First boat - cruiser/racer

[Joe]

I'm looking to buy my first boat and have completed my first year of sailing and racing.I want to cruise first and then race, maybe in a year or 2.What boat(s) would any of you recommend listed in order of quality?My range is 27-30' in length.Less then 20K in price.I've come up with Tartans and then Catalinas in that order.Thanks for any input.

 

[Ken Fischer]

Catalina 30

Having owned our C30 for six years, I think you would be hard pressed to find a better boat. There is a fantastic support group on the sailnet list. Every job you can think of has just been done by someone on the list and they are glad to share the experience. Boats are available in just about every price range. It's huge for the length. You can cruise comfortably for weeks at a time.Performance is very good for a cruiser.Yachtworld currently lists 50 for sale in the US under $20k.