Hi sailing friends. We are planning to purchase a sailboat in the next three years to live aboard full time (8 months of the year) and be able to safely and comfortably sail around New England waters. I have two children that need their own spaces, as well as my partner and I to have our own, so ideally 3 state rooms, 2 heads. Also, my partner is about 5'11, so headroom is key! We like alot of beam, and nice open cockpits to expand our living space in the warmer months. We figure in the 42' range somewhere. We are seeking advice on which boat sailors would recommend for New England sailing and full time living. Safety and comfort are paramount. Performance secondary - as we are not in it for the speed! Any and all suggestions welcome. We like the 42' Bavaria and 42' Catalina for layout, but not sure about safety and performance with these boats. Our budget will be between 100-130k so used will be likely. Thanks in advance for any thoughts. Happy Sailing!
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Check out Beneteaus too. They had a three
cabin arrangement a bit earlier than the other builders, so you may find one in your price range more easily. Yachtworld and Boat Trader are great resources just to browse brands and layouts and get baseline price information so you know a good deal when you see one.
cabin arrangement a bit earlier than the other builders, so you may find one in your price range more easily. Yachtworld and Boat Trader are great resources just to browse brands and layouts and get baseline price information so you know a good deal when you see one.
More to the subject of living aboard than room is
the galley capability. At the very least you need three burners and an oven. Probably mechanical refrigeration and a lot of food storage space. Also you will need space for all of the cooking pots and pans that come with the business of food prep. Hot and cold running water is nice but will use more than you can imagine. A well fed crew will be much happier and less prone to mutiny. I shall presume that the 8 months of living aboard rules out the winter season so cabin heat is more of an option. When I start on a search such as this I define my "needs" and then my "wants" and thengo in search for a match that also fits my budget. I have never considered a boat of the size you need so I won't offer an opinion there.
the galley capability. At the very least you need three burners and an oven. Probably mechanical refrigeration and a lot of food storage space. Also you will need space for all of the cooking pots and pans that come with the business of food prep. Hot and cold running water is nice but will use more than you can imagine. A well fed crew will be much happier and less prone to mutiny. I shall presume that the 8 months of living aboard rules out the winter season so cabin heat is more of an option. When I start on a search such as this I define my "needs" and then my "wants" and thengo in search for a match that also fits my budget. I have never considered a boat of the size you need so I won't offer an opinion there.
Preformance VS safety
There is a school of thought that says performance and safety are one in the same. When I am trying to tack off a lee shore then my performance to windward is identical to my safety requirements. A poorly performing boat will also leave you exposed to the weather (slower speed means more time between destinations) more which could result in a significant emotional event. Having a well preforming anchor is key to getting a good night's sleep. If there is a storm coming and you are going to anchor through it then a well performing anchor would be a safety requirement. I could go on and on but I hope you get the point.
There is a school of thought that says performance and safety are one in the same. When I am trying to tack off a lee shore then my performance to windward is identical to my safety requirements. A poorly performing boat will also leave you exposed to the weather (slower speed means more time between destinations) more which could result in a significant emotional event. Having a well preforming anchor is key to getting a good night's sleep. If there is a storm coming and you are going to anchor through it then a well performing anchor would be a safety requirement. I could go on and on but I hope you get the point.
storage
My last boat, a 41 footer, had two heads. We lived on it for eight years, and we were actively contemplating changing the forward head into a sail locker/clothes locker when we finally broke down and bought a 46 footer. For liveaboards, space is always at a premium, and most production boats in the 40-foot range are designed more with how they'll perform on the charter market than how they'll accomodate long-range cruisers and liveaboards. For example, charter boats tend not to carry extra sails, so you won't find a sail locker on many boats under 50 feet LOA. What this means for us on the 46 footer is that the smaller of the aft cabins--we call it "The Cave"--becomes a place to store the spinnaker, the kayak paddles, boom tents et cetera. So, when you're looking at boats, ask yourself where you're going to keep the extra sails, the dinghi, the foul weather gear, your bicycles, the coffee maker and toaster, charts, et cetera.
My last boat, a 41 footer, had two heads. We lived on it for eight years, and we were actively contemplating changing the forward head into a sail locker/clothes locker when we finally broke down and bought a 46 footer. For liveaboards, space is always at a premium, and most production boats in the 40-foot range are designed more with how they'll perform on the charter market than how they'll accomodate long-range cruisers and liveaboards. For example, charter boats tend not to carry extra sails, so you won't find a sail locker on many boats under 50 feet LOA. What this means for us on the 46 footer is that the smaller of the aft cabins--we call it "The Cave"--becomes a place to store the spinnaker, the kayak paddles, boom tents et cetera. So, when you're looking at boats, ask yourself where you're going to keep the extra sails, the dinghi, the foul weather gear, your bicycles, the coffee maker and toaster, charts, et cetera.
Morgan 41 Out Island
Although I lived aboard with my wife and young son for three years back in the early 80's aboard a Coronado 35, one vessel I still admire and is a great value is the Morgan 41 Out Island. Search for the 1988 or newer model and your right in the price range for an excellent vessel. The 41's are midship cockpits which allows for more deck space thus providing more places to hang out, stow gear and get around. The 41's are full keeled (draft 4'4"), well powered and most have onboard generators, huge engine rooms and a wide beam! They are a heavy boat, very stable and great for your cruising area. To be honest thats the perfect liveaboard in your price range and you get the huge owners cabin, two separate heads and a large v-berth area. Check them out. Bob 30 Catalina
Although I lived aboard with my wife and young son for three years back in the early 80's aboard a Coronado 35, one vessel I still admire and is a great value is the Morgan 41 Out Island. Search for the 1988 or newer model and your right in the price range for an excellent vessel. The 41's are midship cockpits which allows for more deck space thus providing more places to hang out, stow gear and get around. The 41's are full keeled (draft 4'4"), well powered and most have onboard generators, huge engine rooms and a wide beam! They are a heavy boat, very stable and great for your cruising area. To be honest thats the perfect liveaboard in your price range and you get the huge owners cabin, two separate heads and a large v-berth area. Check them out. Bob 30 Catalina
Catalina 42
I always liked the catalina 42 three cabin pullman. I have heard they sail good as well. P H R F rating of 110 or so.
I always liked the catalina 42 three cabin pullman. I have heard they sail good as well. P H R F rating of 110 or so.
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