I'm sure this question has been asked here before, so please accept my appologies for being redundant. I am looking at boats (new and used) in the 40-45 ft range, aft cockpit. Every time I think I've decided on a brand I see something else I like about another. Give me your vote for Hunter, Beneteau, and Jeanneau. Thanks!
New Boat - Which Boat?
- Thread starter CptnHook
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This question begs the question...how do you plan to use the boat? Answering this question will help you decide on which boat, how big, and much to spend. There are great used boats on the market (see link) that run the gammit from coastal crusier to blue water sailor...but it comes back to how you are going to use it.
Planned Use
Sorry, I intend to gradually move to live-aboard status, so will be planning to include options such as watermaker, washer/dryer, A/C, generator. I plan mostly coastal, but some bluewater trips.
Sorry, I intend to gradually move to live-aboard status, so will be planning to include options such as watermaker, washer/dryer, A/C, generator. I plan mostly coastal, but some bluewater trips.
Planned Use
Take a look at the Catalina 42 and the Morgan 45. Both offer plenty of live-aboard room. the Morgan, which was bought by Catalina back in the late 80's, is a Center-Cockpit and offers a large owners cabin aft with a walk-around queen plus a tub, that's right, a tub in the owners head. Remember...make it comfortable for the ladies and you'll get in more sailing! Also, both have masts that can make it down the ICW
Take a look at the Catalina 42 and the Morgan 45. Both offer plenty of live-aboard room. the Morgan, which was bought by Catalina back in the late 80's, is a Center-Cockpit and offers a large owners cabin aft with a walk-around queen plus a tub, that's right, a tub in the owners head. Remember...make it comfortable for the ladies and you'll get in more sailing! Also, both have masts that can make it down the ICW
You should worry less about the brand and
more on the specific things you are looking for and like and get a boat that delivers it. You also don't say what your budget is (Which can make a world of difference) With that said - I really like the look and feel of Jenneaus 43 Deck Salon if I was a liveaboard I like the open airy Salon with all the windows around. Obviously not everyones cup-o-tea
more on the specific things you are looking for and like and get a boat that delivers it. You also don't say what your budget is (Which can make a world of difference) With that said - I really like the look and feel of Jenneaus 43 Deck Salon if I was a liveaboard I like the open airy Salon with all the windows around. Obviously not everyones cup-o-tea
Handling and Comfort
My budget is about $300,000. But if I can find a super deal on a boat a few years old for half that ammount, that is even better. The most important features of my next boat must be ease of handling (single handed, if need be), and comfort. Performance is important, but not primary.
My budget is about $300,000. But if I can find a super deal on a boat a few years old for half that ammount, that is even better. The most important features of my next boat must be ease of handling (single handed, if need be), and comfort. Performance is important, but not primary.
Handling and Comfort
Using your criteria.... 1. Easy for a couple or single handed 2. Live aboard room 3. Coastal (Carib) Cruising Then I would look at a used 38 Island Packet. On yachtworld.com they run from $268k or a '02 to $135k for an '87. They are easy to handle, solid, great performance boats with a full keel and great for coastal and blue water curising.
Using your criteria.... 1. Easy for a couple or single handed 2. Live aboard room 3. Coastal (Carib) Cruising Then I would look at a used 38 Island Packet. On yachtworld.com they run from $268k or a '02 to $135k for an '87. They are easy to handle, solid, great performance boats with a full keel and great for coastal and blue water curising.
if I had 300k
I would expand my thinking into some of the big cats. those $$$$ would buy alot of cat for speed and comfort.
I would expand my thinking into some of the big cats. those $$$$ would buy alot of cat for speed and comfort.
Former charter boats
If you have a large budget, Island Packet, Swan, or similar boat should clearly be your choice. If you want a large, roomy, well maintained boat, for a budget price, look at late model former charter Beneteaus. Because of the charter history, the prices are much lower, but if you are careful, you can find one that is as good or better than a non charter boat. I have a 45 foot Beneteau like this listed in the Beneteaus for sale.
If you have a large budget, Island Packet, Swan, or similar boat should clearly be your choice. If you want a large, roomy, well maintained boat, for a budget price, look at late model former charter Beneteaus. Because of the charter history, the prices are much lower, but if you are careful, you can find one that is as good or better than a non charter boat. I have a 45 foot Beneteau like this listed in the Beneteaus for sale.
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