OK I am ready to try to take advantage of the economic downturn. Older boats seem to be going for almost nothing now. I am looking for a 30 foot boat to live on and sail on the weekends. Just around the Hudson River and possibly into the LI sound in the summer as a vacation. No off shore yet, and would likely get another boat if I decided to do that.
I used to spend my summers sailing on a 30 foot Catalina on weekends on Lake Erie. I also used to live on a 35 foot house boat year round on the Ohio River. So I think I know what I am getting into. I am now living in the Hudson Valley. I have found a winter slip and am still searching out a summer slip to be closer to work. I live by myself, but have my boys (10 & 13) on many weekends. I am looking to simplify my life and downsize. I know I want sail power as I never really enjoyed being out on power boats. I have found a Pearson I like, and am going to look at a Newport. I have also seen Ericsons and Catalinas in the same price range all boats are mid 1970’s to early 1980’s. (About $15,000) I know anything in my price range is going to need some work, but that is ok as I am very handy. Good with mechanical, electrical, and carpentry.
How do the four compare, my sailing skills are very rusty as I have not been on a sailboat in about 15 years! They seem to be similar construction, but I am not sure. I really like the lines of the Pearson and the Newport but I am really a form follows function guy, so aesthetics are not as important as practicality. I am looking for good light air performance and will have any boat surveyed for sure.
I used to spend my summers sailing on a 30 foot Catalina on weekends on Lake Erie. I also used to live on a 35 foot house boat year round on the Ohio River. So I think I know what I am getting into. I am now living in the Hudson Valley. I have found a winter slip and am still searching out a summer slip to be closer to work. I live by myself, but have my boys (10 & 13) on many weekends. I am looking to simplify my life and downsize. I know I want sail power as I never really enjoyed being out on power boats. I have found a Pearson I like, and am going to look at a Newport. I have also seen Ericsons and Catalinas in the same price range all boats are mid 1970’s to early 1980’s. (About $15,000) I know anything in my price range is going to need some work, but that is ok as I am very handy. Good with mechanical, electrical, and carpentry.
How do the four compare, my sailing skills are very rusty as I have not been on a sailboat in about 15 years! They seem to be similar construction, but I am not sure. I really like the lines of the Pearson and the Newport but I am really a form follows function guy, so aesthetics are not as important as practicality. I am looking for good light air performance and will have any boat surveyed for sure.