Hello, I am looking to spend around 7,000 for a used sailboat and don't know where to begin. What I am looking for is something around 25 feet. Does anyone have any suggestions as to good manufacturers, or certain models. I would like a cruiser that I could also race. Thank you.
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KJ
ebay?
I got a great deal on a very solid 1964 Columbia 26. Paid $2200 for a clean and ready to sail boat.. I had friends that are very knowledgable (current and ex olympians) check it out before I committed to buying it. The deals are out there, you just have to be patient. Check out groups such as the boat scouts that have boat donation programs
I got a great deal on a very solid 1964 Columbia 26. Paid $2200 for a clean and ready to sail boat.. I had friends that are very knowledgable (current and ex olympians) check it out before I committed to buying it. The deals are out there, you just have to be patient. Check out groups such as the boat scouts that have boat donation programs
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Hank LeSieur
Used Sailboats
Albert, I would go to www.practical-sailor.com and see what reviews they've done on boats in your size/price range. There's a fee for downloading each review. PS also publishes a book which includes all their reviews. Good luck!
Albert, I would go to www.practical-sailor.com and see what reviews they've done on boats in your size/price range. There's a fee for downloading each review. PS also publishes a book which includes all their reviews. Good luck!
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Dave Busby
Start with a Hubter 25.5
Very good boat. Well built, stable, easy to sauil in light air. Has a big boat feel. I have had mine for two years, also have had other boats. I love this one. Look around you could probly fine one in Fla. Good luck.
Very good boat. Well built, stable, easy to sauil in light air. Has a big boat feel. I have had mine for two years, also have had other boats. I love this one. Look around you could probly fine one in Fla. Good luck.
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Tom Monroe
Read the owner reviews ...
... on the Hunter, O'Day, Catalina, and Beneteau owners websites. They are fascinating reading, and when taken IN WHOLE, are a pretty good soucre of info. (You have to watch out for an occassional "unknowledgeable" review.) Also, take a look at the PHRF and Portsmouth ratings of boats you're interested in. They'll give you a good idea of relative performance. I just finished looking for a 25 that was right around your parameters: 25 ft, cruise/race, $7000.00. As a previous poster mentioned, the H25.5 is right in there. A friend picked one up for around that, and hope to enjoy sailing with him this summer. A month or so ago, there were a couple listed in Florida. I must say, though, that upping your budget just a couple thousand can make a big difference in the quality of boats you're looking at. I ended up falling too much in love with a C27 and upped my budget to acquire it. Hope to close this week. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
... on the Hunter, O'Day, Catalina, and Beneteau owners websites. They are fascinating reading, and when taken IN WHOLE, are a pretty good soucre of info. (You have to watch out for an occassional "unknowledgeable" review.) Also, take a look at the PHRF and Portsmouth ratings of boats you're interested in. They'll give you a good idea of relative performance. I just finished looking for a 25 that was right around your parameters: 25 ft, cruise/race, $7000.00. As a previous poster mentioned, the H25.5 is right in there. A friend picked one up for around that, and hope to enjoy sailing with him this summer. A month or so ago, there were a couple listed in Florida. I must say, though, that upping your budget just a couple thousand can make a big difference in the quality of boats you're looking at. I ended up falling too much in love with a C27 and upped my budget to acquire it. Hope to close this week. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
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Jim A
Couple of ideas
Hunter 23 - 26, I think you can get a mid 90 23 for that price.. Catalina 25... On a race boat SJ-24...
Hunter 23 - 26, I think you can get a mid 90 23 for that price.. Catalina 25... On a race boat SJ-24...
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tom
yachtworld.com
Is a good place to start. I searched for a 22-26'sailboat for less than $7000. They have 381 listed!!! There are several other listings on the internet. For that size and price I'd try to find a trailerable sailboat with a trailer. The ability to trailer to an area and then go sailing is a great asset in a boat. Sure you don't want to do that everytime you sail. But for a weeks vacation it's great.
Is a good place to start. I searched for a 22-26'sailboat for less than $7000. They have 381 listed!!! There are several other listings on the internet. For that size and price I'd try to find a trailerable sailboat with a trailer. The ability to trailer to an area and then go sailing is a great asset in a boat. Sure you don't want to do that everytime you sail. But for a weeks vacation it's great.
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Dan
sailboat trader
sailboat trader mag is in almost every corner store. should be able to find a nice boat around Jax or St Augustine.
sailboat trader mag is in almost every corner store. should be able to find a nice boat around Jax or St Augustine.
