[alaskajack]

I am new to Sailnet and am researching getting a 30+/- foot cruising vessel to see some of Alaska that few people see. I am retiring June 2015 and will have access to an annuity of $25,000+/- to spend a sailboat for my wife and I. I have never sailed although the company I worked for once chartered a 36Ft sloop on lake Michigan for me for 3 days. Also I grew up on Lake Erie and spent 8 Years in the US Navy. We plan 3-4 four to six week trips a year all in Alaska Waters. I have been looking on line at boats for over a year and plan to take a 0-bareboats Sailing class in Seward Ak next June. Right now I am looking at a 29Ft Cascade and a 30Ft Catalina both for sale in SE Ak. I would appreciate any advice from this community!! Oh I am also not very computer literate! Well there is a start!!

 

[alaskajack]

We have looked at Petersburg, Valdez, Seward, Whittier, Haines, and Sitka. Valdez is the cheapest and most convenient approx. $1200/Yr. for 30 and $300 for lift out with storage available reasonably for winter. One reason we are looking at 30Ft is cost of upkeep and operation as well as moorage. all the harbors we have looked at have 5-7Yr wait but transient is close to permanent and again Valdez is reasonable for moves if you are unavailable. I have also considered going down to the Seattle area and sailing one back but my lack of experience concerns me. We don't have much money and retirement will be comfortable but not a lot of excess cash. In your opinion will a bareboat class/certification be enough to sail up the inside passage?