With $75,000....

[purcellr]

I recently sold my C30 due to a move but am ready to buy my next boat. I do not want to buy a brand new boat but plan on spending around 75K and satisfy that bigger boat itch.

My question is; with that money would you buy a bigger older boat or would you get a newer, smaller boat? For example, would you buy a 1985 C-42, a 1992 C-36, a 2003 320, or something else? Assume that the boat in question is in good condition for it's age and equipped more or less comparably. What would you base the decision on?

 

[BobM]

What I was going to do with the boat the majority of the time. If you provide some detail of that you will get more meaningful responses.

For day sailing and weekending for two and only occasionally four smaller and in the best condition (of which age isn't necessarily the best indicator) is the way to go. The 320 won't really be much bigger than your C30, as it essentially is a 30 footer with a walk thru transom. So perhaps a little bigger is in order.

A C34 is a little bigger, but you can still buy a newer boat. The boat below is 68K, but has in-mast furling, something you might not get if you go older and bigger. It also has a leatherette interior, something getting more popular now from what I can tell. It also has heat and AC. But the biggest change is that you jump a design generation for the C34 and C36 so you get the new design in the C34 vs. the old design for the C36. For the same money a C36 will be 7-10 years older (second listing).

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...units=Feet&access=Public&listing_id=2428&url=

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...nits=Feet&access=Public&listing_id=76547&url=

But I am sure you are quite familiar with these boats, as I stuck to the mid-Atlantic for the search I did. I broadened it up to other boats, but stuck to $50-75K and to boats 1995-2005. That netted me two 35 foot Beneteau's, both sold already.

 

[Mike8245]

I would go about it according to features or creature comforts you are after or would like, then see what size/year fit the order best. When I was shopping/studying a few years ago I had some "must haves" and studied hard to see which boats had them. I have owned boats for years and knew I would use it more and I could extend the season with some comforts. It has worked well, we can use it most of the year here in NC. My want list started like this

in mast/boom furling
heat and air
refrigeration
shower
plastic tanks, not aluminum
lead keel rather than steel
vinylester rather than polyester below water line for better blister protection
auto pilot
wind/depth/knot meters
folding wheel
stern rail seats would be nice
digital TV with antenna
large bimini
dodger

When reviewing a boat I put emphasis on whether features I wanted could be easily added by me or an expensive add on. So adding a heat pump versus adding an auto pilot, while I can handle most add ons, which ones would cost me more money/time to add had an effect on a boat making the cut or not. I ened up buying a 2003 Hunter 356 with most all on my list, the rest added by me not a yard so I knew the expense going in to get it like I wanted. I have been very happy with my decision and did not realize at the time how much I like the huge lazarette for storing things like my inflateable dinghy, cockpit cushions, etc.
Oh the fun or shopping for "the boat", relish the task and you will make a good decision.

Best of luck,
Mike

 

[seadaddler]

More Info

What was already mentioned how are you going to use it ,new I think is better older boats always seems like they are needing work if that's what you want to do.
I like newer because I am very handy guy with tools and have always worked on my trucks ,cars,house and everything else I ever borth but now I am retired and do have plenty of time doing so but choose to buy newer and enjoy sailing and boating and Kayaking and so many other things.
It's up to you but I would go for the 34 or 36 if you have family,I went from a 29 Hunter to my new Hunter 36 and never looked back it is so much more boat and all the newer stuff is great.
Nick

 

[shemandr]

I'd probably go newer. I've noticed with my 2002 Hunter vs. 1972 Ranger that I do a lot less replacing and upgrading. There's always maintenace but at least I'm not rehabbing. On the other hand there was something to be said for a boat I wasn't afraid to make a hole in.
As

 

[shemandr]

I'd probably go newer. I've noticed with my 2002 Hunter vs. 1972 Ranger that I do a lot less replacing and upgrading. There's always maintenace but at least I'm not rehabbing. On the other hand there was something to be said for a boat I wasn't afraid to make a hole in.
As for features: If you want the big boat feeling I highly recommend some form of a scoop transom. It is the best part of my boat. I can't imagine climbing over a rail after swimming. Its like having a back porch and easy access to your dingy. This would be more important to me than roller furling, radar, and a lot of things others consider must have's. But it gets back to how you will actually use the boat.

