Well... My husband and I are looking for a good starter boat. Something that we can use as a weekender/overnight boat around Florida. Something fun, raicer/cruiser, comfy and reliable. That we can leave in the water for sailing season and trail to other coasts/lakes when we want to. We have now 2 options. One is a Catalina 18' 2004 that has EVERYTHING, and I mean even with a working autopilot. Includes: lazy jacks, roller furling, motor, batery, anchor, lines, trailer, and many more equipment, all in excellent conditions, ready to sail and the owner is asking $8K. In the other hand we have a SJ21 1981 that is ready to sail with just the neccessary riggins, trailer, all in good conditions but that's it. We need to put in all the other neccessary things so we can stay the weekend. Including life jackets, radio, and battery for the running/anchor lights. The owner for the SJ21 is asking $3500. I made a list of all the things with appx prices and it will be up to $6,900 including the boat. But we would not have all the nice things the C18 has. The SJ21 has a bit more space but it needs more TLC...
What should we do in order not spend more money than we should and have something that it will be fun, safe, easy to handle, and reliable!? Any suggestions or a different prespective!?
What should we do in order not spend more money than we should and have something that it will be fun, safe, easy to handle, and reliable!? Any suggestions or a different prespective!?