Movin' on up
In the space of fifteen years I went from a 25' to a 30' to a 38'. Each move was for more creature comforts to keep the "Admiral" interested in sailing. If you are handy enough to do the maintenance and chores, then my recommendation is to go as large as you can afford. You'll still get "three foot-itis" after a couple of years. Of course, a "hard" survey is mandatory for two reasons. First, to warn you away from something that might be "too good to be true". Second, so that you can negotiate the price to include repairs, etc. at the expense of the owner, or a reduction if you have to have them done yourself. For safety, comfort, value, and parts availability it's hard to beat a vintage Catalina 30.
In the space of fifteen years I went from a 25' to a 30' to a 38'. Each move was for more creature comforts to keep the "Admiral" interested in sailing. If you are handy enough to do the maintenance and chores, then my recommendation is to go as large as you can afford. You'll still get "three foot-itis" after a couple of years. Of course, a "hard" survey is mandatory for two reasons. First, to warn you away from something that might be "too good to be true". Second, so that you can negotiate the price to include repairs, etc. at the expense of the owner, or a reduction if you have to have them done yourself. For safety, comfort, value, and parts availability it's hard to beat a vintage Catalina 30.
