Theoretical question

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sailgirl

Here is the question, in your opinion, if you were going to name a "top of the list" boat that would come close to fitting the following parameters what would it be? It would be used to sail up and down east coast, the gulf, maybe a little island hopping in BVIs. (no ocean crossings) It has to be handled by a couple, potential to liveaboard. Would probably be kept in warm weather conditions most of the year. (trying to achieve a "snowbird" lifestyle! :) The budget is max $200,000 (would prefer spending less) Important characteristics: solid quality construction good seacomfort motion (stable) and safety aspects overall good performance in variety of conditions (wind and weather)(no racing) prefer one head good storage can be handled by mid-level experienced sailors I am aware that nothing is perfect but I am interested in your opinion of which boats come closest to hitting the mark. All bias opinions appreciated! :)
 
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Michael Barin

Seaward

I Like Seaward, because it has the most versatility.
 
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Steven Green

Look at the used boat listing of the week!

The Beneteaus are first class all the way.
 
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John

If I Had the Money

If I had 100-200K to spend I would look into a Pacific Seacraft.
 
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John J

The best boat

Island Packet's meet all the criteria you have listed. The only drawback could be the draft. They are built like a tank, and you could easily find one in the resale market for this price. Good Hunting.
 
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Les Blackwell

I agree with Ann

The list she provided I think will be a Hall of Famer boat in as much as it is a good size, is well designed and it sails well (They are essentially all the same boat). I've had bigger and smaller boats but I've never had a boat that was as good as this one. I've sailed Fast Passages, Valiants, IPs, Pearsons and Cals but my present H380 is special.
 
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Tom S

So many boats could fit that description

thats its hard to nail down even just a few. The requirements you listed and the "best" could many different boats in different categories. Actually your requirements are not that strenuous and therefor many boats could fit the bill. Its not like you are asking to sail to Antartica. What is best is mostly what you would like the best out of the hundreds of boats that would fit. I mean why didn't anybody list a Tartan or a Sabre or any of the larger Benehuntalina's, etc etc...this is ridiculous because it so wide open and everyone is going to say their personal boat or "wishing I had" boat
 
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tom

Pacific Seacraft 36

Could do all that you ask and then some. The Island Packets just don't seem like sailboats. So big and heavy that I don't think that you'll do much sailing. I remember reading some guy talking about the worst weather that he ever encountered was just a few miles from shore!!!! And he had sailed around the world. Seemed a unpredicted storm came up as he was sailing to the channel islands. Several boats were lost.
 
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Andy

Need more info in the resposes

I may be speaking for the initiator here but I was very interested in the answers too. Only I expected a little more info justifying your choice(s). Obviously, everyone has their own preferences. The key is...why? Let's see details justifying why you think particular boats/aspects are the best to meet these criteria (as a few of the responders have done to a limited degree). Thanks!
 
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VIEXILE

We're down to Peterson 44 and CSY 44.

And they're real different boats overall. Doing the same thing. Looking very closely at Peterson 44, CSY 44. Looked at Morgans (461's- damn engine looks like it'd be first to go if you took on water), Gulfstars, etc. Realistically, liveaboard means over 40'. Have sailed a number of Hunters and Beneteaus. Nope. Not in the trades beating to windward for 20 hours scratching to St. Maarten. We're not crossing any oceans, and have a Bristol 35 Yawl, but we're moving aboard and the 35 just don't cut it. Aft double is what you need. Island Packet? Hmmm. Pricey, piggy, built like a tank. Thing to do would be to charter one from Skip at Island Yachts. Naa. Peterson 44 goes to windward like a witch. Drawback is 6'4" draft. I ain't doing the ICW, but imagine I could avoid most problems if I had to. There are people cruising the Bahamas right now in P44's, so that dispels one myth. Possibly a CSY 44, but nothing else is stacking up to the budget and necessities. 18N64W
 
Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,203
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Looked at a Peterson 44

...and it's a good boat design. The issues are the same as any used boat plus the systems. You probably know where they were built, and there were some spotty quality issues that a good survey should identify. I think there were chainplate recalls of early ones but I may be confusing it with another boat. In that you will probally be going through and updating the systems anyway, it may not pose much of a drawback. Stay away from teak decks, tho, or at least figure a removal. Rick D.
 
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Art

The Big Question

Look for a used 36 Catalina. You can pick them up for under $100k and they meet your criteria. Use the extra money to upgrade and equip the boat way you want (safety, nav etc.). There are an easy boat for a couple to handle, easy to sail and yet sturdy and safe enough for a crossing to the islands.
 
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VIEXILE

Rick is right - educate thyself, grasshoppa

Rick is 100% on about the details. Either teak decks were done right or not. Typically, they weren't done right in Taiwan, where the Peterson 44's were built. Thousands of holes for water infiltration into the underlying glass deck. But not all P44's came with teak decks. Trick is, dig up all the info on the designs you settle on. All the dirt. Peterson 44's had tankage problems; all boats can have chainplate problems (but you can buy ready made replacements from Schaefer); electrical, rudder construction, etc. But the P44's WILL go like hell where a lot of boats that are in my price range and qualify for liveaboard and sailing needs just won't. Some dog downwind and others just don't point. My Bristol 35 is great upwind, but is dead boring downwind. You have to reach, basically, because of the (almost) full keel. Eh. Educate thyself. 18N64W
 
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Lonnie

Gemini 105M Catamaran

That will be my next boat. It can be beached, has a low mast height, is very stable and has lots of room. They can be sailed in blue water or taken on the great loop and explore rivers along the way. They are only 14 ft wide, so they can fit most slips. They have a high re-sale value.
 
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Chris

island packet

take a serious look at island packet. the 35 seems right on the mark
 
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sailgirl

Thanks to everyone

Thank you everyone for your responses. They are all greatly appreciated. It is interesting that the Petersen was brought up. We have a dock mates that have a Kelly Petersen and were just talking with them about their boat this weekend. It is really beautiful. The other one that I was wondering if anyone had input on is the Alajuela? It has come to my attention and seems like it might also be a possibility...so many beautiful boats, so much fun! :) With each day I learn a little more. Thanks again everyone.
 
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VIEXILE

STT

St. Thomas. Weather's fine. Summer's fantastic down here, but not much wind. You can see bottom on the south drop in 120' of water when the sun's high and the wind low. Caught a 35# dolphin yesterday and had a cookout down at Hull Bay. 18N64W (ish).
 
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