 

[purcellr]

Thanks for the posts so far. I think this is an interesting topic and appreciate the input from everyone.
For the record the boat will be mainly for coastal cruising/day sailing with some weekends and maybe a little longer with with me, my wiife and whatever motley crew I pull together. I admit the first post was intentionally a little general just to get opinions from different perspectives. I was initially looking at late 80's to mid 90's Catalinas, Beneteaus, and the like. While browsing I saw the same amount of money can get you most of the same stuff- autopilot, dodger, walk through transom, as you can on some newer boats with a few feet shorter. I am tending towards slightly smaller and newer but haven't a great reason why. I suspect others have had the same dillema and thought it would be interesting to see how others worked through the "problem". Ahh there really are worse things than daydream about next spring on the water...

 

[BobM]

If you are ready to buy your new boat...I have news for you...spring is here and if you want to be sailing this season it is time for some power shopping. You have probably broken out the summer clothes already in VA! The only way to really know if you truly ike a particular model is to go aboard one. So is it this spring or next spring?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Interestingly enough, boats produced since the early 90s have about all the creature comforts of newer boats, so if you're looking for a tried and true design, like a C34, C36 or C42, most of the "stuff" will already be on board. The two major issues will be age and condition, as always. As many of those of us who have shopped for "not quite new" boats can attest, there are some newer "pig" boats out there, and some fine vessels of an older age in much better condition.

Having owned a now-22 year old boat for the past 12+ years, all I've put in was an upgraded electrical system (new inverter/charger and alternator/regulator). For those who "know" electrical systems, you'd still have to do these two things with a brand new boat, because they just don't make factory boats with decent electrical systems.

All the rest was basic maintenance, necessary on any boat to keep it working properly.

The only "work" left on my boat is the mainsail cover, so if you want to sail a lot then get in mast (or some sort of) mainsail furling.

Happy Hunting.

PS Your "slightly smaller but newer" with the same $$ outlay comment has me stumped, because a new boat is gonna require a lot more $$ for equipment and gear than I think you suspect. Most previously owned boats have tons of material that you do not have to buy, like anchors, chain, electronics, etc. And before folks pipe up and say "Oh you need the greatest interfaced electronics, never buy an older boat with old electronics!!! Yikes, you'll die out there!!!" I disagree. I've heard of more than one skipper who has complained about not being able to see past their Navpod! For your style of sailing, you can choose to get all the bells integrated, but it surely isn't necessary.

PPS Why not pick a boat you like, and find one? For instance, the C34 and C36 are similar boats, but completely different: both are great and have their adherents, and have the same systems. The layouts are critically different, one with an aft head and one forward, one with a larger V berth, one with a larger saloon.

 

[jimg]

Among the boats you originally listed, the hardest to find might be the 1985 Catalina 42. They didn't start making them until 1988. That being said, I agree that it makes sense getting a boat that the PO has already added the bells and whistles to, and that is in need of as little cleaning and repairing as possible.

 

[zeehag]

there are many boats of older design and vintage than just catalina..lol all tried and true--friend just bought a cruise ready--no joke--cheoy lee--fully equipped except wind vane-and in GOOD shape..lol....for 40k--lol--so--use your judgement --see what is out there--is a buyers market--dont just shop brokers..lol--arent any deals thru brokers ..and have good fun....gooodluck...