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David Guthridge
Popular Pearson 26
Four years ago I was looking for a boat that was less than $10,000, was large enough to take the family out sailing for a day, was small enough that I can easly single hand, and was solid and a forgiving sailboat for a person with average experience. I found the 22-25s were to small. The 28-30s were to big. that put me right in the 26-27 range. I boarded no less than 30 boats in a four month period. I really learned a lot about what I wanted and what to look for and watch out for. I went aboard a few Pearsons and they all seemed solid. They are a bit heavy but that's fine. I just happened to see one advertised in the Washington Post, called the owner, saw it and bought it. It was part of a divorce case and he took $4000 for it. It was the best boat for me I had seen. I couldn't write a check fast enough. I'v been very happy ever since and though I look at those 30s and 34s. This boat is free and clear, looks good, and me and my wife and family are very happy. I guess my best advice is to not fall in love with the first boat you see. It can happen and you will regret it. Look and learn all you can. In reality nobody really cares what boat you have. In this range it's not a status thing. It's just for your fun. But, you can polish her up and be very proud of her. David
Four years ago I was looking for a boat that was less than $10,000, was large enough to take the family out sailing for a day, was small enough that I can easly single hand, and was solid and a forgiving sailboat for a person with average experience. I found the 22-25s were to small. The 28-30s were to big. that put me right in the 26-27 range. I boarded no less than 30 boats in a four month period. I really learned a lot about what I wanted and what to look for and watch out for. I went aboard a few Pearsons and they all seemed solid. They are a bit heavy but that's fine. I just happened to see one advertised in the Washington Post, called the owner, saw it and bought it. It was part of a divorce case and he took $4000 for it. It was the best boat for me I had seen. I couldn't write a check fast enough. I'v been very happy ever since and though I look at those 30s and 34s. This boat is free and clear, looks good, and me and my wife and family are very happy. I guess my best advice is to not fall in love with the first boat you see. It can happen and you will regret it. Look and learn all you can. In reality nobody really cares what boat you have. In this range it's not a status thing. It's just for your fun. But, you can polish her up and be very proud of her. David
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tom
Most of the cost is owning a boat
If you are on a budget remember where the costs of boat ownership occur. It costs me over $400 to get my boat hauled ,pressure washed and set on blocks. With my last trailerable boat I pulled the boat out on it's trailer and pressure washed it at a carwash!!! Then I parked it in the driveway and painted it myself. Some /most marinas won't let you do your own boat work!!!! Fixing up a boat in your driveway is a lot easier than driving to a marina. Our new boat has a lot more room and is much more comfortable. But it isn't any more fun to sail!!!! Actually the boat that I've owned that was the most fun to sail was a Laser!! Remember too that the fixed costs of ownership continue even if you are not sailing. One year I was flying a lot and taking motorcycle trips. Our Macgregor 26 sat unused almost the whole year!!!! But it was in my Mother-in-law's barn and cost nothing!!!! The few times we used the boat we trailered it to the lake for a long weekend. The following year we rented a slip and used it a lot. With our present boat it requires a slip $165/mo or on the hard $180./month And I shudder to think of what it would cost to have it hauled somewhere for storage.
If you are on a budget remember where the costs of boat ownership occur. It costs me over $400 to get my boat hauled ,pressure washed and set on blocks. With my last trailerable boat I pulled the boat out on it's trailer and pressure washed it at a carwash!!! Then I parked it in the driveway and painted it myself. Some /most marinas won't let you do your own boat work!!!! Fixing up a boat in your driveway is a lot easier than driving to a marina. Our new boat has a lot more room and is much more comfortable. But it isn't any more fun to sail!!!! Actually the boat that I've owned that was the most fun to sail was a Laser!! Remember too that the fixed costs of ownership continue even if you are not sailing. One year I was flying a lot and taking motorcycle trips. Our Macgregor 26 sat unused almost the whole year!!!! But it was in my Mother-in-law's barn and cost nothing!!!! The few times we used the boat we trailered it to the lake for a long weekend. The following year we rented a slip and used it a lot. With our present boat it requires a slip $165/mo or on the hard $180./month And I shudder to think of what it would cost to have it hauled somewhere for storage.
