Newbie need a boat

[bengreen123]

Hi there folks....

I have been around boats most of my life, including sailing all over the Mediterranean and other places, but always on rented boats. I am now thinking about buying a boat here in SoCal and just wanted some advice. The use would be shorter weekend trips and not planning on racing. Need some space as I have 3 kids. Want a newer ship probably 31-35 feet around there and my budget is around 100k.

Also, do I need to be licensed or anything like that?

Comments, advice appreciated.

 

[RECESS]

I could do a lot of boat shopping with $100K. You may want to list all the things you loved with your rentals and all the things you did not like at all. With that information people around here could suggest some boats you may want to look at.

 

[sailingdog]

Some states require you to have passed a Boating Safety Instruction course. IIRC, some states are beginning to license boaters...

If you plan on going to Mexico, you'll need an FCC-issued Ship's Station License for the boat and a Restricted Radio Operator's License for yourself at a minimum.

 

[seadaddler]

I vote

I vote Hunter 356 great family boat for short and longer trips,plenty of room for you and family.
Nick

 

[Ed Schenck]

That would be nice, to have a $100k to go sailboat shopping. Just for fun I went to YachtWorld with these criteria: California only, 33' to 35', and $80k to $90k. There are four Hunters, three Beneteaus, and a J/105. Traditionalists will pick the Bene, for space for three kids the Hunters have it, and to go fast the J-boat.

Changing to $100k added eleven more boats, mostly Hunters plus a Bavaria and a couple of Catalinas. Nice choices.

 

[bengreen123]

So what are some good websites for shopping? I am leaning towards a Hunter, just love the way they look.

 

[sailingdog]

I'd point out that you should probably reserve about 15-20% of your total budget for upgrading, refitting, and repairing any boat you buy.

 

[sinnettc]

I'd point out that you should probably reserve about 15-20% of your total budget for upgrading, refitting, and repairing any boat you buy.

Ain't that the painful truth! . . .

 

[Paul Mermelstein]

So what are some good websites for shopping? I am leaning towards a Hunter, just love the way they look.

As Ed said, go to Yachtworld.com. This is a multiple listing for boats, similar to a multiple listing for houses. Many boat brokerages list their offerings there.

You can search under any set of criteria and see what you could get for the money. Change the dollars, the length, the age, etc. and search. It's a great learning experience. Then, narrow down what you really want and need, and you may see boats in your area.