HP moved a 7,000 pound boat, though in calm conditions).

Anyway, I encourgae you to consider if a purpose-designed outboard well could meet your needs in a 25-30 footer.
 
#27 ·
I advise you to really mull over your stated preference for an inboard diesel.
Lower fuel costs, greater durability, higher torque, no cavitation, no blower required, a real alternator, no carburetor to varnish up, spark plugs to foul, coils to die, or ethanol eaten fuel lines to worry about, and if one keeps up on the minimal maintenance required, you never have to worry about how easy it is to swap out.

Lots of sailboats out there with reliable 30 year old diesels still chugging away- not many with reliable 30 year old 2 stroke outboards.
 
#26 ·
O'Day 272? if you take that recommendation you'll hunt him down and kill him...lol....I delivered one once...wanted to sink it after a brutal day on the Delaware Bay. Following sea? May as well be in a bathtub....

Anyway. I always point to Cal's. A Cal 29 is one fun boat to sail. Plenty of headroom, roomy, nice wood interior with head and vanity (on the 2-29's).

I have this Cape Cod Blue Chip 30 here (only 24 made), could deliver it to you. On the Chesapeake at the moment. They want $15g, would take 12...but great boat.
 
#28 ·
I was in your situation this last year, looking for a boat in the same length range. I recently bought a Pearson 28-2, recommended previously in this thread. It does fit your criteria quite nicely (it has been described as an ideal 'first big boat'). I agree with Alex, however, that you're unlikely to find one in your stated price range, unless it needs real work.

Here are some tips from my search, in case they are useful to you:

(1) Come up with a list of desired characteristics, based on how you plan to use the boat. Try to keep the list of deal breakers short and to things that cannot be modified. Some people come up with a short list of models at this stage and restrict their search to those.

(2) Ask for advice but recognize that (a) there are lots of different opinions on size/keel/draft/engines and (b) everyone loves their own boat. You'll get a lot of suggestions for the boat the poster owns, or has owned.

(3) Find a good previous owner! Honestly, once I found a great PO my search was over. Get a boat that was well-cared for and you won't spend the next few years scratching your head over their incompetence or bemoaning their neglect.

(4) Expand your budget if you can to get a boat in better condition. And be prepared for the other costs: (a) survey (b) slip (c) insurance (d) taxes. Depending on your sailing area, these might add up to half of your stated budget.

Good luck with your search!

E.
 
#30 ·
I was in your situation this last year, looking for a boat in the same length range. I recently bought a Pearson 28-2, recommended previously in this thread. It does fit your criteria quite nicely (it has been described as an ideal 'first big boat'). I agree with Alex, however, that you're unlikely to find one in your stated price range, unless it needs real work.

Here are some tips from my search, in case they are useful to you:

(1) Come up with a list of desired characteristics, based on how you plan to use the boat. Try to keep the list of deal breakers short and to things that cannot be modified. Some people come up with a short list of models at this stage and restrict their search to those.

(2) Ask for advice but recognize that (a) there are lots of different opinions on size/keel/draft/engines and (b) everyone loves their own boat. You'll get a lot of suggestions for the boat the poster owns, or has owned.

(3) Find a good previous owner! Honestly, once I found a great PO my search was over. Get a boat that was well-cared for and you won't spend the next few years scratching your head over their incompetence or bemoaning their neglect.

(4) Expand your budget if you can to get a boat in better condition. And be prepared for the other costs: (a) survey (b) slip (c) insurance (d) taxes. Depending on your sailing area, these might add up to half of your stated budget.

Good luck with your search!

E.
I'm really starting to think this is the way to go

so many people have neglected boats on the hard that have old photos on the listing when the boat was in bristol condition. I feel like the old days of online dating with women using HS or college photos when they were no longer in that condition.
 
#29 ·
Thanks all for the Great replies!!!

so far I have found quite a bit of boats in the 25-30 range with inboard diesels for $5 and less. One was reduced from $9k to $3k for quick sale. There are a lot of boats in this size range on the hard, neglected, and with willing sellers.

our criteria has changed though per the master and commander (wife)

1. Has to be Trailerable with a trailer as we have lots of land and it makes no sense to pay to store. Buying a trailer separately is way to hard or expensive.

2. Has to have a mast that can be stepped solo or with no more than two others. She does not want to spend money on crane fees

3. still have an enclosed head/porta potti

4. Engine: we are ok with either inboard or outboard. Most boats that fit the above criteria come with an outboard. Inboard diesel is still my top choice but I will consider outboards

5. Cost in the $10K range but we will spend around $5K range or we just keep what we have. We have looked at a lot of boats in this range up to 30ft. Some in quite nice shape and some full of water (though the owner said they were in great shape). I have noticed prices keep going down and down. Most lowball offers that I have given are taken which lets me know lots of sellers are looking to sell cheap in this range.

I found a nice PY26 for $4500 but it has a keel stepped mast and I don't think I could step that with a friend. Even has a trailer.


I looked at a few hunter 25.5's and really liked them though both were on the hard and neglected. The nicer of the two had a soggy deck sole and full of water.

I even looked at an O'day 23 that was day and night different from the catalina 22
It had a much larger feel to it and a small enclosed head. I liked the stub keel and centerboard too. It was a large feeling 23' foot boat. I wish I could find a 25 in my area though.

I just ordered quite a few books from amazon to help.
The trailer sailer
twenty affordable sailboats to take you anywhere
twnty small sailboat to take you anywhere
inspecting the aging sailboat
The Sailor's Book of Small Cruising Sailboats: Reviews and Comparisons of 360 Boats Under 26 Feet

This search for the next "one" may take some time I'm starting to think
 
#37 · (Edited)
well we got a boat today! A catalina 30 and I'm super excited yet overwhelmed at the same time. Survey came out good though I was white knuckled mooring her today in some wind (she is HUGE going from a C22). The previous owners are great people and really helped make this happen.

wanted to add we did go over budget but got a really nice boat that needs little.
It has older electronics though most work, it's very clean, passed survey, quite a bit of cruising extras (full canvas dodger/bimini). perkins diesel, and the wife loves it.
 
#39 ·
Nice boats. Nothing wrong with Cats. Want my docking advice? SLOOOOW. I creep in if I can. Coast to a stop. Finger piers? It's easy to pull alongside, stop and pull her in. I single handed a 30 Cal 3000 miles. There have been VERY few times I've relied on reverse to stop in a tight spot. SLOOOW! I don't know that I've ever backed into a finger pier...I always pull her back.
 
#41 ·
Congratulations! Happy sailing!


:worthless:
 
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