What size boat?

[Udacha]

Hello All,

I have been on a quest for several months to find the right size cruising sailboat. Hundreds of hours on forums and yachtworld.com searching. I have read a cruising book by Liza Copeland and spoke with her by phone and e-mails about my needs. She is quite helpful. I really like the B50, but wonder about my wife and I plus 4 & 8 year old daughters being able to handle a boat this size plus the extra $$$$. Our idea is to hang-out in the Caribbean for a year or 2 learning and then make the decision to keep going ( either towards Europe or South Pacific ) or back to the grind:cry:. I also have my eye on a mid 80’s Beneteau Oceanis 430 that is nicely equipped right down to the water maker and would like to know if anyone is cruising a 430 and if there is ample room for the 4 of us plus occasional guest for extended cruising.
My experience is decades of powerboats including racing and 5 years live aboard and sailing on a Catalina 30 in Southern Cal and Channel Islands

Thanks for any help

Mike

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

To state the obvious, what one person considers roomy another person may find claustrophobic. Four people on our boat for an extended period seems very crowded to my senses but that's me. Have you considered chartering a boat similar to your choice(s) to see how comfortable your family might feel?

 

[Bill1565]

To state the obvious, what one person considers roomy another person may find claustrophobic. Four people on our boat for an extended period seems very crowded to my senses but that's me. Have you considered chartering a boat similar to your choice(s) to see how comfortable your family might feel?

Listen to the man. We have friends who have lived aboard a Sabre 30 for 15plus years. We wonder if a 37 will be big enuff for 2 and a dog. CHARTER. TRY different boats till you get a better feel what the family will be happy with. Yes the kid get a vote. Your spouse gets 2.

 

[MSN-Travelers]

How big is big enough??

This is another vote for the "charter before you buy" camp. We did that find out what was roomy enough for us yet easy to handle in tight spots.

All boats get more expensive as they get bigger in size. How big is too big to handle for two adults and youngsters is an interesting question. I believe the answer lies in how/where you will keep the boat. Being on a mooring ball is pretty easy. Frequent stays in a marina or tight areas subject to winds, tides and currents can be mitigated with bow and/or stern thrusters.