The other day my wife said that she wanted to buy me a boat for my birthday. Her idea was to take $50-75k out of savings and use it as a down payment on a new boat. I, however, am thinking about getting a solid used boat for $50-75k and not having any debt. Additionally, I feel that most all of the depreciation is out of the way.
The boat would be used simply for easy daysailing on Lake Michigan and nothing else. I crew on a racing boat and scratch that itch using someone else's money
My thought was that if the boat were to be older, it should be a solid, well-built brand. But I have to make sure it is something that is still enjoyable in light wind. If it was to be newer (or new), than a production boat would suit the job well (Beneteau 31, Dufour 325, etc).
Unfortunately, I am not yet well-versed in older boats. My yachtworld searching has lead me to believe that for a boat with a length in the low-to-mid 30s and a price of $50-75k is going to end up being from the 1980s. I tend to prefer the more modern designs, and they seem to start showing up in the 80s.
I would be happy to read some recommendations as well as some feedback on the following boats (sorry no links - I'm too new). How well will these suit me?
1987 Elite 364
1985 S2 11.0
1983 Ericson 35 MKIII
1986 Express 35
1985 Wauquiez 35 Pretorian
The boat would be used simply for easy daysailing on Lake Michigan and nothing else. I crew on a racing boat and scratch that itch using someone else's money
My thought was that if the boat were to be older, it should be a solid, well-built brand. But I have to make sure it is something that is still enjoyable in light wind. If it was to be newer (or new), than a production boat would suit the job well (Beneteau 31, Dufour 325, etc).
Unfortunately, I am not yet well-versed in older boats. My yachtworld searching has lead me to believe that for a boat with a length in the low-to-mid 30s and a price of $50-75k is going to end up being from the 1980s. I tend to prefer the more modern designs, and they seem to start showing up in the 80s.
I would be happy to read some recommendations as well as some feedback on the following boats (sorry no links - I'm too new). How well will these suit me?
1987 Elite 364
1985 S2 11.0
1983 Ericson 35 MKIII
1986 Express 35
1985 Wauquiez 35 Pretorian