Top Twenty Boats

[sailorjim99]

Thanks for all the input fellas.
I have what I wanted to find out.

I am well on my way to come to the States soon and get a boat.
Solar will be on it, no dogs, nothing French..Dirty word in this part of the Pacific. (atomic tests, Greenpeace bombing. You understand?).
Ketch...Don't think so...Maybe a BIG NOISY petrol(gas) generator.

Have a good Easter...
Jim

[SimonV]

Jim couple of Questions. I will be doing the same sooner than later.

1. Boat budget ? me $50K Aus
2. East or West coast ?
3. Size ? me 35 +
4. where do you intend to stay when looking/preparing boat?
5. How are you panning to get it home. me sail west

[sailaway21]

I'd say you covered pretty much all the bases with that one, Jim! lol

[sailingdog]

Simon-

I'd look on the West coast, as the sail home will be much simpler.

The budget you have is going to be a bit tight for a bluewater capable 35'+ boat.

[SimonV]

At this stage I have a number in mind. 35, 39 pearson (1970s) 36,37 Hunter 1979-83, allied princess, 37 O'Day CC and Ericson. All are ocean capable with pre sail preperation. All at some time have and are travelling the globe.
I keep coming back to the Hunter, though oil canning in the bow comes up with those that crossed the atlatic and pacific. It is fixable with a bit of glass work and ribbing in the bow.

[SimonV]

West or east, does not mater as its all part of the adventure, while i'm there I might as well see the islands and Panama, no set time table.

[sailorjim99]

Simon V old mate.
Another Aussie..

I have just about decided on a short list and I will get whatever of these are available at the time.

TRITON, ALBERG 30, SOUTHERN CROSS, CAPE DORY 25 D.
Other possibilities are RAWSON and CASCADE.

These are inexpensive compared to Aussie boats and with some mods., would make good sailing boats.

Large enough for one person, good head room and with a diesel, should fit the bill. (Or should I say float my boat!).

I have found the east coast has better choice plus they don't sail all year there. They are not blessed like us and able to sail all year. They gotta haul out for six months a year.
The Panama should be cool to go thru PLUS you get a paper ID which looks good in a frame when the grandkids come over.
Also would give me bragging rights at the Yacht Club. (Q.C.Y.C.).

Allowing six to nine months for the trip should do it and that would be a great way for me to enjoy my 60th year on this planet.
After that, who cares.

So far I am on track to arrive there around the end October and leave from 'somewhere' about March or April.

That about wraps it up.
Except to say I owe a lot to sailnet. I just lurked and asked questions when I was a little lost.
The answers led to more searching and now I figure I know about 10% of what I need to know.

Godd luck with your 'quest' and dont give up.

JIm.
PS I hit question symbol accidently. Means zilch.

[sailorjim99]

Simon
I just noticed you mentioned a Hunter. And oil canning!
To me, that would say something. (not good).
I think it is better to get one that does not require much modification.

I would go thru some of the old posts here on sailnet and especially those by jeffH.

There are a few more good posters. Up to you to search them out.

Jim.

[SimonV]

Jim.

I spent some time on hunterowners.com they are full of enthusiasm for their boats, and quite vocal about the bagging they get due to build quality. dont forget any boat you buy for less than 50K Aus is going to need some work and if that means glassing in a foam stringer in the bow so be it, at the end of the day its 100K Aus when you get home. I have not made my mind up but nothing under 35'.

[sailingdog]

You're better off getting a boat that doesn't require structural reinforcement of the hull, as that will generally entail removing furniture and bulkheads to do properly. The boats that require more reasonable modifications, like the Alberg 30, southern cross 31, and such will be far less expensive to buy in the long run.