I'm happy to announce that it is time for that process to start all over again.
My wife and I have decided to sell a small bit of property we own and buy a bigger sailboat. The big difference here is that 'we' are buying the boat, not just me. I think that is just the coolest thing ever. We have no idea how long it will take the property to sell, so this could be a long term thing.
Most of our trips will be day sailing out of Portsmouth, NH with frequent overnights on a rented mooring at Isles of Shoals (4-5mi offshore). Once or twice a season we'll be sailing further north to explore the coast of Maine; perhaps eventually as far as Canada. Maybe we'll sail south and spend a weekend on Cape Cod. I hope to someday sail further south and explore the Florida Keys or maybe the Caribbean. I don't plan on any offshore work, but I'd like to know that the boat could do it.
It's just the two of us, maybe an overnight guest or a couple; we think 29 to 32 feet is about the right size.
We'd like:
Above: monohull 29-32 feet; masthead rig; inboard diesel; protected rudder & screw; decent foredeck for anchor handling; wide side decks; roomy cockpit; wheel steering;
Below: traditional interior; full galley w/ oven; nav station; quarterberth; moderate tankage; head w/shower;
The cockpit is more important than the cabin. I'm more of a cruiser than a racer, but no one wants a barge. I prefer sailing ability over shallow draft. I'm willing to lose some roominess to get some sea kindliness.
My brother recently bought a Bristol 32 and it really opened my eyes to these fine boats. If I had the cash right now there are 2 Bristol 29.9 boats in my area and price range that I'd be looking at. In my view, these 29.9s are the boats to beat. I love the modified full/fin keel and the sit down, forward facing nav station (on a 30' boat!). The joinery down below is also very nice.
For the right boat in 'turn key' condition and set up for cruising, we could go close to $20k; We'd be happy to buy a less well equipped boat (no dodger, no roller furling, maybe it needs a new stove) for less and equip it ourselves, but I don't want an $7,500 fixer-upper. I know I'll be looking at 30 year old boats, but I want one that's been cared for.
So, if I can't get one of those Bristol 29.9s, what's the next best thing?
Is there something better?
Thanks in advance!
Ken
My wife and I have decided to sell a small bit of property we own and buy a bigger sailboat. The big difference here is that 'we' are buying the boat, not just me. I think that is just the coolest thing ever. We have no idea how long it will take the property to sell, so this could be a long term thing.
Most of our trips will be day sailing out of Portsmouth, NH with frequent overnights on a rented mooring at Isles of Shoals (4-5mi offshore). Once or twice a season we'll be sailing further north to explore the coast of Maine; perhaps eventually as far as Canada. Maybe we'll sail south and spend a weekend on Cape Cod. I hope to someday sail further south and explore the Florida Keys or maybe the Caribbean. I don't plan on any offshore work, but I'd like to know that the boat could do it.
It's just the two of us, maybe an overnight guest or a couple; we think 29 to 32 feet is about the right size.
We'd like:
Above: monohull 29-32 feet; masthead rig; inboard diesel; protected rudder & screw; decent foredeck for anchor handling; wide side decks; roomy cockpit; wheel steering;
Below: traditional interior; full galley w/ oven; nav station; quarterberth; moderate tankage; head w/shower;
The cockpit is more important than the cabin. I'm more of a cruiser than a racer, but no one wants a barge. I prefer sailing ability over shallow draft. I'm willing to lose some roominess to get some sea kindliness.
My brother recently bought a Bristol 32 and it really opened my eyes to these fine boats. If I had the cash right now there are 2 Bristol 29.9 boats in my area and price range that I'd be looking at. In my view, these 29.9s are the boats to beat. I love the modified full/fin keel and the sit down, forward facing nav station (on a 30' boat!). The joinery down below is also very nice.
For the right boat in 'turn key' condition and set up for cruising, we could go close to $20k; We'd be happy to buy a less well equipped boat (no dodger, no roller furling, maybe it needs a new stove) for less and equip it ourselves, but I don't want an $7,500 fixer-upper. I know I'll be looking at 30 year old boats, but I want one that's been cared for.
So, if I can't get one of those Bristol 29.9s, what's the next best thing?
Is there something better?
Thanks in advance!
Ken