Part 2 - Looking For A Sailboat - Suggestions?

[RTMBoston]

I agree Bob S, that was so informative I printed it off to save. A big thank you to SeaRanch!

Rich

 

[jibes138]

You can never be happy with only one sailboat

Anyone that sails needs a minimum of two sailboats and preferably four or more.
1. You need a sailboat to cruise long distances, visit places, sleep on it, fix meals, basically a movable home on the water.
2. You need a sailing dinghy, something small and light so you have to shift your weight in reaction to every puff of air. This is what really teaches you about sailing. A sailing dinghy, sunfish, Laser, etc. any of these will serve the purpose but you need a small sailboat so when your big sailboat is anchored in a nice place you can then take out the dinghy and sail around.
3. You need to go really fast, this requires a catamaran, or some other type of planing sailboat, maybe a windsurfer, or nowadays everyone is using kiteboards. Going 20 knots or more powered by the wind is pretty exciting.
4. You need a 250 foot sailing yacht made by Perini Navi, very few sailors ever reach this goal but it is an absolute necessity so continue to strive for it.

Happy selection. Oh by the way the best boat to buy is the boat owned by whomever you ask.

 

[sand sailor]

i bought my santana sight unseen on ebay knowing the reputation of the builder is a plus and the reputation of the boat speaks for itself. she's 40yrs old now and in the shop ready to be soda blasted and re coated so she looks new again and i'd sail this one anywhere so do your homework .not all boats are equal

 

[Ducati]

Reliable Broker

Hi

Yup, I will call a reliable broker after I find the right boat/brand.

Thanks

Why don't you contact a reputable broker and work through him/her to find a boat that would fit your needs and budget? You are going to get as many different opinions as there are uers here.

 

[Ducati]

Love That Compac! Do they make a 40'?

I like that boat, however I/we need a bit more space.

Do they make it in a 40'?

Thanks

Ahoy Ducati,

My personal preference would be the Island Packet, a "Better Boat"! You seem to have figured out which are "Good Boats" and "Better Boats", values for these boats reflect the differences. Having said that, you may find a "Good Boat" in excellent conditon, and a "Better Boat" that's not in excellent condition, and the prices of these boats comparable! If you and your wife have an opportunity to look at some sailboats, we all like to know what you think about them, and why?

The reason I prefer Island Packet is because they were designed for crusing, there are plenty of them out there, and my feeling if you going to invest and travel on a sailing yacht, why not go with one of the "Better" boats. Your budget enables you to purchase a "Better Boat".

Years ago I went through the same process you and your wife are going through! I was in the market for a "Good" 28'-30' coastal crusing sailboat. At that time I looked at Beneteaus, Catalinas, Hunters, and Pearsons, because I really didn't know much about any other brands. Finally settled on a 86' Pearson 28. Thought it was by far the best of the sailboats I had been looking at. Looking back I didn't bother to look at Compacs, Island Packets, and others. It may have been because of my budget! However, I purchased a new Pearson, about $50,000, then spent between $15,000-$20,000 outfitting her. Had I been wiser at that time, or perhaps had some input from others, I should have purchased a "Better" older boat. Then, I'm certain I'd have purchased a lot more boat for the same money.

The experience I've gained in buying and selling boats prompted me to buy the 89' Compac 19/3 we have now. We live 115 miles from the coast of North Carolina and that's why we are trailer sailers. Compac makes one of the "Better" trailerable yachts! They also make a 35' Compac, which isn't the length you are interested in. However, there's one for sale in California, i.e.:



I'm not particularly fond of a dark hull, but it's a solid good looking boat. It's a 2006 model, with an asking price of $140,000. http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2006/Com-pac-35-1518699/San-Diego/CA/United-States

There are so many boats out there it's definitely a buyers market! Your have an opportunity to make a rediculous offer on a boat, and who knows the seller may just sell you the boat! That's my 2 cents worth! Good luck!

David

 

[Ducati]

Best Reply Yet!

I purchased my last sailboat (Beneteau 36s7) because I fell in love with the look. I also had a gut feeling that it would be an easy resell because it was rare, easy on the eyes and well maintained (by me). It sold in a week by word of mouth / no broker. Anyways you are correct in your comment of resale(ability) as something to be aware of.

Thanks

You are going to eventually want a bigger boat. That is a fact I think most of us can agree on.
Given that, buy a boat that can be resold, answers the mail for what you want and where you sail or you can upgrade to get a good ROI and answers the mail for what you want.
Think about how you are intending to use the boat and then think of the logical next level of "commitment".
For instance I started out as a weekend warrior and then the inevitable week long vacation came along and my boat was only slightly not up to the task. But it built the desire to start spending "long weekends" on the boat......
Now I love sailing to the point that I'm going to, someday, sail to the south Pacific.
You don't want the final boat, you want to discover the final boat. What works for me and others will not work for you. I hate air conditioning and don't have it on my boat, others will tell you you have to have it and can't live without it.

 

[TimCahill]

My Pick

I'm a big fan of the Beneteau 235. I will own one some day. It's a shame that Beneteau hasn't brought this boat back into production.

Right now I'm cruising Lake Michigan with a very comfortable Starwind 19.

 

[kenn]

Ducati, in your original question you didn't mention how she sails as a criterion. Some boats are pigs to sail...

This thread is already chock-full of wisdom, so all I will add is a suggestion for anyone with this question in the future - try to boil your list down to 3 or 4 boats that made your shortlist, and briefly list your top wants in a boat. Then let us loose

 

[amyette94]

Definitly go for a "better boat". I have not had all sorts of boats from blue jays to an o'day mariner and my grandparents had a 31 Island packet that was great. True quality that you dont find in too many places any more.