I'll admit that I get excited for them ... it sounds like @Allowishish has a solid plan and is ready to implement it. He hasn't really suggested yet which coast he favors.
I'll make some points ... @jon hansen is right. Buying a freshwater boat based in the Great Lakes has a great appeal and may be the best of all for condition. I'd sell your boat as early as possible and if you can do that this summer, don't hesitate. We don't yet know how the economy is going to affect those buyers out there. If you sell your boat, you still have time to buy a boat and use it for vacation by the end of summer/early fall in Michigan. You'll have a great time and winter storage is probably pretty economical.
As for the boats ... Catalina 380 is a great choice and there are several to shop. I counted 9 for sale in the US and 1 is pending just on Yacht World & Boat Trader. They are a narrow age range from 1998 - 2001 and average listing price is $94,200. There is just one in California, one in Michigan and the rest on the east coast.
Comparatively speaking, there are 15 Catalina 350 (very similar boat) for sale and 4 boats have sale pending. The 15 for sale have average price at $110,900 but are newer boats at 2005 average. The 4 boats pending (not included in average) are at the higher price ranges. They are also mostly east coast boats with just 2 in CA and 1 on Great Lakes.
I'd take a close look at that Michigan 380 and very soon. It is priced well below average and 2 years newer than average. The description includes some great optional features. The boat is either priced for a quick sale or it is in very sub-par shape. If it is in average condition, I'd suggest that there isn't much give in the price but they definitely will want to sell before storage costs are due ... and storage in Michigan is coming sooner than it is on the east coast. I think the Catalina 380's are very reasonably priced for what they offer. Pricing right now appears pretty good for these boats and inflation is killing the value of our money. I guess a lot depends on your attitude about your money. If you are comfortable, you may as well buy now before inflation drives pricing higher. If you are not comfortable, then it's hard to part with money now that you may need later as the cost of living rises. Most of us are probably in that middle ground where we think we are alright, but we're nervous.
California boats are priced significantly higher and I'm not sure I would want to start my cruising adventures there. Sail a Michigan boat for a few weeks this summer, put her in storage this winter and evaluate her needs. Take another summer or 2 with vacations on the Great Lakes and then when you are ready to head for salt water, you have your choice ... south to the gulf or east to the Hudson and points all along the east coast. By then you have all of the east coast, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Florida Keys all at your pleasure!
I can dream about these plans ... hope that is encouraging for you!
I'll make some points ... @jon hansen is right. Buying a freshwater boat based in the Great Lakes has a great appeal and may be the best of all for condition. I'd sell your boat as early as possible and if you can do that this summer, don't hesitate. We don't yet know how the economy is going to affect those buyers out there. If you sell your boat, you still have time to buy a boat and use it for vacation by the end of summer/early fall in Michigan. You'll have a great time and winter storage is probably pretty economical.
As for the boats ... Catalina 380 is a great choice and there are several to shop. I counted 9 for sale in the US and 1 is pending just on Yacht World & Boat Trader. They are a narrow age range from 1998 - 2001 and average listing price is $94,200. There is just one in California, one in Michigan and the rest on the east coast.
Comparatively speaking, there are 15 Catalina 350 (very similar boat) for sale and 4 boats have sale pending. The 15 for sale have average price at $110,900 but are newer boats at 2005 average. The 4 boats pending (not included in average) are at the higher price ranges. They are also mostly east coast boats with just 2 in CA and 1 on Great Lakes.
I'd take a close look at that Michigan 380 and very soon. It is priced well below average and 2 years newer than average. The description includes some great optional features. The boat is either priced for a quick sale or it is in very sub-par shape. If it is in average condition, I'd suggest that there isn't much give in the price but they definitely will want to sell before storage costs are due ... and storage in Michigan is coming sooner than it is on the east coast. I think the Catalina 380's are very reasonably priced for what they offer. Pricing right now appears pretty good for these boats and inflation is killing the value of our money. I guess a lot depends on your attitude about your money. If you are comfortable, you may as well buy now before inflation drives pricing higher. If you are not comfortable, then it's hard to part with money now that you may need later as the cost of living rises. Most of us are probably in that middle ground where we think we are alright, but we're nervous.
California boats are priced significantly higher and I'm not sure I would want to start my cruising adventures there. Sail a Michigan boat for a few weeks this summer, put her in storage this winter and evaluate her needs. Take another summer or 2 with vacations on the Great Lakes and then when you are ready to head for salt water, you have your choice ... south to the gulf or east to the Hudson and points all along the east coast. By then you have all of the east coast, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Florida Keys all at your pleasure!
I can dream about these plans ... hope that is encouraging for you!