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J Simmonds
Try a Catalina 25
I am not sure of the prices of a used Cat 25 in Florida, but trust me for 25 feet you will not find greater value or space. I loved mine and quite honestly would go back to one in a heartbeat. They are solid well built boats and they handle well. Great for a couple of adults and 2 kids. Check them out, you won't be disappointed.
I am not sure of the prices of a used Cat 25 in Florida, but trust me for 25 feet you will not find greater value or space. I loved mine and quite honestly would go back to one in a heartbeat. They are solid well built boats and they handle well. Great for a couple of adults and 2 kids. Check them out, you won't be disappointed.
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Steve G.
Hunter 26.5 is a great choice!
Having just gone through a similar search, I would share my thoughts. I just purchased a 1989 Hunter 26.5 for $7,500.00. It has roller furling jib, good UK sails, a Nissan 9.9 with alternator, as well as winged shoal keel. Boat also came with a 7' Achilles inflatable and 2.5 Nissan. The H26.5 has a bottom mounted (not transom mounted) rudder, and has no through hulls below the waterline. The cockpit is roomy and it will easily accomodate (4). This boat has 30 amp shore power with an invertor/charger. The best part of this particular boat is the roomy interior layout that will sleep (4). Not alot of stuff in the way. The only drawback is the porti-potti, but they are easy to maintain and I can remove it from the cabin when not sailing to keep the smell out. I was patient, spent several months looking, did my research on what type and make boat I was interested in and looked at a lot of 'dogs', but it paid off. There are some great deals out there! I would look at hull condition real carefully. Things that bolt on can be easily replaced or upgraded. Old electronics devices are not worth getting excited over. They seldom work well and are usually obsolete anyway. I would also look carefully at 'big ticket' items like sails and rigging. They can be expensive to replace. Replacement of a 6" selftailing winch can cost several hundred dollars, but mast or spar damage can take months and many dollars to repair. For a used boat in this size range, I would advise to stay with an outboard for power. Inboards can be very expensive and time consuming to repair, and for $750 you can usually find a good used outboard, or $1,500 to $2000 for a brand new one with a warranty. As I found out on my previous boat, you can eat up $1,500 real fast in inboard repairs at any yard and still not have a reliable motor. I agree with one of the other replies that a trailerable boat is convenient, but you are limited to a beam of 8' in most states. That can rule out alot of boats that are beamier (is that a word?) and that provide more onboard comfort. I would advise against a water ballasted boat if you plan on keeping it in the water at all. With all the problems you hear about hull blistering and delamination problems, why would you put water on both sides of the fiberglass? They also are less stable in heavy wind. Also, unless you have a place to keep the trailer when the boat is in the water, most marinas charge for storage of trailers during the summer. That can easily eat up any money you saved on haul out and cleaning charges. I have also found that a larger trailerable boat won't fit in many carwash bays, and some are not allowing bottom cleaning since they recylce the water for the next car! Hope I have been of some help! Good luck and have fun!
Having just gone through a similar search, I would share my thoughts. I just purchased a 1989 Hunter 26.5 for $7,500.00. It has roller furling jib, good UK sails, a Nissan 9.9 with alternator, as well as winged shoal keel. Boat also came with a 7' Achilles inflatable and 2.5 Nissan. The H26.5 has a bottom mounted (not transom mounted) rudder, and has no through hulls below the waterline. The cockpit is roomy and it will easily accomodate (4). This boat has 30 amp shore power with an invertor/charger. The best part of this particular boat is the roomy interior layout that will sleep (4). Not alot of stuff in the way. The only drawback is the porti-potti, but they are easy to maintain and I can remove it from the cabin when not sailing to keep the smell out. I was patient, spent several months looking, did my research on what type and make boat I was interested in and looked at a lot of 'dogs', but it paid off. There are some great deals out there! I would look at hull condition real carefully. Things that bolt on can be easily replaced or upgraded. Old electronics devices are not worth getting excited over. They seldom work well and are usually obsolete anyway. I would also look carefully at 'big ticket' items like sails and rigging. They can be expensive to replace. Replacement of a 6" selftailing winch can cost several hundred dollars, but mast or spar damage can take months and many dollars to repair. For a used boat in this size range, I would advise to stay with an outboard for power. Inboards can be very expensive and time consuming to repair, and for $750 you can usually find a good used outboard, or $1,500 to $2000 for a brand new one with a warranty. As I found out on my previous boat, you can eat up $1,500 real fast in inboard repairs at any yard and still not have a reliable motor. I agree with one of the other replies that a trailerable boat is convenient, but you are limited to a beam of 8' in most states. That can rule out alot of boats that are beamier (is that a word?) and that provide more onboard comfort. I would advise against a water ballasted boat if you plan on keeping it in the water at all. With all the problems you hear about hull blistering and delamination problems, why would you put water on both sides of the fiberglass? They also are less stable in heavy wind. Also, unless you have a place to keep the trailer when the boat is in the water, most marinas charge for storage of trailers during the summer. That can easily eat up any money you saved on haul out and cleaning charges. I have also found that a larger trailerable boat won't fit in many carwash bays, and some are not allowing bottom cleaning since they recylce the water for the next car! Hope I have been of some help! Good luck and have fun!
