Getting from BC to St. Kitts comfortably will call for a decent-sized boat, as does living aboard. Crew size will also have an impact: you don't want something too big to handle with the number of crew you plan to have aboard, or something too small to fit the number of people you want to have with you. It would seem that boats around 40' with adequate storage for long passages would be a good place to start. Passport 40's have a good reputation for this sort of use.https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/passport-40/ . A Beneteau 40.7 would not be a good choice.
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Boat selection
There are so many different boats and hull types out there I think I need some help choosing.
Primary use will coastal cruising in B.C. where the boat will spend most of its time. I would like to be able to take it to St Kitts and Nevis (family) and it has been pointed out that the different climates poses totally different challenges i.e. heat and humidity.
What I am hoping for with this thread is to get a list of boats I can check out online. I would feel odd asking about every boat that caught my eye so, What makes and models ought I be considering first?
This will not be a lets go sailing for a month sort of boat. This will be my home until I sell it.
Primary use will coastal cruising in B.C. where the boat will spend most of its time. I would like to be able to take it to St Kitts and Nevis (family) and it has been pointed out that the different climates poses totally different challenges i.e. heat and humidity.
What I am hoping for with this thread is to get a list of boats I can check out online. I would feel odd asking about every boat that caught my eye so, What makes and models ought I be considering first?
This will not be a lets go sailing for a month sort of boat. This will be my home until I sell it.
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I forgot I started a new thread. My budget is $50,000 and there will be guests but at the moment there is only me so a boat that can be single handed is a must.
Getting from BC to St. Kitts comfortably will call for a decent-sized boat, as does living aboard. Crew size will also have an impact: you don't want something too big to handle with the number of crew you plan to have aboard, or something too small to fit the number of people you want to have with you. It would seem that boats around 40' with adequate storage for long passages would be a good place to start. Passport 40's have a good reputation for this sort of use.https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/passport-40/ . A Beneteau 40.7 would not be a good choice.
BC to St Kitts is one heck of an adventure. Never mind the West Coast of the US or Central America and the Panama Canal, but you should probably keep in mind that Panama City to St Kitts will be over 1000 nautical miles to windward.
Personally, I couldn't give you a list of boats, but rather find a boat that will be a comfortable home on the water. So many nice boats do not lend themselves to being a comfortable home. As mentioned above, it should have ample storage for provisions for the number of people you intend to sail with, tools and spare parts. Number two on my list would be great ventilation if you do end up sailing to the tropics.
However, I would suggest picking a boat that will satisfy your needs in BC. When it comes time to head off to the Caribbean, sell that boat and find another on the East Coast or in the Caribbean. After some time on your first boat, you may find your boat isn't as comfortable as you thought, so your next boat can bed more to your liking. If not the sail south and enjoy the trip on that boat.
note; The costs (all US$) to transit the Panama Canal in a yacht less than 65 feet will typically be: $1600 as of Jan 1, 2023 (Refer below) $75 TVI (Transit Vessel Inspection) $165 Security Charge. I'm sure there are other costs that probably double that number.
Personally, I couldn't give you a list of boats, but rather find a boat that will be a comfortable home on the water. So many nice boats do not lend themselves to being a comfortable home. As mentioned above, it should have ample storage for provisions for the number of people you intend to sail with, tools and spare parts. Number two on my list would be great ventilation if you do end up sailing to the tropics.
However, I would suggest picking a boat that will satisfy your needs in BC. When it comes time to head off to the Caribbean, sell that boat and find another on the East Coast or in the Caribbean. After some time on your first boat, you may find your boat isn't as comfortable as you thought, so your next boat can bed more to your liking. If not the sail south and enjoy the trip on that boat.
note; The costs (all US$) to transit the Panama Canal in a yacht less than 65 feet will typically be: $1600 as of Jan 1, 2023 (Refer below) $75 TVI (Transit Vessel Inspection) $165 Security Charge. I'm sure there are other costs that probably double that number.
So you are looking for a live-aboard boat that is a good coastal cruiser and is also suitable for long-distance cruising, for $50,000? Canadian? You have your work cut out for you, my friend!
