The question of ages - what boat?

[vtsailguy]

OK, so after some looking, I have some local ideas... now to start checking them out...

sailboat 25 ft hunter - $5500 (manchester nh)
http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/1842308597.html

1984 25' Catalina Sailboat - $7000 (Orwell, VT) - includes trailer
http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/1878876192.html

30' Pearson Sailboat - $9800 (Malletts Bay, VT)
http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/1878036325.html

Pearson P26 Sail Boat - $5000 (North Hero Marina)
http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/1814101404.html

1983 27' Tanzer Sailboat
http://marinesource.com/broker-pics/sale-photos-1983-27-Tanzer-27-Colchester-VT-100444720.cfm

1977 Catalina 27 Sailboat - $4950 (Middlebury, VT 05753)
http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/1828263795.html

Ericson 27
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...30&url=&hosturl=brucehillys&&ywo=brucehillys&

 

[Brian D]

That Ericson 27 looked roomy enough. And you can always talk the selling price down. Any boat you decide on, GET IT SURVEYED. This way you will not be walking into a fixer-upper. Unless that is what you want to do.

Good luck

 

[Steve Dion]

Most of the Catalina line have large cockpits. They have long seats that can provide room for a large crew. A Catalina 27 with wheel steering is going to have about as large an area that you will find. As far as sleeping goes you can also have a couple people sleep in the cockpit in sleeping bags. My son liked to do this and it is not a bad spot on warm summer evenings.

There are lots of Catalinas on the market so you should have a good selection available. You can get them with an outboard and I think they are also available with an inboard too (some with diesels).

 

[vtsailguy]

Thanks for everyone's help. I am close to being the new owner of a Cal 29!

The last step is an engine check as its been on jacks all season and the engine is still winterized.

If all goes well, I'll try and post some photos

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Very Nice!

Good find ... nice reputation, nice build quality, if it has been maintained you will get some great use with her! Have fun exploring Lake Champlain!

 

[vtsailguy]

Launch Day!

Been out a couple of times, been great.

A bit of a moldy/musty smell, going to replace cushions etc, tried everything to cut the grease on the inside wood.....

 

[Liam]

The answer of the ages

Buy the boat that you like and works well for you.

 

[druid]

A Cal 29 is an EXCELLENT boat (my Crown 28 is basically a Cal 29 a foot shorter). They sail incredibly well - VERY fast for a cruising boat, very seaworthy (I believe there's been several Cal 29's around the world).

One issue they have is the Dreaded Beam. There is a beam across the hull under the mast (it basically does what a mast-step does: distribute the downward force of the mast outwards on the hull). It's made of ordinary steel, and it rusts. Pretty big job to get it replaced. Do a search on Cal29 beam and I'm sure you'll get lots of hits.

If it's been replaced, Great Deal! If not... well, several folks say it's not a big issue - the mast has stayed up so far. Anyway, it's a consideration - I would hope the surveyor knows about it.

druid

 

[vtsailguy]

Yes, I read lots about the beam...

When I checked it out there was not a spot of rust anywhere!

The diesel inboard has very low hours and is in great shape as well. I think the boat was a great find.

The only issues are a very moldy musty smell (cushions are probably 30 years old) and the wiring is a rats nest....

 

[Jalepeno]

A CAL 29 is a great sail boat. Have a look at the following web site for ideas, etc.

http://www.user.dccnet.com/rdarcy/index.html

 

[vtsailguy]

Excellent link... thanks!

 

[Joe]

Cal 29..... great, great choice. Congratulations I crewed on a Cal 29 for summer beer can races a few years back.. I almost bought the boat but went another direction.... (aka wallet). The boat is fast, solid and quite nice for cruising also.. Have Fun.