S
Sather
I am having a hard time deciding what boat to get and would love to get any and all input.Though I have spent a significant amount of time running commercial fishing boats in Alaska, I have sailed very little. My wife and I are 33 and in pretty good shape. My wife is not afraid to sail and insists on being as capable as I to do all of the tasks on the boat. We plan on sailing the Pacific Northwest (San Juans, Gulf Islands, etc.) on mostly weekend trips and a couple one to two week trips into Canada each summer. I hear there are often light winds in the NW in the summer. We have no real blue water desires yet.I don't see myself racing, but performance appeals to me. Not sure why or if that will change with experience - either wanting more or not caring.My guess is half our sailing will be with a total of 4 adults and one fast growing 6 year old, and the other half with just my wife and son. Occasionally I could see 6 adults for a weekend if I had a bigger boat, but that is not a high priority. Same as going by myself - not a high priority, but would like that freedom once more experienced.Here is what I am looking at right now:**New Beneteau 423** I had scratched this from the list due to size and price, however the dealer called me today and lowered his 'boat show special price' another $20K. He said since they have been sitting on the boat for over a year they really wants to move it. The price is now lower than what I am seeing for used 423s on Yachtworld.com Even ordering a new 393 would be more expensive than buying this boat. Very enticing.Concerns:It seems like more boat than I need. This is a 20,000 pound boat. The dealer keeps telling me how easy it would be to single-hand if necessary. Does this sound right? We are not big on the super shiny interior (no offense to B owners, just not our preference). It just seems as if it might scratch or show marks very easy. I guess it feels a little too fancy for us, but I am sure if the boat was mine I could make it more homey and get used to it.**New Jeanneau SO 37** I just really like the feel of the boat. The cockpit is huge, the interior is warm and has all the room and amenities we really need. It is now close in price to the 423 $170K with everything) and seems way to expensive. I also hear it can be under-powered under sail, but am told with a spinnaker in the Northwest I will be fine. Its non-liner construction is suppose to be superior to the liner methodology for weight, access, repairs, etc. The dealer is the strongest of those of I have worked with. I can just tell they take care of their customers. For some reason I just can't quite walk away from this one.**New Catalina 36MKII** I am really starting to like this boat. The interior seems very well laid out with lots of room and again has all we really need. The price ($135K to $140K with all options, electronics, etc.) is amazing. The owners on all of the owners lists LOVE their boats and love their service from Catalina. Owners consistently say the 36 sails very well. Many owners also seemed to have down-sized from a bigger boat and love the size of the 36 footer. Others are on their 2nd or 3rd. Even with 2100 36s built, there are not lots on the used market and those that are seem to have held their price very well. This seems like a solid, classic, straightforward boat that would serve us very well.**Used 98 Tartan 3500** In Seattle. They are asking $159,500. Engine only has 30 hours. The upside is this is a TARTAN! Everything I have heard and read says this is a great boat. Solid boat, good performance, very nice warm all wood interior, blue water capable, yet very practical for cruising. Practical Sailor seems to give this boat 2 thumbs way up, which is quite a compliment coming from them. The broker says the boat is in perfect condition, though I have not seen it yet (moving from Colorado...house is on the market). I loved the 3500 at the Annapolis boat show this year. It seems like big step up from the big 3 & Jeanneau. I am concerned that with only 30 hours on the engine it may have not had enough of a workout the past 5 years. I am also concerned that any warranty problems that would have come up in the first year with heavier use will show up once I own the boat. These could be big, even if a survey gives it a clean bill of health.Bavaria was nice and priced very well, but I hit my head on the ceiling when facing the stove so it is out. I am only 6 feet tall.What do you think? I would love your input, comments, etc.Thanks!Sather Flynnsather@us.ibm.com