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Joe
Here's what I did!
I purchased a MacGregor 25 via Ebay and am well pleased. It's a 1985 model ( last of the iron MacGregor's ) and will do well for economy sailing. It was also a great experience to drive cross country to the Boston area to pick up and haul the boat home. Good Luck! Now, some may say that a Mac this old will not do the trick. I say pleasure in sailing in in the hands of the skipper not the hulk of the boat.
I purchased a MacGregor 25 via Ebay and am well pleased. It's a 1985 model ( last of the iron MacGregor's ) and will do well for economy sailing. It was also a great experience to drive cross country to the Boston area to pick up and haul the boat home. Good Luck! Now, some may say that a Mac this old will not do the trick. I say pleasure in sailing in in the hands of the skipper not the hulk of the boat.
Look at a lot of boats, you'll find the right one
One thing you might want to consider when thinking of a sailboat budget is that you'll likely want to spend some money after you get her to upgrade certain things. If you have a total of $7k to spend, I'd be looking at something in the $5-6k range, thus leaving yourself some money for the inevitable repairs, upgrades, et cetera that are surely to be needed on any older boat. Another thing, as mentioned previously, is storage. Seeing as how you live in Florida, are you able to get a slip and keep her in the water, or will you be keeping her in storage when not in use? If she'll be stored when not in use, are you gonna keep her at the marina or somewhere else? I had to go through all of these questions when I bought my boat, and it ended-up that the best compromise for me was a Mac 26D. The retracting daggerboard and water ballast make it quite reasonable to trailor, you can find a good one for about $6k (got mine for 5, in real good shape, good selection of sails including a spinaker, 3 anchors and a bunch of rode, new batteries, new porta-head, a bunch of life jackets, etc. (his wife wanted the money real bad!)), and it had a lot more room than a previous Cat 22 that a former girlfriend and I had been sailing. True, the Macs are certainly not a 'bluewater' boat, but for goofing around in the bay, lake sailing and other 'mellow' sailing chores, she does just fine. And, the money I had left-over allowed me to put a new stereo and a bunch of other 'goodies' on her without doing serious damage to the 'ol Visa card! Also, the Mac is no slouch when it comes to racing, she can easily hold her own against boats the same size and sometimes even a bit bigger. Anyhow, just a suggestion!
One thing you might want to consider when thinking of a sailboat budget is that you'll likely want to spend some money after you get her to upgrade certain things. If you have a total of $7k to spend, I'd be looking at something in the $5-6k range, thus leaving yourself some money for the inevitable repairs, upgrades, et cetera that are surely to be needed on any older boat. Another thing, as mentioned previously, is storage. Seeing as how you live in Florida, are you able to get a slip and keep her in the water, or will you be keeping her in storage when not in use? If she'll be stored when not in use, are you gonna keep her at the marina or somewhere else? I had to go through all of these questions when I bought my boat, and it ended-up that the best compromise for me was a Mac 26D. The retracting daggerboard and water ballast make it quite reasonable to trailor, you can find a good one for about $6k (got mine for 5, in real good shape, good selection of sails including a spinaker, 3 anchors and a bunch of rode, new batteries, new porta-head, a bunch of life jackets, etc. (his wife wanted the money real bad!)), and it had a lot more room than a previous Cat 22 that a former girlfriend and I had been sailing. True, the Macs are certainly not a 'bluewater' boat, but for goofing around in the bay, lake sailing and other 'mellow' sailing chores, she does just fine. And, the money I had left-over allowed me to put a new stereo and a bunch of other 'goodies' on her without doing serious damage to the 'ol Visa card! Also, the Mac is no slouch when it comes to racing, she can easily hold her own against boats the same size and sometimes even a bit bigger. Anyhow, just a suggestion!
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