Advice on choosing next boat

[Mikem]

I had a Freeport 41. Very roomy, terrific headroom, full keel, seakindly, big motor so it motors well, but...the ketch rig was too labor intensive and I threatened to install a bow thruster so I could tack. The late 80s early 90 Hunter legend series are roomy and good sailers. I think the 35s or 35.5s can be had for the high 40s low 50s. Have fun.

 

[Jackdaw]

Probably preaching to the choir here but, remember that unless the boat is absolutely turn-key, you are going to spend at least 25% more getting her into the condition you can live with. Having spent the better part of thirty years in the charter business, I have sailed many 41 Morgan Out Islands. Great value for the money. Built like a tank. Many can be had for $40-50K. The tall rig 416 model sails and points well compared to earlier models. The 4 foot 2 inch draft is a real bonus here on the west coast of FL. and for the Keys and Bahamas. Haven't sailed the Richmond area so don't know if that is a concern. Keep us posted on how your search is coming.

This is a great and key point. Purchase price is your ante, you HAVE to know your going to spend more to play. and to play each year.

Once of the best things we're done is to create boat budgets, and set the money aside each and every year. When we need to spend we spend. No questions, no angst. Its part of our lifestyle, so its part of our life.

 

[Roland5048]

When we need to spend we spend. No questions, no angst. Its part of our lifestyle, so its part of our life.

Well said. Thank-you.

 

[Mike H.]

Thanks for all of the info everybody.
I've been giving a lot of thought to different boats. In consideration of all that has been discussed, what boat would you recommend that:
1) Is not too slow, points well, easy to handle.
2) Is roomy below with two staterooms. (wife says I snore, but I've never heard it).
3) Has skeg hung rudder and encapsulated keel. Prefer cut away keel.
4) Sloop rig.
5) Asking price under $60k.
6) Heavier displacement and lower profile than the Hunter Vision 36 we had. (That boat beat us up in rough conditions.)
Am I being unrealistic?

 

[druid]

I don't know most of the boats you mentioned, but I had a Catalina 36 for many years. Although I loved that boat, I did find it lightly-built and tender compared to the Ontario 32 I have now. I don't think you'll find the Catalinas much different than the Hunter you sold.

druid