Sailboat shopping

[Danno1]

Hi,
I am thinking about buying a sailboat for the Tampa Bay and island hopping the keys. I am leaning toward a Vision 32. Any Thoughts.

 

[jon hansen]

buy a fresh water only vessel here on the lakes then take it down

 

[Jackdaw]

buy a fresh water only vessel here on the lakes then take it down

Indeed our sweet water boats will (year for year) have less rigging wear, UV damage, and use/wear in general. But you have to figure spending $6-8k getting it down, which is 1/3 to 1/4 the asking price of a Vision 32. Personally, I'd find a good local one.

 

[Justin_NSA]

There's a lot less rigging to worry about with that lamp post mast.

 

[Rick D]

Great boat; had one for nine years. See the owner reviews on this site.

 

[Benny17441]

Good boat for your purpose. Buy local, check out the cost and availability of marina slips.

 

[Sailgunner]

Recommend a larger boat, something closer to 40'. There is a lot of ocean sailing between Tampa and the keys. A 32 will do but you will be happier with a 40. Not only is a 40 more comfortable you will be cruising closer to 7 knots vs 6.

 

[Hunter Ad Bot]

And now a word from the sponsor...

Hunter prop struts and shafts

Props, keys, shafts, struts, cutless bearings and shaft logs. We guarantee fit!
See the product

 

[Sailavie1]

Shallow waters along the Gulf coast and around the Keys would lean to a shallow draft or better yet retractable keel. The Seaward 32 ( or similar) is a good choice.

 

[Roland5048]

Don't know anything about the V32 except the telephone mast. Have done that trip many times on my h30. Many more times on 40+ boats. More comfort in a 40 footer to be sure. If $$$ is not an issue, go bigger. The deciding factor is draft. Four feet or so is good. Think Morgan 41 Out Islander. Five feet is OK. Six is limiting.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Should you have to pull the mast off, suggest let those who know what they are doing or taking the mast down do that for you. Sometimes they are stuck and trying to pry it loose, caution is recommended.

 

[Kings Gambit]

There is a lot of ocean sailing between Tampa and the keys.

Not necessarily. You can "hop" down the coast to Naples, then take off from there. Don't have to aim for Key West. Crossing Florida Bay is tricky b/c of its shallowness; seven feet in places. Might need a boat (large or small) with a shallow draft; many folks have done in it retractable keel/centerboard boats. Suggest you plan your route, then pick a boat. Right tool for the job, etc.

 

[Gunni]

If I were buying a boat for that area it would be a small multihull. That opens up the 10,000 islands and much of the everglades coast plus the back country of the keys.