SailNet Community banner
  • SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Help! My first boat purchase!

4K views 18 replies 8 participants last post by  ujk 
#1 ·
Hello all!
Currently looking at an '84 Newport 28S and an '84 Cal 31 for sailing/ownership experience for 2-3 years before i upgrade to larger. Any recommendations? Liveaboard somewhere on the Hudson with FWC, Shore power hookup. Any recommendations/experiences as to why these would/would not make a good liveaboard in this area during winter here in the NJ/NY area? I appreciate all the feedback i can get before committing to survey either...To give you an idea of the condition from my own inspection: Newport has all the mechanics & features, AC/heat, CNG, super clean, everything works good. The Cal has couple of soft spots on the deck...
Thank you to all your contributions in advance!
 
#3 ·
the Newport is similar to my Newport 30...cabin is just a little smaller in size and height...I am perfectly happy with mine...we live aboard quite a bit in summer, but winters here are too cold...northern Idaho lakes are a lot worse than the Hudson region...I would compare NI to the finger Lakes (lived there for 21 years)...You shouldn't have much trouble if the cabin is fairly air tight...but enough ventilation for CNG heater (even if it is direct vented!)...Good Luck
 
#5 ·
As a Newport owner, I say go for the obvious, of course. Hard to beat a C&C designed boat!

In reality, however, you really need to inspect both as closely as you're capable, and you need to, get a professional involved and then purchase the one that's in the best condition at the "best" deal. If you really do have almost immediate plans to move up, the logical decision now is to get the best deal on the best boat possible because at some point you'll be a reseller as well.

Having said all that, if you wanna look cool and have the chicks dig you, get the Newport.....:)
 
#6 ·
Way to look cool, eh? LOL!
Thanks for your sound advice...However, am looking to look cool for the guys, not chicks ;-)
You'll be happy to know i bought the Newport. It'll be hauled, painted with another 2 coats and back in the water by Nov. 1.
-Waterlily
 
#10 ·
Hey Don't Panic,
Thanks! weather on the east coast (NYC) has been wonderful (70 this past weekend) sunny, warm and about 11 knots. Little cool for shorts but brave souls donned it. Not ME! Flip flops are common in the city for walking commuters. But personally, can't stand those things with sewer water and street rubbish...
Good luck to you too Liveaboard - Awesome! If ever in the east coast, drop by!!! Liveaboard across from NYC skyline! Awesome view of the Hudson from here...not far from the blue - hoping to sail down to Baltimore Inner Harbor...Making plans already for next season! Talk to you soon...Waterlily
 
#15 ·
Hi UJK,

I am new to the site as a member but have been reading for awhile. I've been searching for people on the NJ side of the Hudson to get insight on living aboard. Doesn't seem to ever be a ton of people in this area that are doing it. My wife and I would love the opportunity to find out more about how everything is going now that you have actually made the commitment.

Eli
 
#18 ·
I understand but what are you trying to find out? Info that is mainly about Newports or info about being a live aboard? There's not a lot of traffic in the Newport forum but there's a ton of traffic over in the live aboard forum and I'm guessing most of what you are looking for can be found there.
 
#19 ·
Hello All, sorry been travelin' while. Sailed down to Baltimore and here 'til i return to the Hudson shortly!
To Sloss321, whereabouts in the Hudson? There are several marinas there. Was at Lincoln Harbor for the winter and experienced terrible wakes and silted in though i was docked in a '40 ft because of the draft on the Newport. Currently docked in Newport Marina, rate was less than Lincoln and actually am in the right size slip, but the wakes are no better due to the commercial ferries. But the marina has a lively liveaboard crowd and friendlier staff with easy commute to the Path and larger selection of supermarkets, retails, restaurants...Liberty Landing is calmer but no real amenities to retail, etc...Hope this helps, let me know and so sorry for the non-response but out sailing and lovin' every bit of it...
---------------------------------------------------
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top