Do you intend to live on the boat as a primary residence while you work on shore, and then go sailing when you can? Or are you planning to work remotely while you explore on your boat?
Sent from my SM-G981W using Tapatalk
Do you intend to live on the boat as a primary residence while you work on shore, and then go sailing when you can? Or are you planning to work remotely while you explore on your boat?
Sent from my SM-G981W using Tapatalk
I think the list of boats is HUGE. Pretty much much mid 30s boat in avg condition can do it unless you plan to take the adventure beat the crap out of you sail method of sailing.
You can get out of the 1,000 NMs to windward by going Panama to Beaufort NC and then down. Yes, it adds a lot to the distance but makes it much easier.
Mark
Mark
While the thought of visiting St Kitts was a nice dream it would mean traveling there after the season here in B.C.
I'm thinking that might be a bad idea given that it would be hurricane season. So that is no longer a consideration for my choice of boat. I am lookin for a coastal cruiser (live aboard) for the BC coast that can be soloed. As for working I am retired now and this will be a liveaboard for a few years with my belongings in storage.
I received some very good pointers from a marine surveyor here in B.C. as well and have changed my approach a bit. $50000 is my working budget it is not the total amount I have. At the moment I am considering a 1995 Hunter 34. As a Diver the transom is looking pretty handy.
I'm thinking that might be a bad idea given that it would be hurricane season. So that is no longer a consideration for my choice of boat. I am lookin for a coastal cruiser (live aboard) for the BC coast that can be soloed. As for working I am retired now and this will be a liveaboard for a few years with my belongings in storage.
I received some very good pointers from a marine surveyor here in B.C. as well and have changed my approach a bit. $50000 is my working budget it is not the total amount I have. At the moment I am considering a 1995 Hunter 34. As a Diver the transom is looking pretty handy.
A swim platform is always fantasticAt the moment I am considering a 1995 Hunter 34. As a Diver the transom is looking pretty handy.
While I am not necessarily recommending these specific boats, hopefully these will give you an idea of some of the more conservative options that are out there which would be in your price range and should meet your needs. In no particular order and by no means complete, these are boats with successful cruising records that are reasonable compromises between traditional cruising boats and the most modern designs.
Pearson 36 cutter
Landfall 35
Hunter 36 Cutter
Niagara 35
Oyster 37 Heritage
Passport 37 (at the top of and maybe over your budget)
Bristol 34
Bristol 35
Cheoy Lee 35 (Perry or Richards)
Freeport 36
Nordic 34
Esprit 37
White Wing 35/36
Jeff
Pearson 36 cutter
Landfall 35
Hunter 36 Cutter
Niagara 35
Oyster 37 Heritage
Passport 37 (at the top of and maybe over your budget)
Bristol 34
Bristol 35
Cheoy Lee 35 (Perry or Richards)
Freeport 36
Nordic 34
Esprit 37
White Wing 35/36
Jeff
Definitely, the open transom is a huge plus. As a diver you shouldn't consider anything that does not have that feature!While the thought of visiting St Kitts was a nice dream it would mean traveling there after the season here in B.C.
I'm thinking that might be a bad idea given that it would be hurricane season. So that is no longer a consideration for my choice of boat. I am lookin for a coastal cruiser (live aboard) for the BC coast that can be soloed. As for working I am retired now and this will be a liveaboard for a few years with my belongings in storage.
I received some very good pointers from a marine surveyor here in B.C. as well and have changed my approach a bit. $50000 is my working budget it is not the total amount I have. At the moment I am considering a 1995 Hunter 34. As a Diver the transom is looking pretty handy.
Hunters definitely give you a lot of living space for their length, as do Catalinas, but they may not sail as well as a Beneteau or Jeanneau.
It really comes down to what is available on the market. I think it is still a sellers market around here!
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Swim platforms are a good idea. My boat does not have one. I could have added one... but the boarding ladder was all we needed.Definitely, the open transom is a huge plus. As a diver you shouldn't consider anything that does not have that feature!
Hunters definitely give you a lot of living space for their length, as do Catalinas, but they may not sail as well as a Beneteau or Jeanneau.
It really comes down to what is available on the market. I think it is still a sellers market around here!
Sent from my SM-G981W using Tapatalk
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
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