Plan to “get out of Dodge” over spring break and was thinking about heading to Southern California to do some (used) boat shopping. If you have experience in the area – where would suggest I go? Where would you suggest I stay while there? Looking for a sailboat in the 38 to 42 foot range. Seriously considering a pilothouse boat (I’m in the NorthWest). But most important, I need head room (6’ 5”). A conventional boat (whatever that is) with a canvas enclosed cockpit is another consideration. Something that needed some (cosmedic) reconstruction is OK – but with my height restriction, probably looking at a later model boat. If you can direct me to a broker you would recommend in that area, let me know. Thanks
Boat Shopping in Southern Cal
- Thread starter MABell
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Where to stay
If you're looking to conserve money, you might consider staying at the Youth Hostel. There's a nice one down in San Pedro (or used to be). A little old and out of the way, but in a very nice spot. There's also a pretty nice, modern big one in Santa Monica. You can find them on the internet - American Youth Hostel. I don't know about the San Diego area, but I assume the AYH has places there too.
If you're looking to conserve money, you might consider staying at the Youth Hostel. There's a nice one down in San Pedro (or used to be). A little old and out of the way, but in a very nice spot. There's also a pretty nice, modern big one in Santa Monica. You can find them on the internet - American Youth Hostel. I don't know about the San Diego area, but I assume the AYH has places there too.
Start with Yacht World...
Do a search on boats the size you want with the location of California. Find the locations (LA, San Diego, Channel Islands...) then click on a boat, any boat. Look at the bottom of the boat page. There you'll find the brokerage listing the boat. Click on them and get their listings of all the sailboats they are hawking... er... representing. Where to stay? That's up to you. Where are you going? SoCal isn't that big. Basically LA to San Diego. Lots of marinas and brokerages. Good luck.
Do a search on boats the size you want with the location of California. Find the locations (LA, San Diego, Channel Islands...) then click on a boat, any boat. Look at the bottom of the boat page. There you'll find the brokerage listing the boat. Click on them and get their listings of all the sailboats they are hawking... er... representing. Where to stay? That's up to you. Where are you going? SoCal isn't that big. Basically LA to San Diego. Lots of marinas and brokerages. Good luck.
Consider San Diego
I looked hard in the San Francisco area, close to where I lived, but ended up spending a long weekend in San Diego. I found the supply of decent used boats to be better for reasons I still don't understand, and a broker who was a great help. If you try San Diego, consider contacting Frank Buch, owner/broker, at Cruising World Pacific, 2323 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego CA 92106. 619-224-3277. Frank is an ex Navy pilot, knows the area and sailboats. He did far more than required to help us (we were a long way from home) and was easy to work with. No, I don't get a thing for the recommendation, and haven't seen him in seven years. Check him out at the link. And I was so happy with the Shelter Island area that we kept the boat there for six months, flew back and forth (SW has cheap seats) on weekends, before bring the boat north. Lots of marine services and facilities there. We stayed with friends on their boat when we first looked, but found some reasonable (not cheap) motels in the Shelter Island area. The whole neighborhood caters to sailors, and they know we spend all our money on the boat. BTW, we bought a 1979 37 Hunter cutter, in unusually good condition, and have never had a reason to regret it, or Frank's counsel. Good luck with your search.
I looked hard in the San Francisco area, close to where I lived, but ended up spending a long weekend in San Diego. I found the supply of decent used boats to be better for reasons I still don't understand, and a broker who was a great help. If you try San Diego, consider contacting Frank Buch, owner/broker, at Cruising World Pacific, 2323 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego CA 92106. 619-224-3277. Frank is an ex Navy pilot, knows the area and sailboats. He did far more than required to help us (we were a long way from home) and was easy to work with. No, I don't get a thing for the recommendation, and haven't seen him in seven years. Check him out at the link. And I was so happy with the Shelter Island area that we kept the boat there for six months, flew back and forth (SW has cheap seats) on weekends, before bring the boat north. Lots of marine services and facilities there. We stayed with friends on their boat when we first looked, but found some reasonable (not cheap) motels in the Shelter Island area. The whole neighborhood caters to sailors, and they know we spend all our money on the boat. BTW, we bought a 1979 37 Hunter cutter, in unusually good condition, and have never had a reason to regret it, or Frank's counsel. Good luck with your search.
I'm hoping for...
150K for a boat, couple of hundred for a nights stay. Thanks so far for the help.
150K for a boat, couple of hundred for a nights stay. Thanks so far for the help.
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