[CallmeChris88]

Looking at a few boat's needing a few more opinions. The older the better.

 

[Faster]

You want older boats? or older opinions??

For $10K or less - leave yourself some spending money...Catalina 25/27, Ranger 26/29, Cal 25/27/28, C&C25, for starters.

 

[mitiempo]

Chris
This is one of the oldest I could find easily, but she's a classic. I did find a 1910 catboat, but not as roomy.
Brian
1939 Sea Bird Yawl Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

 

[mccary]

WHY "The older the better" ?

Looking at a few boat's needing a few more opinions. The older the better.

I purchased my "new" boat (an '81 Catalina 27) 2½ years ago. I got what I think was a good deal, $6,000 with new sails & outboard (1½ years old for both). The only money I have put into the boat was new batteries (and several upgrades I have made, but not necessary). I would steer clear of wooden boats unless you have expertise in that area. I would stick to fiberglass, and I would plan on spending money to "fix it up" to meet your needs. I was lucky, but repairs can be costly. Also, you should consider a surveyor, to give you an accurate understanding of the boat's condition.

 

[kwaltersmi]

Need more info! Cruiser? Racer? Daysailor? Dinghy? Etc?

 

[CallmeChris88]

looking for a cruiser for sure strictly sail no huge power, and older because it has a history behind it,and heart.

 

[smackdaddy]

Between Faster's and mitiempo's recommendations - which fits what you want more closely?

 

[kwaltersmi]

Alright...here's a few recommendations without knowing what size you're looking for:

Aquarius Pilot Cutter 24
Catalina 25/27
Pearson 30
Islander 28
Ericson 27/28/29
Newport 28
S2 8.0 (26')

And a few others that might be a reach for under $10k:

Islander Bahama 30
Catalina 30
Sabre 28
Tartan 30
Cape Dory 28

 

[tager]

The smaller the better. I have done a few 3 day cruises on my 24, but I take my dinghy out every day. It's true, the amount of use a boat gets is inversely related to it's length.

 

[aferlazzo]

looking for a cruiser for sure strictly sail no huge power, and older because it has a history behind it,and heart.

Where will you be cruising? How many people on the boat, most of the time?

 

[PCP777]

The smaller the better. I have done a few 3 day cruises on my 24, but I take my dinghy out every day. It's true, the amount of use a boat gets is inversely related to it's length.

I take out my C-25 all the time, and my 12" Escape Captiva has sat in the garage all season. Easier to hank on a jib and throw off lines than tow the boat and launch it.

Now as far as the fun factor? You might have something there.

looking for a cruiser for sure strictly sail no huge power, and older because it has a history behind it,and heart.

I think you'd be more worried about seaworthiness, current shape and ease of maintenance than a history. It's is true that older boats can hold together well for a long time if they have been well maintained. Mine is a 79 and I found out this weekend that I'm the 6th owner. ( I ran into the FO and the FFO on the dock last weekend.)

Where will you be sailing? How many will be with you typically? What is your experience level?

Catalina's make a nice choice, the 27 has a lot more room down below than the 25. You can definitely find a nice C-25 for well under 10K.

 

[Mark1948]

Cat 27

I agree with Joe, picked up my 85 tall rig with 600 hours on the engine along with an achillies inflatable and 5hp motor for 10k plus 8 sails all in reasonable condition. No major expenditures. It was dirty but sound. Do your homework and remember elbow grease is cheap.

 

[Waltthesalt]

If you can go up to about 12-15K for a well maintained boat there's a number of 30 ft, 70's vintage boats worth looking at: Morgan 30, Pearson 30, Tartan 30 and the venerable Catalina 30. I have a Cal 29 and like it lots.

 

[CalebD]

This is getting stale but I would add a decently maintained Tartan 27' to the list. Bristol too for that matter.
You should be able to get a good deal on an old good looker.
T27Owners : Tartan 27 Owners Yahoo Group

 

[seabreeze_97]

Guess ya missed this one, huh? Needs a little cleaning, but DAMN!
Police Impound - 1977,32' BRISTOL YACHT No Reserve:eBay Motors (item 180420597238 end time Oct-23-09 09:48:30 PDT)

 

[Sandflea]

I am looking at a few boats right now in the 10-15k range, but I have my heart set on either of these 2:

Cape Dory 25D
Contessa 26

While not the the boats in these ads, they are in very similar condition, so I do plan on putting more money into whichever I choose...

1978 contessa contessa 26 sailboat for sale in Alabama

1984 CAPE DORY 25D sailboat for sale in Rhode Island

Good Luck with the search, Take Care!

Ben