I am hoping that my Pearson 323 is a good choice as it fits your criteria. Probably a search of classifieds such as yachtworld for what you can buy would be a first step. Smaller in better condition is probably wiser. I hope to put my P323 to the test this year. We have owned her almost six years and are very happy so far. Of course bigger newer would be nice but paid for is more important to us. http://pearson323.net
If you had 30-40 K to spend on a boat...
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I also am partial to upgrading to a larger S2...perhaps an 10.3 (more of a racer cruiser) or an 11.0. Price range sounds a bit steep for you though. A Catalina 34 or 36 might also suit, as they tend to be large for their LOA, as well as relatively inexpensive for their LOA.
Having sailed a Catalina for 17 years, I must say I wouldn't go for a Catalina or Hunter if you want low-cost, low-maintenance, longevity. How about a Cal? A Cal 29 could take you just about anywhere, fast, and come back for more. You could probably get one for about half your bankroll, and do any changes/upgrades you want with the rest.
You MIGHT even get into a Cal 34 for that price.
EDIT: I also see the "two-foot-itis" is rampant here. You REALLY need a 37-footer for 2 people? 30 years ago a 27ft was considered fine for a family of 4. I have a Crown 28 which is just fine for 2 people, not bad for 4. (Oh, and I've spent about $20K on it so far - including purchase price and all repairs/upgrades) I'd rather have a good 28-ft than a marginal 35-ft any day.
druid
You MIGHT even get into a Cal 34 for that price.
EDIT: I also see the "two-foot-itis" is rampant here. You REALLY need a 37-footer for 2 people? 30 years ago a 27ft was considered fine for a family of 4. I have a Crown 28 which is just fine for 2 people, not bad for 4. (Oh, and I've spent about $20K on it so far - including purchase price and all repairs/upgrades) I'd rather have a good 28-ft than a marginal 35-ft any day.
druid
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30-40k
A 1980-83 Sabre 34-1 with CB. Well built, still supported, reasonably fast, and relatively easy to maintain. You can buy a boat with more room but none that will sail as well in this price range. Several on YW that fit your price criteria. Boat is extremely well balanced and the the little things are done well.
A 1980-83 Sabre 34-1 with CB. Well built, still supported, reasonably fast, and relatively easy to maintain. You can buy a boat with more room but none that will sail as well in this price range. Several on YW that fit your price criteria. Boat is extremely well balanced and the the little things are done well.
Thanks, more great info. to ponder.
Actually had a daydream (after my 4th whiskey drink....) the other day in which I bought a cheap piece of land and bought a more expensive boat than I could afford otherwise by having it hauled to the land and living on it for 5 years while I bought it. Even had, in my brain, a deck built around it! Seemed like a great idea at the [intoxicated] time; the next day it seemed pretty damned dumb!
Probably be better to built a humble home and then sell it in 5 years...
Actually had a daydream (after my 4th whiskey drink....) the other day in which I bought a cheap piece of land and bought a more expensive boat than I could afford otherwise by having it hauled to the land and living on it for 5 years while I bought it. Even had, in my brain, a deck built around it! Seemed like a great idea at the [intoxicated] time; the next day it seemed pretty damned dumb!
Probably be better to built a humble home and then sell it in 5 years...
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