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Escape craft...

2226 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by vega1860, Apr 12, 2009

2422Graham

Discussion Starter · Apr 12, 2009

I am a recent (December) and unemployed college graduate, and after spending 22 years of my life working my *#$ off for a career in finance, only to watch it all evaporate before my eyes, I've had enough with land life and want to sail around for a few years and "weather out the storm." I have 20,000 at my disposal, so 14-16 for the boat and the rest to make the necessary improvements. My plan is to sail the great lakes/intercostal while I cut my teeth, then maybe onto more ambitious endeavors. I have crewed/sailed J24s since I was a kid, but have never done any bluewater.

Since I will be singlehanding and have a somewhat limited budget, I was thinking in the 24-28 foot range, I know Cal 27, Cape Dory 28, Saber 28, etc. are great boats, but may be hard to come by in my price range and should look for something smaller?

Any thoughts/suggestions?

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TSOJOURNER

· #2 · Apr 12, 2009

One thought: - you don't have enough money to buy and equip a bluewater boat.

One suggestion: - buy an Alberg 30 and use the ICW to spend your winters in the Caribbean and your summers in Georgian Bay.

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mrwuffles

· #3 · Apr 12, 2009

Sailormann said:
One thought: - you don't have enough money to buy and equip a bluewater boat.

One suggestion: - buy an Alberg 30 and use the ICW to spend your winters in the Caribbean and your summers in Georgian Bay.

I agree it would be more practical to get a cheaper boat and stay coastal.

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sailingdog

· #4 · Apr 12, 2009

I'd first highly recommend you look at James Baldwin's Boat list. There are quite a few affordable bluewater capable boats on that list. I know of at least three that have sold within your budget range in the last year. One was a beautifully equipped Southern Cross 28, another was an Alberg 30 and the last was an Elizabethan. I'd also recommend you visit Sailfar.net's forums, which is a forum that specializes in small boat cruising.

You plan to work from daysailing, coastal cruising up to bluewater sailing is a good one. Good luck.

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tager

· #5 · Apr 12, 2009

Ignore the naysayers. There are plenty of seaworthy boats in your size range. Just don't expect gensets, radios, refrigeration, ac, or any of the latest electronics. You don't really need them anyway!

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TSOJOURNER

· #6 · Apr 12, 2009 (Edited)

These guys set out to sail from Sweden to New Zeeland in an Albin Vega. They changed their mind and the boat is now for sail (edit - yes it is indeed for sail but also for sale...) in the Caribbean - probably well equipped. The Vega generally get's good reviews and fits your price range with plenty to spare. I grew up in one of these and may be positively biased but anyhow... The boat can certainly take a lot of beating. The website is in Swedish but there is a cell number at the bottom of the page.
HALVAVARVET

Have fun, I kind of envy you. Sounds like the perfect thing to do in times like these.

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vega1860

· #7 · Apr 12, 2009 (Edited)

The Alberg 30 is a great boat but the Albin Vegas are much more plentiful and, of course, I think that a Vega is a good choice. One excellent specimen just sold here in the Pacific Northwest for $12K and there are two more listed HERE that are located on the East coast, one for $5000 and one for $8000. There is even a long neglected fixer-upper complete with trailer for only $1500.

I know that sounds cheap for a seagoing yacht but Vegas have proved time and again that they have what it takes to take you anywhere you want to go safely.

Another advantage of the Vega is the American Vega Association and VODA the international umbrella that ties all the Vega clubs of the world together. Great resources for Vega owners.

Looking at the photos (Bilder) of HALVAVARVET she does indeed look very well equipped.

Does this cheerleader outfit make me look fat?

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