 

[purcellr]

Hmm I guess the 1985 42 is out then ha ha ha. Stu- I agree that the 1990 era boats in that price range are pretty well equipped. Especially like the walk through transoms on the 90 and newer Catalinas. But it is fun to go to Yachtworld and see the variety out there. I've looked at the older Bristols and Cheoy Lees and it is fun to think of owning one of those classics. That's another reason I think the question is a fun one. I was pretty close to buying a C-34 last summer but the Dept of Defense decided to utilize my services outside the US until this November, so next spring it will have to be. Maybe I can save a little extra and make it an 85K question. In the meantime thanks for the comments and Happy Easter.

 

[Steve Dion]

Good maintenance, condition and updates are important.

There are a lot of crappy boats out there regardless of what you pay for them. If you browse Yachtworld or other sites it will be very evident. Personally moving from a 30' to a 32' is not worth the move. I have sailed the C34 and think it is one of the better sailing boats that Catalina produced (only my opinion).

Are you hooked on Catalina? There are lots of other great boats out there for $75k!

 

[BarryL]

Hey,

I would suggest getting a smaller and newer boat over an older, bigger boat. Four people on board for a week should be able to get along on a 35 ish sized boat. The smaller boat will be cheaper to maintain, cheaper to moor, easier to dock, and easier to sail.

Having a 42' boat sounds great to me until I think about sanding and painting the bottom, performing maintenance on two heads and all that plumbing, and trying to dock a boat that big into a small space in a crosswind.

A boat like a Catalina 36, or similar will have the amenities you want, and a fairly new one will easily be in your budget.

Good luck,
Barry

 

[BobM]

Vision 36

Are you hooked on Catalina? There are lots of other great boats out there for $75k!

There are a couple of Vision 36's in that price range in his neck of the woods. I was looking at the Vision 32 for a while, but too pricey for me. Care to speak to whether or not he should consider the Vision 36? There is no rigging to worry about but the huge main sail must make life interesting.

 

[Steve Dion]

Bob: I cannot say enough good about my HV'36. You can run down wind with just a main in 30+ kts of wind. Points much better than most non-believers would lead you to believe. Seems to be stiffer than many of the other Hunters, but this may be because of the nature of the mast to bend/spill wind as the speed increases. Great motor, no rigging to be concerned about.

Lots of room. Slightly less storage than many boats of this size because of the aft berth.

Needless to say we really like the boat.

 

[higgs]

I agree with BarryL - bigger is more work. If the yard does your work, that won't matter. Other advantages of smaller are that when getting transient dockage, you have more options, if you single hand it is tough to get a 40 footer into and out of the slip.

 

[Ted]

With $75,000

I would probably spend my money on a good quality older boat. Many of the cheaply built production boats don't age particularly well and don't hold their value as well either. I personally do not like iron keels as they are nearly impossible to keep from rusting. If you sail in shallow bays, I would avoid keels with lead winglets. Just about every lead keel with winglets in my boat yard are bent beyond practical repair methods. Well maintained older boats will probably have all the kinks worked out and any design or construction issues will be evident by now. Poor boats get a bad reputation for good reasons. Hey, by next season you may need $85,000 for the same boat you can buy today for $75000. Or maybe not.

 

[Joe]

I'd find a 35-38 footer for 50k with all the stuff you'd need, then spend 10k dialing her in with a contingency kitty of 15k for the unexpected stuff you absolutely know is going to happen. For, instance.... a really nice dinghy. New suit of sails. Rigging replacement and upgrades. Additional slip fees and insurance. Additional maintenance costs.
Get a boat that will be easily handled by a couple....
The most ablsolutely important thing is to make sure the diesel is perfect.

 

[Chris Burti]

Take a real close look at the C-320 and while it might be a bit of a faux pas to steer you away from this great site, the C320 IA Association website has the most active and largest group of C320 owners (which are a bit under represented here) that I am aware of. The C320- interior compares well with much larger boats in a package that is easy to single hand, fast and stable for her size. Several owners have selected the C-320 over larger models simple of the great interior and exterior layout. You should be able to get a well equipped late model within your budget, and ther are more on the market now thanI have previously seen.